The Community of Literary Magazines and Presses serves one of the most active segments of American arts and culture: the independent publishers of exceptional fiction, poetry and prose. Literary magazines and presses accomplish the backstage work of American literature: discovering new writers; supporting mid-career writers; publishing the creative voices of communities underrepresented in the mainstream commercial culture; and preserving literature for future readers by keeping books in print. Independent literary publishing requires a unique balance of art and business. Organizational strength and good business practices are as necessary to the survival of these publishers as their editorial work is to the vitality of American letters. As the service organization to these publishers, the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses guides literature through the business of publishing.