Cream City Review, the literary journal affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, positions this call within a tradition of independent, voice-driven publishing. The editors seek work that operates at the intersection of fact, experience, and image, privileging language and voice over mere anecdote or reportage. The scope is deliberately broad: from the lyric essay to the personal to more topical forms, including flash nonfiction. This is not a themed issue but an ongoing commitment to the essay as a literary form. Accepted manuscripts will appear in the print journal, joining a curated selection of fiction, poetry, and visual art. Contributors receive publication, a contributor copy, and the editorial attention of a staff that reads with care. The journal does not charge for submissions beyond the stated fee, and it maintains a clear policy against work generated by large language models or generative AI—a stance that underscores its investment in authentic, human-made writing. The curatorial vision is one of discernment rather than trend-chasing. The editors are drawn to pieces where the through line—whether pursued through fact, experience, or image—is held taut by a distinctive voice. They welcome simultaneous submissions but ask that writers withdraw work promptly if it is accepted elsewhere. The reading period closes on November 1, 2026, and submissions are limited to one piece of creative nonfiction at a time, with a maximum of 20 double-spaced pages; flash nonfiction may be sent as two pieces of up to 600 words each.