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Next Chapter Award
The Next Chapter Award is an award supporting an emerging writer over the age of 40.
Applications for the Next Chapter Award are currently closed.
After several years in hiatus, we’re delighted to announce that the Next Chapter Award is back and will now be rolled into our New Writers Awards programme. Writers will have the opportunity to opt in to being considered for the Next Chapter Award when completing a New Writers Award application form. The Next Chapter Award supports an emerging writer over the age of 40.
The Next Chapter Award is not currently open for applications. When it is, you will be able to apply for the Callan Gordon Award through your New Writers Awards application. You will be asked to opt in as part of the application form.
Applying for a New Writers Award
Awardees receive:
- A £2,500 cash award, allowing them to focus on their work (the bursary will be paid in two instalments)
- Tailored personal development opportunities, which can include mentoring from writers and industry professionals
- PR, performance, social media and presentation training
- The opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents
- A week-long retreat offering time, space and the freedom to create new work in idyllic surroundings (subject to circumstances)
- A year's free membership to Society of Authors as well as an SoA training session
- All mentoring, training and performances include an option for remote attendance as needed. We're very happy to discuss anyone's individual access requirements prior to applying
The award is open to poets, novelists, short story writers, spoken word artists, authors of narrative non-fiction and children's authors.
Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both.
Meet our previous Next Chapter awardees
Comments from previous awardees
“Winning the Next Chapter Award was one of the best things that’s happened to my writing. Not only has the support from the Scottish Book Trust and all the Award’s benefits been invaluable to my writing career (and finishing my manuscript), but it’s also offered the confidence to believe in my writing so I can set forth to nurture and grow my career as an author.” Sumayya Usmani, Next Chapter Awardee 2020
“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 and author of The Voids (Scribe).
“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
“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).