Roanoke Review, a literary journal with a long-standing commitment to serious fiction, opens its 2026 reading period for short stories. The journal seeks work that demonstrates formal control, emotional depth, and a distinct voice. There is no fee to submit, and the reading period closes on December 2, 2026. Writers may submit one story of up to 5,000 words, previously unpublished. The review accepts simultaneous submissions but asks that writers withdraw promptly if the work is placed elsewhere. The journal's editorial vision favors narratives that are carefully wrought and resonant, whether realist or experimental. While the guidelines do not prescribe a theme, the review has historically published fiction that attends to the complexities of character and circumstance. The preferred format is Word document, though the journal does not specify further formatting requirements. This is an opportunity for writers to place a single, polished story with a respected review. Given the absence of a fee and the acceptance of simultaneous submissions, the call is accessible to a broad range of writers. However, the single-story limit and the 5,000-word cap suggest a focus on quality over quantity. The review's decision to remain silent on prize or payment indicates that this is a standard literary submission, not a contest. Writers should approach it as they would any serious journal submission: with careful attention to craft and adherence to guidelines.