How Is the Nobel Literature Winner Chosen From Around 200 Names Each Year?

Chinese writer Can Xue is among the names attracting attention as possible contenders for this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature. But speculation about the winner is not the same as confirmation of a nomination: the selection process remains confidential.

The Swedish Academy awards the prize, drawing on nominations submitted by eligible literary scholars, academy members, previous laureates and representatives of writers’ organisations. Authors cannot nominate themselves.

From an annual field of around 200 names, the Academy’s Nobel Committee reviews the nominations and narrows the candidates for closer consideration. Academy members then read and assess the leading contenders’ work before making their decision.

The winner is chosen through a vote by the Academy. Until the announcement, public discussion of favourites such as Can Xue offers a glimpse of literary expectations—not an official account of who is in the running.