Writers Read

Writers Read is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to create performance opportunities for writers through curated live and digital programming. Founded in 2014 by former television writer/producer Edward McCann, Writers Read celebrates the craft of writing and the power of the spoken word through professionally mounted, themed spoken word events that fully engage audiences from start to finish. 

Now recognized as a respected cultural institution, Writers Read has partnered with notable organizations including Carnegie Hall, the New York State Writers Institute, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. Our digital platforms extend our reach to audiences nationwide, featuring powerful five-minute, 650-word stories worthy of both performance and publication. Audiences are drawn to the range and depth of the stories shared on our stage—crafted and performed by journalists, playwrights, undergraduates, and grandparents, as well as authors of New York Times bestsellers and winners of both Pulitzer and Pushcart Prizes. Ranging in age from 20 to 90, our contributors span generations and backgrounds, helping audiences connect through shared humanity.

Some of the writers we feature are well-known, many are not. All are from a multitude of ethnic, racial, cultural, and financial backgrounds. Most are in mid-life, and a few—though cane-dependent or wheelchair-bound—are forces of nature and masters of the craft; writers whose stories captivate rooms full of eager, attentive listeners. All the writers who appear on our stages are united by a commitment to craft and the power of storytelling. Drawing on talent and direct experience, they present finely-crafted moving, hilarious, or thought-provoking personal tales that emphasize the universal threads of our human experience. Steered by a team of passionate media professionals, Writers Read shows are produced at the level of broadcast theater.

In 2017, Writers Read organized as a 501(c)3 literary arts organization with an informal advisory board—the same year we published our first printed anthologies. In 2019, we partnered with Carnegie Hall for the first time with an immigration-themed show on “The Making of America.” In January 2020, we produced our “Gratitude” event at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. In March, when the pandemic canceled live events, we pivoted to video to continue serving our mission, presenting full shows on YouTube. In 2021 we launched our podcast as part of Carnegie Hall’s first-ever all-digital festival, “Voices of Hope.” In 2022 we initiated our Hudson Valley writing workshops, offering new opportunities for writers to develop their craft and share their voices. And in January 2024, Writers Read formalized its governance structure with a dedicated board of directors, voting to approve its first budget. Committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization and its mission, founder Ed McCann then transitioned to the role of executive director.

Ongoing Activities and Programs

Writers Read Live Shows • At the heart of Writers Read is our commitment to storytelling that connects. Each live show is built around a broad theme—like “Dogs,” “Television,” or “Holidays”—and is professionally recorded and edited. Videos are uploaded to our YouTube channel, extending the reach and impact of each performance. Our primary venue partner is City Winery, located at Pier 57 in New York City. Calls for submissions are issued regularly via our newsletter and social media. Our Editorial Committee selects writers for six live shows annually. 

Writers Read Podcast • Drawing from our extensive archive, Writers Read produces high-quality podcast episodes available on all major platforms. These episodes bring our live storytelling to a global audience.

Writers Read YouTube Channel • Professionally recorded videos of our live shows are made freely available, increasing access and visibility for our writers.

Writers Read Anthologies • We recently published our 28th anthology, Well Said, Well Read, a hardcover volume featuring 62 standout stories from our first decade. Each piece includes a photo and biography of the writer, celebrating their voice and contribution.

Writers Read Writers Workshops • Launched in 2022, our writing workshops offer a generative, community-based experience for writers to explore craft, receive feedback, and develop their voice. These small group workshops are held in the Hudson Valley and include overnight accommodations, meals, fellowship, and professional guidance.

Impact / Program Assessment

Ed established Writers Read to create the kind of spoken word event he wanted to attend but could not find—a professionally produced, high-quality literary event showcasing true, personal stories told five minutes at a time. Since 2014 we’ve reviewed over 3,000 submissions, produced 55 live events for over 5,000 guests, published 28 anthologies, and curated over 675 audio and video essays from 456 unique writers—content that’s fueled 80 podcast episodes to date. Each year Writers Read produces six live shows, featuring 85 emerging and established voices.

Our themed events—such as "Summer Jobs," "My Library," and "Immigration Nation"—invite a broad range of perspectives and illuminate personal and cultural heritage. Shows such as “Straight Outta Ireland,” “That’s Italian!,” “Jew-ish,” and “Nuestras Voces (Our Voices)” further explore the rich tapestry of America with stories that foster empathy, preserve personal and cultural history, and build community. 

Currently, the success of Writers Read is expressed through two immediate and powerful indicators: sold-out performances and the direct, enthusiastic feedback we receive from both writers and audience members. A full house of appreciative guests serves as a clear measure of public demand, confirming the value and artistic relevance of the writers we feature and the quality of our programming. Beyond attendance, the anecdotal feedback we receive—such as personal testimonies from writers about the impact of being featured, and audience comments on the emotional and intellectual resonance of a reading—confirms the depth of our literary impact and our success in building community. Writers often describe the experience of performing with Writers Read as deeply affirming. The wine and cheese receptions following each performance create space for conversation and connection among writers and guests.

Though encouraged by this evidence of satisfaction with our efforts, as Writers Read strengthens its infrastructure and grows its board and committees, we aspire to move toward a more comprehensive, multi-pronged evaluation approach (ie; post-show audience surveys, tracking digital engagement and audience demographic, etc.) combining quantitative metrics with deeper qualitative analysis to ensure broad reach and lasting literary significance.

It is clear that the Writers Read opportunity is important to writers. Young and emerging writers continue to surprise us by traveling great distances to appear on our New York City stage: a college undergraduate took a five-hour bus ride from Rhode Island; a young man drove six hours with his family from Ohio; and a writer from San Francisco took a red eye to JFK with a 24-hour turnaround. We’re currently developing a February 2026 show in collaboration with the prestigious Bellevue Literary Review titled, “Body Language: True Stories of Illness, Recovery, and Discovery. Remarkably, our New York writers will share the stage with writers traveling from California, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.

Writers Read events attract people for whom words matter—especially the right words. Guests are moved and entertained, and writers meet other like-minded colleagues who hear, learn from, and encourage one another. Together, they comprise a growing and supportive community that appreciates craft—and a good story.

Ed is actively strengthening the board and implementing a strategic plan to expand the organization’s footprint and secure long-term funding. The organization’s long-term vision includes expanding live event, podcast, and broadcast offerings, growing writing workshops, and hosting fully-funded live shows. The next essential step is to secure part-time freelance administrative, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and design support. This support will allow leadership to focus on growth, partnerships, and scaling Writers Read’s programming.

The quality of Writers Read’s output is such that a number of organizations have been inspired to send small donations without asking Writers Read to apply for a grant, including the Nancy Friday Foundation and the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. We solicit donations at every performance, on our website and social media platforms, and are working to integrate a sponsorship model to help finance our forward-looking annual budget.

We deeply appreciate your thoughtful consideration of support of our mission, and are excited for what lies ahead!