The Dayton Literary Peace Prize is the first and only annual U.S. literary award recognizing the power of the written word to promote peace. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize invites nominations in adult fiction and nonfiction books published within the past year that have led readers to a better understanding of other cultures, peoples, religions, and political points of view. Both awards carry a $10,000 cash prize. English-language books must have a printed first U.S. copyright date of 2022. There may be some exceptions for English-language books published outside the U.S.
Nominated works should focus on peace: increasing understanding between and among people as individuals or within and between families, communities, nations, ethnic groups, cultures and religions. Works should have enduring literary value and should appeal to a variety of audiences.
Nominated works should characterize peace as:
- ending or seeking to end conflict—personal, national or international;
- establishing concord between and among people; or
- showing consequences of persons, nations or institutions recklessly disrupting personal harmony or universal accord.
Both awards carry a $10,000 cash prize. $5,000 is given to runner-ups.
Deadline: March 3, 2023
