Soundings East is the literary journal housed at Salem State University, an institution with a long-standing commitment to the literary arts. The journal has historically provided a platform for both emerging and established voices, and its fiction section is curated with an eye toward narrative craft and emotional resonance. This open call reflects the journal's ongoing mission to publish work that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible, without regard to commercial trends. For this reading period, the editors seek previously unpublished short fiction. The absence of a submission fee and the allowance for simultaneous submissions (though only one piece per reading period) signal an inclusive approach, prioritizing the work itself over financial barriers. Writers whose work is selected will join a lineage of contributors that includes a diverse array of fiction writers, from debut authors to those with established careers. The curatorial vision for Soundings East is grounded in a respect for the short story form and its capacity to illuminate the human condition. The journal does not prescribe a theme, but past issues suggest a preference for writing that is attentive to language, character, and place. The 3,500-word limit encourages concision and focus, making it an ideal venue for stories that are tightly constructed and emotionally impactful.