coaching or mfa: which do you need?
the big question
When I meet with prospective coaching clients, they often ask me: “What’s the right choice for me—taking part in a coaching program like The Writer’s Transformation Project (WTP) or applying for MFA programs?”
My answer is: “It depends!” I really enjoyed—and got a lot out of—my MFA program at UT, but in hindsight I also recognize that it didn’t meet all of my learning needs. Looking back, the program was a great fit for me as a 26-year-old, but probably wouldn't be a good fit for me today.
So, given that it’s a nuanced issue, and one that so frequently comes up in conversation, I’ve written up a breakdown of the coaching versus MFA question so you can make the best choice for you.
What you’ll get from an MFA
A variety of skilled writing teachers, some of whom are well-known authors (maybe even some of your literary heroes!)
An immersive experience
You may move to a different city to do an MFA.
If you choose a full-time MFA, rather than a low-residency MFA, you’ll quit your job and be able to focus on writing full-time.
You’ll regularly attend classes with other outstanding writers.
Frequent contact with your writing peers
You’ll attend classes with other excellent writers, socialize with them outside of class, and form connections that may last for years.
Credentials that look good on a resumé
The MFA indicates that you’ve studied your craft on a high level and are skilled in your area of focus.
The MFA degree especially helpful if you’d like to teach writing later down the line—an MFA is a terminal degree, which means it allows you to teach at the college level (although, since these teaching positions are so coveted, you’ll often need an MFA and a book publication to score this gig).
What you WON’T get from an MFA
Lots of one-on-one guidance
In workshops, you’ll be one of 10–12 writers in class, which means your work will be discussed two or three times per semester, but a lot of your workshop time will be spent reading and responding to other students’ work.
You’ll mostly likely have a thesis advisor for your final year, but you’ll typically only meet with them a few times a semester.
A tailored course of study
The instruction will be aimed at a whole classroom of writers and may not always cover your areas of interest or particular learning needs.
A focus on how to complete longer works
Since MFA programs are workshop-based, they’re often aimed at teaching writers how to craft short stories, poetry, and essays, which are more easily addressed in a workshop format. In my experience, there was very little guidance on how to structure and complete longer works like novels or memoirs.
Support with the psychological challenges of writing
Struggling with writer’s block? Anxiety? Imposter syndrome? These typically won’t be addressed in the MFA writing classroom.
Support with maintaining a writing lifestyle that extends beyond the classroom
When I was in grad school, I learned how to write for deadlines and to meet professors’ expectations. What I didn’t learn—and was woefully unprepared to do when I graduated—was how to sustain a writing schedule and lifestyle independent from the classroom.
What you’ll get from my coaching program
One highly experienced writing instructor focused solely on your writing goals and learning needs
Because the instruction in The Writer’s Transformation Project is one-on-one, I tailor the program to reflect your interests and support you in the most effective way possible.
A program that works with your current lifestyle
WTP allows you to pursue a serious course of writing study without having to quit your job or move to a different city.
Support with the long-term process of writing a book
With my help, you’ll understand how to take your novel from the seed of an idea to a fleshed-out full-length story. You’ll learn how to structure full-length narratives, sustain writing momentum over the long-term, and navigate the revision process.
Insight into the psychology of writing
More than half the battle of writing is working with the psychological blocks that come up when we begin to write (procrastination, imposter syndrome, “quitting-in-the-middle” tendencies, and more). My coaching will give you insight into the source of your blocks and help you create practical strategies to overcome them.
Knowledge of how to create a writing life beyond the confines of a program
In the coaching program, I work with you to set up the habits and rituals that make writing a permanent part of your lifestyle. I also coach you on the publication process and how to pursue your chosen writing path over the long-term, so you can continue to thrive creatively, both in and out of a writing program.
Connection and camaraderie with other writers
In WTP, you’ll be part of a cohort of 10 writers who meet monthly over the course of the program and gather together for a graduation celebration at the end of the program. You’ll also have a private online network where you can communicate with your fellow writers over the course of the program and beyond.
both WTP and an MFA provide:
A structured course of study
A cohort of writing peers
Support in working toward your long-term writing dreams
Differences in price
MFA programs: $10–15k a semester.
WTP: $5k per semester.
Differences in getting started
MFA: You’ll fill out a formal application (sometimes this includes having to take the GRE in order to gain admittance to the school’s graduate program) and wait several months to hear back about whether you got in.
WTP: You’ll complete a 90-minute consultation with me, and if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll set your start date right away.
FAQs
Do you have to have an MFA to be taken seriously as a writer?
An MFA definitely helps with being taken seriously as a writer. The degree is a valuable thing to be able to put on a resumé or query letter, to signal to employers, agents, and editors that you’ve studied craft at a high level and take your writing seriously.
However, an MFA is not the only route to becoming a successful writer. Many famous and award-winning authors do not have MFAs (see: Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, James Baldwin, Arundhati Roy, etc.). Along the same lines, many instructors who teach at the college level do not have MFAs—having a published book can act in place of an MFA to qualify you to teach.
Does getting an MFA guarantee publication and/or literary success?
If only! There are many, many writers out there with MFAs who do not go on to publish or win literary success. The MFA is an excellent course of study to prepare you to write and publish—and you may also make connections in your MFA program that connect you to agents and editors. But the MFA in and of itself is not a magic talisman that will make you successful.
What will ultimately make you successful is: practice, studying your craft, getting your butt in the chair and actually writing, and being savvy about pursuing publication.
Can I do coaching and an MFA?
Absolutely! Coaching is a great way to prepare for applying to MFA programs. An experienced writing coach can work with you on honing your writing sample and entrance essays so you have the best possible chance of getting in.
I also coach writers who already have MFAs, because writers still need all that aforementioned practical and psychological support (as well as regular feedback on their work) even when they have an advanced writing degree.
If you decide to go for an MFA, here’s my advice:
Acceptance rates to MFA programs are famously low, so I advise you to apply to several schools (your “reach” schools as well as your “safety” schools) to increase your odds of getting in.
Recognize that you may have to apply to programs more than once before you get in.
It’s fairly common for writers to apply one year, not get in, and have to try a second, or even a third, time to gain admittance.
Look for programs that offer significant financial assistance, through funding, scholarships, or tuition breaks in exchange for TA-ing.
Getting an MFA does not mean that you’ll necessarily make more money after the program than you did before—so you don’t want to go deep into debt for this degree.
Be aware that most MFA programs tend to focus on literary fiction, rather than genre or commercial fiction.
If your dream is to write fantasy novels or YA literature, make sure to find a program that allows for those areas of focus.
If you decide to join WTP, here’s my advice:
Make sure you connect with the coach (that’s me!) and find my guidance and feedback helpful.
Recognize that you will have to, with my assistance, create structure and discipline around writing in your daily life.
This will require making some practical adjustments to your lifestyle, like setting aside weekly time to write, developing a writing space that works for you, and committing to weekly writing goals.
Make sure you have enough room in your schedule to focus on writing several hours a week.
have more questions?
Send me an email at jaime@freshinkaustin.com!