Mission Statement

Poets & Writers believes in contemporary literature’s indispensable value to our national culture. Founded in 1970, the organization’s mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the U.S. literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public.

P&W accomplishes this by publishing Poets & Writers Magazine, producing Poets & Writers Online, providing publishing information, introducing emerging writers outside of New York to the New York City literary community, and paying fees to writers participating in public literary events. P&W's programs introduce writers to the larger literary community and connect them to audiences, making today’s writing visible and accessible in major cities and small towns across the country.