As a result of the Literary Needs survey conducted in 2008, CAP was able to begin making contact with a number of literary artists throughout the region. The steering committee that helped craft the Spring (W)rites festival also worked up the following list of criteria for inclusion in the first edition of the Finger Lakes Writers Directory.
- Poets: 5 poems in refereed publications or one book or one chapbook plus two poems in refereed publications
- Fiction: Two short stories or short/shorts in refereed journals or radio performance (not public access) or one novel or story collection
- Literary Non-Fiction/Memoir: Two essays/chapters in a book or refereed journals
- Playwrights: At least two plays or musicals (full-length or one act) or readings of the same, produced by a recognized theater or company and/or published by a legitimate publisher of dramatic works
- Professional Storytelling and Performance Poets: Two invitations to present as a featured storyteller at conferences or festivals (not "open mike" participation or "shared story
sessions") or four paid presentations as a featured storyteller for schools, local festivals, etc. Appearance as a finalist in regional or national contests are eligible. Playbills or programs may serve as documentation.
Self-published works are not eligible to meet the criteria.
Publications in on-line journals may be counted as well as print publications but these must not be personal or friends' websites or blogs.
Multiple Genres
Writers who qualify and wish to be listed for multiple genres should submit documentation for the criteria in each genre (e.g. poetry and fiction). If you just wish to indicate that you practice other genres than your primary listing, you may mention that in the biographical
note on your application sheet.