Why we’re here
You have a story.We want to read it.
Every writer starts somewhere. Sometimes it begins with a sentence scribbled in a notebook. Sometimes with a story that refuses to leave your head.
For our first anniversary, OHR Publishing is creating something that looks beyond the books we've already published and towards the voices still finding their way to the page.
The Next Chapter is our invitation to young writers across Nigeria to take that story seriously, submit their work, and see where their words can take them.
- 01The word
- 02The manuscript
- 03The Next Chapter
Who can apply
Is this yournext chapter?
- 01
15–20
You are between 15 and 20 years old.
- 02
Nigeria
You are currently enrolled in a senior secondary school or first-year university in Nigeria.
- 03
10,000+
You have a completed manuscript of at least 10,000 words.
- 04
Your own work
Your manuscript is your original work and has not been previously published.
Any genre.Any story.
There are no genre restrictions and no maximum word count.
Fiction, poetry, memoir, fantasy, romance, mystery, essays, or something entirely your own. If you've written it, we want to read it.
What selected writers receive
Your words.Taken seriously.
Getting a story onto the page is only the beginning. The Next Chapter gives selected writers professional support to take their manuscripts further.
Winner
01- 01Full manuscript editing
- 02Proofreading
- 03Cover design
- 04Interior design & typesetting
- 05E-book publication
Two runners-up
02- 01Full manuscript editing
- 02Proofreading
- 03Cover design
- 04Certificate of recognition
From first edit to publication
Every kind of story
Your story.Your way.
There is no single way to tell a story.
There are no genre restrictions and no maximum word count. Whether your story is imagined, remembered, poetic, mysterious or something entirely your own, we want to read it.
Your story does not have to fit a box.
How it works
From manuscriptto The Next Chapter.
- 01
Write
Complete your manuscript. Minimum 10,000 words.
- 02
Apply
Tell us about yourself, your manuscript and your writing.
- 03
Review
Eligible submissions will be reviewed by OHR Publishing.
- 04
Selection
Three writers will be selected: one winner and two runners-up.
- 05
Begin
Selected writers begin their next chapter with OHR Publishing.
Prepare your submission
Beforeyou apply.
Take a moment to make sure you have everything you need before you begin.
- Your manuscript
- Have a completed manuscript of at least 10,000 words ready to upload.
- Your details
- Have your name, contact details and school or university information ready.
- Your story
- Be ready to tell us about your manuscript, yourself and why you wrote it.
- Parent/guardian consent
- Applicants under 18 will need parent or guardian consent.
Applications close
Don’t leave your story in drafts.
Your completed manuscript could be the beginning of something more.
30
September
2026
Applications close
Frequently asked
Questions,answered.
01Who can apply?
You can apply if you are aged 15–20, currently studying in a senior secondary school or first-year university in Nigeria, and meet the other eligibility requirements.
02How long should my manuscript be?
Your manuscript must be at least 10,000 words. There is no maximum word count.
03Can I submit poetry or a less traditional form of writing?
Yes. There are no genre restrictions. Fiction, poetry, memoir, fantasy, romance, mystery, essays and other forms of original writing are welcome.
04Does my manuscript have to be complete?
Yes. You must submit a completed manuscript.
05Can I apply if I have never been published before?
Yes. Previous publishing experience is not required.
06Can I apply if I am under 18?
Yes. Applicants under 18 can apply, but parent or guardian consent is required.
07What happens after I submit?
Eligible submissions will be reviewed by OHR Publishing. One winner and two runners-up will be selected.
The page is only the beginning
Your words are waiting.
You have written the story.
Now give it somewhere to go.