"In the time of your life, live–so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it." –William Saroyan
Stanford University Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation jointly award the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing, a biennial competition for newly-published books. The prize commemorates the life, legacy and intentions of William Saroyan - author, artist, dramatist, composer - and is intended to encourage new or emerging writers, rather than to recognize established literary figures.
Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 Saroyan Prize (for books published in 2024 and 2025). The deadline for entries is January 30, 2026. Please read our FAQ page for complete eligibility requirements.
