This is a scheme to support a new generation of writers to develop their skills and work from the ground up.

Each year, The Next Chapter selects a group of writers providing each of them with a stipend of $15,000 and a handpicked mentor to work closely with them on bringing their writing to life, connecting them with other writers, publishers, booksellers and readers - and guiding and training them through that experience. 

The author must:

• Permanently reside in Australia, but does not have to be an Australian citizen. We encourage people who came to Australia as a refugee to apply.
• Be at least 18 years of age; and 
• Not be a current staff or board member of the Wheeler Centre, or an employee of one of its resident organisations. Casual staff and volunteers are welcome to apply.
• Only enter one work per year for consideration.

Eligible works: 

• Must be entirely the author’s original, own work; 
• Must not have had more than 25% of the work previously published through one or multiple outlets, including online, unless previously self-published (ie. published independently at your own expense); 
• Must not be already under contract with a publisher; 
• Must be presented in English (bilingual editions where one of the languages used is English are also eligible); and 
• Must be a work of prose, poetry, fiction or non-fiction or graphic novel aimed at readers aged 13 years and above.

• Phone: 03 9094 7817
• Email: thenextchapter@wheelercentre.com