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Next Chapter Award
The Next Chapter Award is an annual award supporting an emerging writer over the age of 40.
Next Chapter Award is on hold for 2021 and will reopen for applications in summer 2022.
Awardees receive:
- A £2,000 cash award, allowing them to focus on their work
- Nine months of mentoring from a writer or industry professional
- A two week retreat at Moniack Mhor(this will open in a new window), offering time, space and the freedom to create new work in idyllic surroundings
- PR, performance and presentation training
- The opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents
The award is open to poets, novelists, short story writers, authors of narrative non-fiction and children’s authors.
Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both. The award supports writers who are struggling to find time and space to write and who’re working on a project that has real publishing potential.
Meet this year's Next Chapter Awardee
Comments from previous awardees
“I was delighted to be selected as the first recipient of the Next Chapter Award. I received lots of incredibly useful, practical support and advice throughout the year, for which I'm very grateful. It was a fantastic experience.” Gail Honeyman, Next Chapter Awardee 2014 and author of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, (HarperCollins).
“At some point we all need a little acknowledgement, a shot in the arm. Receiving the Next Chapter award from the Scottish Book Trust is that and much more. It is an incredible honour and fantastic opportunity.” Ryan O'Connor, Next Chapter Awardee 2018.
“The whole process has been one amazing experience after another. Since winning, I’ve been published in several literary journals (including New Writing Scotland), will have a play performed at The Gilded Balloon Theatre, performed at several spoken word events; including the New Writers Showcase in Edinburgh, where I received interest from literary agents and editors. All within one year! I owe everything to Scottish Book Trust and, because of them, my dream is now my reality.” Julie Rea, Next Chapter Awardee 2017.