Expert: Cathy Clamp - 9/12/2007

Question
hi,

i am a writer. i don't have a qualification in writing per se, but i have written articles for local and national newspapers and magazines and have had a poem published in a newspaper. i have a manuscript under work. i am considering applying for an MFA in creative writing. i wanted to know if this MFA will benefit me as regards getting published and the literary contacts. also, are there any careers after an MFA, or in creative writing, apart from teaching creative writing?

Answer
Hi, Shruti!

Hey, in my opinion, if you're writing articles for national newspapers and magazines, you've got plenty of qualifications! I know a lot of published authors who have MFAs, but I also know a lot of published authors who DON'T. The mere taking of the courses will, of course, introduce you to concepts and to people that could help in the writing process, but it's really not required in order to advance. For example, I only have a high school education plus private study that resulted in some legal certifications. But mostly, if you can write (and it sounds like you can) then the MFA doesn't matter much. It's considered a teaching degree more than anything, and only at a college/graduate level. Although, I suppose you might have a foot in the door for a high school too. Or, archival positions or even research might be a good fit after an MFA.

The publishing industry has internships available for credit if you decide to pursue college courses, but they're hard to get. Lots of competition, but if you can get one, often it leads to a permanent job after you finish your degree. You could pursue editing or copy editing at some publishers if you want to move to one of the coasts, or perhaps find that marketing or sales of books is more your strong suit.

But if the question is whether an MFA will benefit you to get a book accepted for publication, then I'd have to say no. I don't know any editors that will really care about your education. They just care about the BOOK, and whether it will hold a reader's interest. If you can do that right this minute, then an MFA won't make you any more prepared. If you can't do that this minute, then maybe it could help.

I don't know if that helps you in your decision, but I wish you luck whatever you decide. Feel free to ask any other questions you might have, and good luck! :)

Cathy