The Next Chapter
Each year, we pick ten outstanding writers and give them $15,000 each to develop their work. We match them with a mentor and work closely with them on bringing their writing to life, connecting them with peers, publishers and readers.

For four years the Wheeler Centre’s game-changing writers’ scheme The Next Chapter has been made possible by a generous partnership with the Aesop Foundation. From 2022, the Foundation will begin to build on their success in Australia by turning their focus overseas, offering opportunities for communities across the globe. As a result, 2022 marks the final year of this incredible partnership with the Wheeler Centre.
While the Next Chapter will not open for applications in 2022, the scheme will proceed uninterrupted for the current intake of writers and their mentors, and the Wheeler Centre team will continue to facilitate publishing outcomes, connections and industry guidance for current and former participants.
The Wheeler Centre is currently offering opportunities for collaboration and partnership for those interested in supporting the continuation of this remarkable program.
The Next Chapter writers scheme is only made possible thanks to the generous support of the Aesop Foundation and George & Rosa Morstyn.