William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

The William Saroyan International Prize for Writing is a biennial literary award jointly organised by Stanford University Libraries in California, USA, and the William Saroyan Foundation. The competition recognises newly published books in fiction and nonfiction and is intended to encourage new or emerging writers rather than established authors.

Eligible works must be published in book form between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, primarily in English, and be available for individual purchase by the general public. Fiction entries can include novels, dramas, and short-story or novella collections; nonfiction entries may include memoirs, biography, and history. Poetry and other literary forms outside fiction and nonfiction are not considered. There is no explicit geographic restriction on authors, and self-published books that meet the criteria are eligible.

Winners are selected by a committee appointed by the Stanford University Librarian in consultation with the President of the William Saroyan Foundation. Entries must be submitted to Stanford University Libraries by January 30, 2026, and include a completed entry form, five copies of the book (or an e-book file if no hard copies exist), and a non-refundable $50 entry fee.

Prizes:

• Two awards of $5,000 each are given—one for fiction and one for nonfiction.
• Finalists and winners are listed on the Saroyan Prize website, and winners are typically announced in summer 2026.

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

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