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The Fine Print

All successful applicants have a unique experience as part of The Next Chapter. We recognise that no two writers have the same needs or same priorities. Our expectations, and all requirements on the part of the participants, are mutually agreed on the basis of individual capacities.

All information shared in the application process is kept private and will only be shared internally with The Next Chapter assessors. Any data shared with stakeholders will remain anonymous.
At all stages, mentors and other support people for recipients are selected on the basis of individual fit. The point of this scheme is to support you in developing your own confidence in your work, voice and identity as a writer. Your writing is yours. You own it. Personal history or writing of a personal or delicate nature will be handled with respect and sensitivity.The broad aims of the scheme are to ensure that each participant:

  • Aims to complete a finished manuscript within 12 months of the official commencement of the mentor/writer relationship;
  • Participates in a 12-month mentorship, including being open to criticism and constructive feedback from their mentor;
  • Participates in professional development activities (dependent on availability) (eg. publisher pitching workshops, attendance at writers’ festivals, brokered meetings with agents, etc.);
  • Participates in quarterly reporting and meeting with the Wheeler Centre about the scheme (online or in person depending on circumstance); and
  • Participates in the Wheeler Centre’s communications and promotion of the scheme (dependent on the participant’s availability).

Note: travel and publicity commitments are not compulsory requirements of The Next Chapter participants if personal circumstances preclude such activities.

The Next Chapter writers’ scheme is offered to help writers develop a specific piece of work during a 12-month period engaged by the Wheeler Centre.

Successful applicants agree to enter into discussion regarding publishing extracts of completed projects on the Wheeler Centre’s website – although copyright will remain with the recipient.

Writers selected for the scheme will have the opportunity to attend a three-night (four-day) residency at Varuna, The Writers’ House in Katoomba, NSW, and will be given an alumni membership each as part of their involvement in The Next Chapter.

Entrants warrant that their submission is their own original work; that they are the sole author and owner of copyright in the entry; that the material has not been previously licensed for exclusive use in any form in any territory; that the material does not infringe any existing copyright or licence or any other third-party rights; that the material does not contain any material in breach of official secrets, confidentiality obligations or any other laws; and that all statements in the entry purporting to be facts are true.

In all matters relating to conditions of entry, the decision of the organisers is final.

Any submission received that does not meet the above requirements will be purged without being read.

Wheeler Centre staff will conduct the eligibility assessment. A committee of external readers will conduct a first-round assessment of entries. Longlisted entries will be judged by a panel of judges. The selection panel’s decision is final.

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Acknowledgment of Country

The Wheeler Centre acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to the people of the Kulin Nation and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past and present.