The Dayton Literary Peace Prize, inaugerated in 2006, is the first and only annual U.S. literary award recognizing the power of the written word to promote peace. The Dayton Literary Peace Price 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.

Nominations may include issues of human rights— universal rights that should apply to everyone, but nominations must focus on the theme of peace. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize is designated for works that characterize peace as: ending or seeking to end conflict—personal, national or international; establishing concord between and among people; or showing the consequences of persons, nations or institutions that recklessly disrupt personal harmony or universal accord.

Award Criteria for both fiction and nonfiction:

• Nominated works must focus on a central message of peace, broadly defined as increasing harmony and understanding between and among people. Peace may be addressed as it applies to families, communities, nations, ethnic groups, cultures and religions.

• Nominated works must have significant and enduring literary value.

• Nominated works must appeal to a variety of audiences.

• Nominated works for the upcoming award season must have a copyright date of January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.