To become a publisher in the 21st century requires dynamic literary, editing, and technological skills. Whether you aspire to start your own company, teach or work for a large publisher, you’ll need a thorough education and hands-on experience in the world of publishing.
Program Overview
Step into the shoes of a publisher.
Western’s Publishing concentration includes a thorough study of the publishing industry—editing, design, production, marketing, distribution and bookselling. The program also covers new technologies that have changed the industry for writers, publishers, booksellers and readers. You’ll have the unique opportunity to create books that will be released by a commercial publisher by the end of the program. This includes an original anthology that you have jointly edited and produced, as well as a public-domain “classic” reissued from scratch in print and e-book formats.
Prepared for success
Western’s innovative publishing program prepares students for careers in writing, editing and publishing—both in traditional publishing houses and the fast-paced world of e-books and new technologies.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
The Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers an M.A. in Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, Publishing, or Screenwriting. Western 's curricula differ from other low-residency programs by emphasizing intense training in craft, building of a writing community, close study of historically underrepresented writers, and exposure to the business of being a writer or publisher.
All programs require a high degree of commitment and excellence from candidates, who must maintain at least a 3.00 course average to complete the program. A minimum grade of B- in each course is required.
In their first summer, M.A. students complete 3-credits of intensive coursework in their concentration and take CRWR 600, The Common Read & Writing Craft, for an additional 2-credits. In their second summer, M.A. students complete a 1-credit capstone project in which they demonstrate their competency through a craft talk, reading, or similar presentation.
During the Fall and Spring semesters, full-time students take two 6-credit courses for a total of 12-credits per semester. Students may anticipate spending between 25 and 30 hours per week on assigned coursework. The coursework typically consists of readings and viewings, asynchronous discussions, and writing assignments for which instructors offer online feedback. Students also participate regularly in live virtual classes and one-on-one meetings with faculty.
Program Information
The low-residency Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University is a 13-month program that emphasizes the development of creative, analytical, and pedagogical abilities. Students choose from five concentrations: Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, Publishing, or Screenwriting. The curriculum consists of two regular academic semesters and two summer semesters. During the fall and spring semesters, students complete courses using both live virtual classrooms and online learning platforms. During each of the two summer semesters, students take courses online and also attend an on-campus residency at the end of the summer term.
Total Credits for the M.A. in Creative Writing
Requirements for Full Admission to the MA in Creative Writing
Candidate must submit:
- An official transcript of the bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
- An 800- to 1,000-word personal statement describing the applicant's experience and commitment to writing. This statement should include a self-assessment of qualifications for admission to Western's Graduate Program in Creative Writing for the chosen degree and concentration.
- A writing sample in the appropriate genre, double spaced and numbered, or properly formatted for the appropriate genre:
- The Genre Fiction concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, ideally from a single work.
- The Screenwriting concentration sample should include a screenplay of 15-30 pages.
- The Nature Writing concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, in any genre or a mix of genres.
- The Poetry concentration sample should include 10 to 15 pages of poetry.
- The Publishing concentration sample should consist of a 3- to 5-page critical assessment of a story’s suitability for publication (story to be provided to applicant during application process).
- Two letters of professional recommendation from those capable of assessing the applicant's preparation to succeed in graduate-level work. All letters must be originals submitted on letterhead, must be signed by the person giving the recommendation, and must be less than a year old.
- Payment of university application fee.
Provisional Admission to the MA in Creative Writing
An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the Master of Arts in Creative Writing may be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. A provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any pre-requisite academic coursework. The program director or Dean of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.
Program Concentrations
Concentration in Genre Fiction
The Concentration in Genre Fiction includes instruction in writing for such forms as science fiction/fantasy, the mystery, romance, and other forms of mainstream commercial fiction. Study includes short and long written forms, as well as strategies and techniques for the effective teaching of creative writing. As the culmination of their work, M.A. students complete a capstone project and present it at their final Summer Residency.
The M.A. Concentration in Genre Fiction requires the following 30 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 601 | Fundamentals of Writing Genre Fiction I | 3 |
| CRWR 608 | Genre Writing I- Romance and Mystery Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 609 | Genre Studies I-Romance and Mystery | 6 |
| CRWR 618 | Genre Studies II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 619 | Genre Writing II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Nature Writing
The Concentration in Nature Writing brings students into the contemporary and complex conversation of environmental writing, introducing them to a wide range of authors, literary techniques, and styles relevant to the field. The concentration provides readings and training in all major literary sub-genres including memoir and personal essay, fiction, nature writing, science and advocacy writing, and hybrid and experimental work. Courses include significant reading in primary and secondary sources, workshop, and writing extensive short- and long-format work. As the culmination of their work, M.A. students complete a capstone project and present it at their final summer residency.
