School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Popular Fiction Writing and PublishingMFA – Online
Programs available in the fall and spring. Review deadlines.
Learn to write publishable novels and stories, on your terms. Emerson College’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA program will prepare you to write across all popular fiction genres and take the first steps toward publishing your novel.
At a Glance
- Develop your writing skills and turn your ideas into compelling plot- and character-driven stories.
- With one-on-one support from your thesis advisor, craft a popular fiction novel with the goal to submit to agents or to self-publish.
- Work closely with our faculty who are award-winning and bestselling genre fiction authors and enthusiastic scholars.
- 100% online and asynchronous, with full-time and part-time options to fit your schedule.
- Participate in our robust community through online student write-ins, social hours, craft talks, and more.
- No GRE required to apply.
Sharpen Your Writing Skills and Learn to Publish
Emerson College’s online Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA will help you develop the craft and the industry knowledge you need to create compelling stories across genres, such as fantasy, horror, romance, mystery/crime, and more. The fully online and asynchronous program combines genre-fiction writing workshops and literary study to strengthen your storytelling skills. In publishing courses, you’ll also learn how books are written, edited, marketed, and brought to readers. You’ll get feedback from faculty, peers, and publishing professionals while exploring the traditions and future of your chosen genres. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gather online with our enthusiastic community of professors and peers for write-ins, craft talks, publishing Q&As, and other writing and publishing events.
With one-on-one support from your thesis advisor, you’ll develop a novel-length manuscript and a plan to move toward publication . Whether you choose traditional or independent publishing,, you’ll finish the program with a polished body of work, a deeper understanding of the publishing industry, and a network of writers and industry professionals who share your passion for popular fiction storytelling.
Learn at Your Own Pace
- 100% online and asynchronous.
- Flexible program start times, starting in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
- No GRE required.
Once you’re enrolled in a graduate program at Emerson College, you’re automatically part of Emerson Edge, a network of peers, alumni, faculty, and staff to ensure you’re getting what you need out of your graduate program. Some of the benefits you’ll have from Emerson Edge:
- Career Development Center: Work with a team who can take your skills and interests and find the best path toward a career.
- Emerge Alumni Network: Join a community of over 50,000 Emerson alumni who can mentor you, share career advice, and make connections in your industry.
- Graduate Career Action Plan: Develop your resume, cover letter, and portfolio with a team dedicated to credential-building, and gain access to exclusive job listings.
Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing students workshop manuscripts with others in the program, learn from publishing professionals, and engage with a network of writers. Work with and be a contributor to Emerson’s vibrant writing community, including Page Turner Magazine. By the end of the program, you will have written and revised substantial original work, developed a deeper understanding of the publishing process, and built a community that supports your career long after you graduate.
Write with Acclaimed Novelists and Publishers
You’ll learn from innovative genre fiction writers and publishers who will give you invaluable guidance on creating your own original work.
Enroll Today
Applicants must register for an account with the School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies. From there, you can log in and upload the required application materials. No GRE is required to apply.
Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.