Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced today that the Next Chapter Award 2021 is open for applications. Now in its seventh year, the award seeks submissions from talented yet unpublished writers over the age of 40.
Previous winners include Gail Honeyman, author of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which was named book of the year at the British Book Awards in 2018. It was also the most borrowed e-book of last year. Ryan O’Connor, who won the Next Chapter Award two years ago, recently signed a two-book deal with Scribe. His debut novel The Voids will be published in 2022.
The Next Chapter Award supports an emerging writer for whom finding time and space to write has proved especially challenging. Developing a specific piece of work to publication standard will be the central aim of the award and applicants must demonstrate genuine potential for publication.
Run by Scottish Book Trust, the award provides a £2000 bursary; nine months of mentoring from a writer or industry professional; a two-week retreat at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre; training in PR, social media and performance and the opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents.
The winner of last year’s Next Chapter Award, Olive M. Ritch, is currently working on a poetry collection, inspired by her career in social work and her home town of Orkney.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “The Next Chapter Award proves that it’s never too late to start writing, as seen from the success of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
“The award gives the gift of time and support to write, something that many struggle to fit around their daily lives. We look forward to finding new, exciting talent within Scotland’s literary scene.”
Olive M. Ritche said: “Being the recipient of this year’s Next Chapter Award has given me a tremendous boost. As a poet of a certain age, I much appreciate the Next Chapter Award’s support for a writer over the age of forty as it is an implicit acknowledgement of the fact that age does not diminish ambition.
“I am currently working on a collection of poetry with the support of an inspiring mentor. I am also enjoying being part of a writing community. Do apply for the Next Chapter Award – it is a life-changing experience.”
The award is open to poets, novelists, authors of narrative non-fiction and children’s authors who are 40 years of age or above. The closing date is Wednesday 2 September at midday.
Visit Scottish Book Trust’s website for more information.