Class Description
Spanning 10 months from September to June, the Essay Incubator is an intensive, MFA-level, in-person program for dedicated and curious essay writers interested in writing and revising new and existing essays and publishing them; providing and receiving peer feedback; and being part of creating a supportive, intentional writing community.
The program is designed for all different types of essayists and writers of creative nonfiction and short-form personal narrative and memoir, including those working on essays/CNF that are personal/narrative; lyric/experimental; reported/journalistic; or in other styles and forms, whether intended for literary or commercial mainstream publications. Students will generate fresh work, deepen their understanding of essay craft, forms and modes, and learn skills to revise their own essays. Via frequent visits by practicing writers and magazine editors, the program also gives students practical advice and guidance on publishing, the marketplace, and career-building as an essayist. While the program is not specifically designed to produce a collection of thematically-connected essays, writers working towards that goal will benefit. The ideal student for this program is a writer looking to take their essays from early draft to “workshop good” to publishable quality.
Below is a quick list of key dates and information. More details about the program can be found via the side links.
Key Dates & Information
- Location: The 2026-2027 Essay Incubator will meet in-person at GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing in Boston.
- Application Opens: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Submission Deadline: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Decision Notifications: August 2026
- Program Duration: September 2026 - June 2027
- Class Time: Mondays from 6-9pm ET
- First Day of Class: September 14, 2026
- Tuition Total: $4,660
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.