Apply to a English literature graduate program; most major colleges and universities that have graduate schools will offer the master's in English literature, so research the programs you want that offer the Ph.D.. Most doctoral programs require a certain grade point average, GPA, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from your undergraduate institution, a writing sample and scores from the Graduate Record Examination, GRE. Check the school's English graduate program's website for more details about admission requirements.
Take the required number of graduate courses once you have been accepted to the graduate program of your choice. Most schools require you to take nine credit hours, or three courses, per semester. You will be assigned an academic adviser in graduate school; consult your adviser to find out what courses you are required to take. The other classes should pertain to your area of specialization
Prepare for your doctoral thesis. This is essentially a research paper on a subject that is original, or as close to it as possible. You can choose two additional professors to help advise you on what to write about, and to help you as you conduct your research. You will start writing the thesis about your fourth or fifth year in the doctoral program. You will spend the last couple years focusing solely on your thesis, noting your progress with your advisers, checking in with them often.
Defend your dissertation. This involves standing up before a committee, composed of the chairs of the department, and answering detailed, in-depth questions about various topics relating to your thesis, research methods and arguments. Once you have successfully defended your dissertation, you will be granted your Ph.D.