Take your story to The Next Chapter.

Applications for the 2021 Next Chapter writers' scheme are now open and close 5pm, Friday 23 July 2021.

Find out how to apply here.

Every writer knows that the story is only the beginning; that original storytelling needs time, support and a space in which to thrive.

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.

How does The Next Chapter help?

Watch

Adam Thompson, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Ara Sarafian, Nayuka Gorrie, Ennis Cehic, Evelyn Araluen, Adrian Stanley, Yamiko Marama, Jean Bachoura and Lian Low – previous Next Chapter recipients – reflect on the impact of the scheme.

Why should you apply to the next chapter?

Next Chapter
Promo image for Sam Elkin: 'I would encourage anybody out there to chuck in an application and see what happens'

Sam Elkin: ‘I would encourage anybody out there to chuck in an application and see what happens'

Next Chapter
Promo image for Lian Low: 'The opportunity to go through professional development ... is amazing'

Lian Low: ‘The opportunity to go through professional development … is amazing'

Guest post by Lian Low

Next Chapter
Promo image for Santilla Chingaipe: 'The strongest work comes from development'

Santilla Chingaipe: ‘The strongest work comes from development'  /  Work

Guest post by Santilla Chingaipe

Next Chapter
Promo image for UQP acquires Evelyn Araluen's debut poetry collection

UQP acquires Evelyn Araluen’s debut poetry collection  /  Books, reading & writing

Next Chapter
Promo image for Melissa Lucashenko: 'I thought it was a program that was actually going to make change'

Melissa Lucashenko: ‘I thought it was a program that was actually going to make change'

Guest post by Melissa Lucashenko