This book investigates the perceived bifurcation of contemporary American fiction into two distinct cultural spheres: the university-based Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs and the traditional New York City publishing industry. Chad Harbach, a novelist known for 'The Art of Fielding,' along with a diverse group of contributors including established writers, MFA faculty and students, and New York editors and agents, explores the dynamics, overlaps, and tensions between these two worlds. The book examines how writers navigate these environments to establish and sustain their careers, analyzing the economic and cultural realities of literary production in the 21st century.

This collection of essays, stemming from Chad Harbach's influential essay 'MFA vs. NYC,' is recognized as a significant intervention in discussions about the contemporary American literary landscape. It brings together a range of voices to dissect the perceived divide between academic creative writing programs and the commercial publishing industry. The book is valued for its candid exploration of how writers navigate these often-contrasting environments and the economic realities they face. The collection offers a multifaceted perspective on the state of American fiction and the institutions that shape it.