Founded in 1970, Poets & Writers is the primary source of information, support, and guidance for poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers throughout the United States. Our work is rooted in the belief that literature is vital to sustaining a vibrant culture. Our mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public. Poets & Writers is committed to becoming an antiracist organization and is guided by our core values of service, inclusivity, integrity, and excellence.

In 1990, we launched the California Readings & Workshops program, and since then have supported tens of thousands of literary events—reaching audiences throughout the state, connecting writers with organizations that present literary events, and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to writers appearing in these events. The Readings & Workshops program encourages and validates writers, nurtures literary programming and partnerships, and fosters the exchange of information and ideas—helping to knit together the state’s multifaceted literary communities.