By Erin L. Cox

With this week’s release of the authors slated for The Brooklyn Book Festival, it seems clear that Brooklyn is the center of the literary universe.  As has been noted in an earlier story from our BEA coverage, Edward Nawotka, Publishing Perspectives‘ Editor in Chief, and I often diverge on the debate of Brooklyn’s literary presence and prowess.  Sure, there’s a big ol’ world out there full of writers and readers, but isn’t Brooklyn the heart of it all?  Don’t writers come from all over the world to live here and dip their toes in the literary waters (hopefully not the Gowanus Canal, as they will lose those toes)?

Having looked at this list, it seems clear that our writers are pretty amazing folks.  Not to mention, about a half dozen of The New Yorker’s 20 writers under 40 are Brooklynites.  And, not to mention, the great bookstores, reading series, and generally literary folks who live here (namely me).

So, bring it on, Nawotka.  Let’s hear what the world outside Brooklyn has to offer!

NOTE: This debate is all in good fun and largely stems from the fact that I live in Brooklyn and Edward, well, does not.