TNC Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
The selection process
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.
If generative AI has been used in the entrant’s writing sample, this must be clearly labelled as such. The Wheeler Centre may determine a submission to be ineligible if any part of writing sample submitted includes undisclosed AI-generated content.
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 be deidentified and general in nature.
Any submission received that does not meet these requirements, or any other expectations of participants (see below) may be deemed ineligible.
The Wheeler Centre staff are responsible for ensuring the eligibility of all entries at all points in the process.
A committee of external readers will conduct a first-round assessment of entries to determine a longlist, and that longlist will then be reviewed by a panel of expert judges. The longlist will not be made public.
In all matters relating to conditions of entry, the decision of the organisers is final.
Expectations of participants
The Next Chapter program is offered to help writers develop a specific piece of work during a 12-month period engaged by The Wheeler Centre.
All successful applicants have a unique experience as part of The Next Chapter program. 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 based on individual circumstances. These expectations will be documented through a fellowship agreement between The Wheeler Centre and participants.
At all stages, mentors and other support people for recipients are selected based on individual fit. The purpose of this program 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 program are to ensure that each participant:
Aims to complete a finished manuscript within 12 months of the official commencement of the program;
Participates in a 12-month mentorship, including being open to receiving and engaging with criticism and constructive feedback from their mentor;
Participates in professional development activities (dependent on availability) (e.g. publisher pitching workshops, attendance at writers’ festivals, residency at Varuna, The National Writers’ House, etc.);
As a part of the fellowship, selected writers may be offered the opportunity to be taken on a ‘writing trip’ to a festival or a writing course/retreat (this may require overseas travel, where circumstances allow).
Participates in quarterly reporting and meetings with The Wheeler Centre about the program (online or in person depending on circumstance); and
Participates in The Wheeler Centre’s communications and promotion of the program (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.
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.
The Wheeler Centre values freedom of expression, but we will not tolerate bullying, discrimination or racism in our building, on our stages or in our public platforms, including The Next Chapter.