MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing Emerson College

Romance. Fantasy. Science fiction. Horror. Mystery. Thrillers. Young adult. Which is the right genre for your story? Become a genre fiction author with our online Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA.

Our flexible graduate program allows you to work on your writing from anywhere in the world, with online workshops, literature seminars, and publishing courses that fit your schedule. Become a better writer, explore the history of your genre, and learn how to take the first steps toward publishing.

Emerson’s MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing is one of the first online programs of its kind to prepare you to write professional-level stories and novels. We welcome writers creating stories in the genres of fantasy, science fiction, romance, horror, mystery, thrillers, young adult— and any exciting combination thereof.

Our program is designed to develop your writing skills and teach you the history of different genres. You will learn the preliminary steps to publishing your work, either through the traditional editor/publisher model or through the popular self-publishing models.

Program highlights include:

• Developing your writing skills and focusing on creating plot and character-driven stories
• In-depth review of how books are published and marketed from trade publishing professionals
• Networking opportunities with renowned writers, publishers, and academics
• Crafting a thesis to submit to agents or self-publish, with one-on-one support from your advisor
• 100% online and asynchronous MFA program to fit your schedule
• No GRE requirements to apply
• Full-time and part-time options

Faculty

Our Writing, Literature, and Publishing Department has attracted an industry-active faculty that offers a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.

Emerson Advantage

Emerson College offers everything aspiring writers need to hone their talents and refine their craft.

Page Turner Magazine is an annual magazine that showcases Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing student and alumni work. The magazine was created by students with a goal to showcase the diverse creative conscience of Emerson students and alumni by publishing their popular fiction and art in digital and print form.

Alumni

Our Alumni have gone on to establish successful writing careers. Recent alumni who have gone on to publish their work include:

• Scott Johnson
  • Ungeheur, Boston, Bloodshot Books, 2021
  • Stanley Cooper Chronicles, Books 1-4 Texas, CLB Press, 2018-2020
  • Shy Grove: A Ghost Story, Texas, CLB Press, 2018
• Emma Collins ‘20
  • Winner 2020 EggTooth Editions chapbook contest for her book, Snow
• Nicole Diebold ‘19
  • Honeymoon Alone, 4B Pub, 2019
• RB Wood ‘19
  • Bayou Whispers, Crystal Lake Publishing, 2021
• Alexandra Lapointe, ‘20
  • Cloakers, Atmosphere Press, 2021

Curriculum Requirements

The Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA program is 100% online. This online format is convenient and flexible, allowing you to learn from anywhere in the world according to your own schedule. There are no residency requirements.

This program requires 36 credit hours, including:

• 16 credits of writing workshop
• 8 credits of literature courses
• 8 credits of publishing courses
• 4 credits of master’s thesis

Required Writing Workshop Courses (16 credits)*

*These workshops are repeatable.

Note: Students may have the option to take on-campus workshops for credit in the summer semester, with special permission from the Graduate Program Director.

Required Literature Courses (8 credits)

Note: Students may take PF 616 more than once. In certain cases, WR 600: Teaching College Composition may be taken on campus in place of one literature class.

Required Publishing Courses (8 credits)

MFA Thesis: (4 credits)

For completion of the MFA degree, you are required to write a long-form narrative of publishable or near publishable quality. The thesis will consist of a novel or a novel excerpt that is a minimum of 100 pages with a 3-4 page synopsis. When nearing completion of the program, a student applies for a thesis committee and works closely with the chair of that committee to develop the final manuscript and schedule an online defense of the thesis.

It is strongly suggested that the student begin planning the thesis early and develop a work that approaches a publishable book in concept and form.

Career Outlook

Students interested in a writing career will enjoy a dynamic range of careers and industries, including:

• Author
• Editor
• Publisher
• Content Manager
• Copywriter
• Communications Coordinator
• Public Relations Manager