The M.A. Concentration in Nature Writing requires the following 30 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 680 | Writing Place: New Forms and Techniques | 6 |
| CRWR 681 | Introduction to Nature Writing | 3 |
| CRWR 685 | Craft of Creative Nonfiction | 6 |
| CRWR 686 | Genres of Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 688 | Writing about Nature and Society | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Poetry
The Concentration in Poetry brings students into the ongoing conversation of poetics, introducing them to the ideas, questions, approaches, and techniques that have been the concerns of poets across time and cultures. The Poetry curriculum includes workshop-style courses focused on developing voice and expanding range, as well as courses on contemporary authors, poetic craft and technique, special topics in poetry, and professional development. As the culmination of their work, M.A. students complete a capstone project and present it at their final Summer Residency.
The M.A. Concentration in Poetry requires the following 30 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 630 | Foundations of Poetry | 3 |
| CRWR 634 | Poetry Now | 6 |
| CRWR 635 | Poetry Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 644 | Poetic Lineages | 6 |
| CRWR 648 | Poetry Craft and Technique | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Publishing
The concentration in Publishing brings together the study and real-world practices of traditional, independent and new models of publishing in a rapidly changing industry. The concentration provides training in traditional and alternative methods of publishing, including the various print, electronic, and audio formats, as well as training in the editing, production, and marketing of published materials. Courses include extensive work in designing and producing original and reprint books, formatting for the electronic market, and a wide variety of other publishing business skill sets, including copyright law, and working with authors and agents. As the culmination of their work, students complete a capstone project and present it at their final Summer Residency.
The M.A. Concentration in Publishing requires the following 30 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 613 | Introduction to the Publishing World | 3 |
| CRWR 614 | Traditional Publishing I | 6 |
| CRWR 615 | Publishing and Marketing a Book | 1 |
| CRWR 623 | Independent and New Model Publishing I | 6 |
| CRWR 624 | Traditional Publishing II | 6 |
| CRWR 625 | Independent and New Model Publishing II | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Screenwriting
The Concentration in Screenwriting teaches screenwriting for both film and television. Each semester pairs an intensive analytical course with an intensive generative writing course. The concentration emphasizes story and scene structure, visual storytelling, character development, development of concept and theme, genre, dialogue-never forgetting that a screenplay is a document that will ultimately be translated to the screen. Through regular mentorship, students refine and consolidate their own best writing practices. As the culmination of their work, M.A. students complete a capstone project and present it at their final Summer Residency.
The M.A. Concentration in Screenwriting requires the following 30 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 660 | Scenes & Sequences | 3 |
| CRWR 664 | Adapting the Feature | 6 |
| CRWR 665 | Feature Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 667 | Writing the Television Screenplay | 6 |
| CRWR 669 | TV Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Spotlight
Careers
Take the first steps toward your dream career.
Career preparation is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.
The data is automatically collected by Lightcast, a firm that sources job market data. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
The Program
Advancing your career in publishing.
The Publishing program begins with a one-week summer intensive on Western’s campus where you’ll learn the basics of the publishing industry and briefly intern for a small commercial publisher. As your main project for the coming year, you will develop a concept for an original anthology and solicit submissions.
The fall and spring semester each consists of two online courses, one focused on the traditional publishing industry and one on independent publishing. To acquire hands-on experience, you’ll read the “slushpile” submissions for your anthology project and select the stories to be included, all while adhering to a budget. You’ll also analyze typical book and short story contracts and issue contracts for the accepted anthology stories. In the spring semester, you’ll work to design, proofread and produce the printing masters for the anthology. As a solo project, you’ll select a public-domain “classic” to reissue from scratch. You’ll market your finished books and participate in a book signing event upon graduation, which takes place at your second summer residency.
Hands-on experience
Publishing students at the 2022 Residency
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Director
Tyson Hausdoerffer, Ph.D.Director, Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Graduate Program Coordinator
Corinne Sublette, B.A.Graduate Program Coordinator
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 117
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
