named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Reading Groups
Structured, discussion-based groups exploring fiction across genres and time periods, led by authors, professors, and experts, offered both in-person in Brooklyn and online via Zoom
The Literarians
Members-only reading group for supporters of The Center for Fiction
The Nightlighters
Members-only evening reading group for The Center for Fiction members
Writing Workshops
Creative writing programs for emerging and established writers, supported by need-based scholarships
activities · 9 groups
What they do
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Literary Events & Workshops 4 activities
- Hosts public literary events and storytelling programsOrganizes dynamic public events that bring together hundreds of storytellers annually for discussions on craft, literature, and societal issues, including dramatic readings and cross-art-form storytelling events.
- Hosts reading groups for members and the publicOrganizes in-person and online reading groups that run for multiple sessions or as one-time events, exploring works by authors such as Agatha Christie, Henry James, and Joyce Carol Oates, with seasonal programming and a free monthly online group for members.
- Offers writing workshops and generative sessionsHosts in-person and online generative writing workshops inspired by established authors, such as workshops based on the works of Shirley Jackson, for participants at various skill levels.
- Provides transformative literary experiences for students and the publicOffers educational experiences for public school students across New York City’s five boroughs, along with public programming designed to create transformative opportunities for emerging writers and readers.
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Industry and Community Recognition Awards 1 activity
- Administers the First Novel Prize and longlist selectionManages the annual First Novel Prize, including the announcement of a longlist of over 180 submitted titles, to recognize and promote debut fiction authors.
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Literacy Program Funding 1 activity
- Funds educational and community programs through event proceedsUses proceeds from the First Novel Fête to support the KidsRead program in NYC public schools, fellowships and awards for emerging writers, and broader community literary initiatives.
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Nonprofit-Operated Cafés and Social Enterprises 1 activity
- Operates a public bookstore, café, and barMaintains a public-facing Bookstore and Café & Bar in Downtown Brooklyn, open daily from 9am to 8pm, as a cultural and community hub for readers and writers.
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Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
- Provides financial aid and membership benefits for programsOffers need-based scholarships covering 50% of tuition for reading groups and writing workshops, as well as membership benefits including early access, enrollment discounts, and exclusive participation in members-only groups.
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Literary and Cultural Publishing 1 activity
- Publishes original literary works and nonfiction contentProduces and publishes short works of fiction from established authors and winners of its writing contests, along with nonfiction essays on the writing life and the importance of storytelling.
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Archival Digitization and Preservation 1 activity
- Records and archives author discussions and literary interviewsMakes transcripts, audio recordings, and video recordings available of interviews with First Novel Prize finalists, discussions between writers, and other public literary events, many of which are livestreamed and archived after each season.
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Literary Publishing and Support Programs 1 activity
- Supports emerging writers through fellowshipsAdministers the annual Emerging Writer Fellowship, which provides financial support, professional and creative development, and personalized mentorship to early-career writers.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Provides educational resources for writersOffers writing guides and informational essays featuring advice from authors and publishing industry professionals to support aspiring and emerging writers.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$3.14M
Contributions & grants$1.63M52%
Program service revenue$1.33M42%
Investment income$66K2%
Other revenue$115K
expenses
Total expenses$3.09M
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$1.86M
Grants paid out$86K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$2.67M
Cash$624K
Investments$1.54M
Liabilities$475K
Net assets$2.20M
Liquid reserves8.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +22.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYDAH DEBIN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $245K |
| KRISTIN HENLEY | MANAGING DIRECTOR | 40 | $132K |
| MELANIE MCNAIR | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMMING | 40 | $122K |
board members · 22
- ANNE HIGONNET — DIRECTOR
- CALVERT MORGAN — DIRECTOR
- CAMILLE MCDUFFIE — DIRECTOR
- CELIA MCGEE — SECRETARY
- CHIWONISO KAITANO — DIRECTOR
- CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY — DIRECTOR THROUGH 2/24
- DANIELLE GANEK — DIRECTOR
- DAVID BRUSON — DIRECTOR
- DENNIS KRIEGER — DIRECTOR
- DENNIS WILLIAMS — DIRECTOR
- ERROLL MCDONALD — CHAIR
- GABRIELLE BAMBERGER — DIRECTOR
- GRETCHEN RUBIN — DIRECTOR
- JACQUELYNN KERUBO OSORO — DIRECTOR
- LIESE MAYER — DIRECTOR
- LLOYD LYNFORD — DIRECTOR
- NAN GRAHAM — DIRECTOR
- NINA VON MOLTKE — TREASURER
- PHONG BUI — DIRECTOR
- SARAH LYALL — DIRECTOR
- SAYU BHOJWANI — DIRECTOR
- SHANNON ROSE SELDEN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 18
Who they work with
- Adelphi University Partner — Engages Martha Cooley, Professor Emerita at Adelphi University, as a reading group leader.
- Alice & Dennis C. Krieger Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival Partner — Co-presents public literary events and author conversations.
- Fordham University Partner — Collaborates with Anne Fernald, a professor at Fordham University, who serves as a frequent reading group leader and advisor.
- Gretchen Rubin Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Le Moyne College Partner — Collaborates with Norrell Edwards, Assistant Professor of English at Le Moyne College, as a reading group leader and scholar-in-residence.
- Lloyd Lynford Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Mary Jo & Ted Shen Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter and Host Committee Co-Chairs
- Nina von Moltke Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Siddhartha Mukherjee Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Susan & Peter Restler Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- Susanna Porter & James M. Clark Partner — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- The Alfred, Lee, Peter Mayer Foundation Funder — 2025 Benefit supporter at the Leader level
- The Brooklyn Rail Partner — Supporter of the 2025 First Novel Fête
- The Center for Fiction Partner — Co-hosts or affiliates with reading groups offered under its programming umbrella.
- UNC Wilmington Partner — Includes Maia Butler, Associate Professor of African American Literature at UNC Wilmington, as a reading group leader.
- University of Oklahoma Partner — Features Mary Anna Evans, a tenured professor at the University of Oklahoma, as a reading group leader.
- YouTube Network — Hosts recordings of past events on its YouTube channel.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Discussion-Based Learning to Deepen Literary Understandingmethodology: discussion-based_learningBy structuring reading groups as discussion-centered hybrids between classes and book clubs, the organization enhances engagement and critical thinking because peer dialogue—without formal assessment—encourages open exploration and personal connection to texts.
- Literary Engagement Through Community-Centered Programmingmethodology: community-centered_literary_hubBy creating a physical and programmatic hub for readers and writers, the organization fosters sustained literary engagement because shared space and structured interaction build community and belonging, which in turn deepens participation and investment in literature.
- Storytelling as a Platform for Public Dialogue on Societal Issuesmethodology: literature-as-public-engagementBy using literature and public storytelling events to explore pressing societal themes—such as identity, transgression, and transformation—the organization promotes critical engagement because narrative creates relatable, emotionally resonant entry points to complex social issues.
- Support for Writers Through Publication and Recognitionmethodology: writer-support-through-publicationBy publishing emerging and established writers and celebrating their work through contests and public events, the organization strengthens literary culture because public recognition and tangible platforms increase writer motivation, visibility, and career development.