Take Your Essays to the Next Level
The program gave me the confidence, community, encouragement, and accountability to keep going.
- Thuy PhanSpanning 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 writing community. The program is designed for all different types of essayists, including those working on essays that are personal/narrative in nature; 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.
The 2025-2026 program will meet in-person on Tuesdays nights, from 6:00pm-9:00pm (ET) at GrubStreet's Center for Creative Writing in Boston. Some weeks of the program will meet remotely.
Application for the 2025-2026 Essay Incubator will open Monday, April 14, 2025.
Key Dates & Information
Location:
- The 2025-2026 Essay Incubator will meet in-person at Grubstreet’s Center for Creative Writing in Boston.
Application Info:
- Application Opens: Monday, April 14, 2025
- Submission Deadline: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
- Decision Notifications: The week of July 14, 2025
Program Dates:
- Program Duration: September 2025 - June 2026
- Class Time: Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00pm EST
- First Day of Class: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Free Information Sessions:
Financial Info:
- Tuition Total: $4,525
- Scholarship Info: Available in the amount of 25% to 75% off the total tuition cost. The optional and brief application is attached at the end of the standard program application for your convenience.
Student Success
During and after their time in the Essay Incubator, students have published widely in outlets like The New York Times, WBUR’s Cognoscenti, The Boston Globe, and more. Alumni have found literary success through winning writing awards, contests, and launching their writing careers by teaching and presenting at conferences and festivals. Learn more about Essay Incubator alums.
Questions?
If you have specific questions about the Essay Incubator program, please email [email protected], or call the office anytime at 617.695.0075.