Wondering whether to apply for the Essay Incubator? Are you looking to join a cohort of students have who have published widely and found literary success through winning writing awards and contests? With the deadline of July 16th fast approaching we asked some recent graduates to share their thoughts on the program. Here is what they had to say:

"The Essay Incubator gave me the time and space, tools, and confidence to officially call myself a writer. The feedback and encouragement I received from the instructor and my peers pushed me to polish and seal my work in a way I had never been able to, resulting in thought-provoking and interesting essays that I feel represent me and that I am proud to share with others."

- Mallika Iyer, 2023-24

"Even though I am now two years out of the Incubator, I still very much miss commuting to class and seeing my cohort every week at the Seaport. Being a part of our supportive alumni community is one of the biggest joys of my writing life. I do not think I would have become the writer I am today without the excellent feedback, resources, and encouragement I received during our ten months together...If I had a time machine, I would choose to go back to the beginning of my Incubator year!"

- Thuy Phan, 2023-24

"The Essay Incubator is exactly what I needed—a focused, rigorous exploration of essays (in all their wonderful variety!). Ethan’s one of those teachers you hope for: bringing us a rich array of reading, encouraging community, and introducing us to some of the best writers and editors out there. Most importantly, he gave us generous feedback. I can honestly say that when I took his guidance my pieces often found publishing homes."

- Button, 2022-23

“The Essay Incubator was a true life-changer for me. Without a traditional writing background, I’d always wondered—how do I actually do this? This program answered that for me…and then some. I learned crucial craft and publishing industry tools. Workshopping got me comfortable sharing and revising my work. And this supportive community is second to none. I now see a path that I never thought possible!”

- Sara Schreuer, 2022-23

"The Essay Incubator showed me that not only could I publish my work, I could publish at more places and in more forms than I'd ever have discovered on my own. Besides honing craft skills, I gained a community of writers to support me in my writing journey beyond the year-long program."

- Brandy Wyant, 2021-22

Don't wait, apply today! Applications for the 2025-2026 Essay Incubator are due Wednesday, July 16th at 11:59pm ET.