Antara catatan untuk menjadi kota sastera adalah:

~ Quality, quantity and diversity of publishing in the city ~ Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature at primary, secondary and tertiary levels ~ Literature, drama and/or poetry playing an important role in the city ~ Hosting literary events and festivals which promote domestic and foreign literature ~ Existence of libraries, bookstores and public or private cultural centres which preserve, promote and disseminate domestic and foreign literature ~ Involvement by the publishing sector in translating literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature ~ Active involvement of traditional and new media in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products.

UNESCO bermula 2004, mengiktiraf Ediburgh, Melbourne, Iowa City dan terkini, Dublin sebagai kota sastera.