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The article discusses the process of self-publishing of interest to writers. It mentions the approach taken by writer Clayton Smith for the self-publication of his works which includes selection of the book to be published, having a test run by publishing a short story collection and online promotions, the importance placed by editor Kim Bookless for writers to have their book edited and the benefit of participating in writing groups as noted by publicist Lissy Peace.

The article focuses on Detroit, Michigan-based literary arts organization InsideOut which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015. It mentions a brief history of the organization including its founding by schoolteacher and poet Terry Blackhawk in the late 1980s, its aim of inviting poets to schools in the city to teach poetry and its other accomplishments including the afterschool performance poetry troupe Citywide Poets, an annual high school writers conference and writing centers.

The article focuses on The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was enacted as a law by U.S. President Barack Obama in February 2009 allotting $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). $19.8 million has already been distributed to various arts agencies. According to Victoria Hutter of NEA, the funding is intended to meet the immediate needs of the literary community which comprises 103 of the 2,429 groups that applied for grants. The author notes that the impact of the funding will depend on the size of the literary organization.

Suggests guidelines for organizations that sponsor literary contests. Need for contest sponsors to establish the operating costs of such contests prior to receiving any entry fees; Assurance of participants that their fees should provide for a journal or a book and not being used just for cash prizes; Importance of advertising the names of judges before the competition begins.

The article offers ideas and suggestions on how to grow a literary salon like the Women Writers in Bloom Poetry Salon in New York City. Topics covered include the importance of the support from the community and other poets from around the U.S., the financial aid provided by the Brooklyn Arts Council and the Poets & Writers' Readings & Workshops program, and the significance of the participation of members of writing communities like the Lambda Literary and CaveCanem.

The author relates how she started Poets and Writers Inc. (PWI) in March 1970. At the time, she was eight month pregnant and had decided to leave the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) when director John Hightower proposed that she start and operate another literary organization. The NYSCA awarded her a grant, helped her incorporate it as a nonprofit and provided the accounting services to track the operating expenses. In the 40 of its existence, PWI has supported writers in California and New York.

The article focuses on creating a community post-Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) program. According to the article, peers can be included in the planning and moderating of the discussion. It is indicated that a regular event helps in maintaining an established community strong, and bringing new artists in the group is also an advantage. Another step is through helping out literary organizations like the Poets House and PEN American Center in New York City.