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, 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.
Application period for the 2026-2027 Essay Incubator is now open until Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Key Dates & Information
Location:
- The 2026-2027 Essay Incubator will meet in-person at GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing in Boston.
Application Info:
- Application Opens: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Submission Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Decision Notifications: August 2026
Program Dates:
- Program Duration: September 2026 - June 2027
- Class Time: Mondays from 6-9pm ET
- First Day of Class: September 14, 2026
Free Online Info Session:
Financial Info:
- Tuition Total: $4,660
- 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.
Program Details
All you need to know about what the program entails.
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. Hear what Essay Incubator alumni have to say about their experience.
Questions?
If you have specific questions about the Essay Incubator program, please email [email protected], or call the office anytime at 617.695.0075.