The Nordic Council Literature Prize is given for a piece of literature written in one of the languages spoken in the Nordic countries. The work must show "very high quality in writing and art." Created in 1962, the prize is given each year and is worth 350,000 Danish kroner (2008). Works that can be entered are usually novels, plays, poetry collections, short stories, essays, or other works that were published for the first time in the last four years. For works written in Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish, they must have been published in the last two years. This prize is one of the most respected awards Nordic authors can receive.

A judging committee chosen by the Nordic Council selects the winner. The committee has ten members, two each from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. These members are usually experts in literature from their own country and nearby countries. Extra members may join the committee if works are nominated from areas like Åland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, or the Sami language region. In addition to the money prize, the goal of the award is also to "help people learn more about the literature of nearby countries and strengthen Nordic cultural connections."

Committee members as of 2025

As of 2025, the jury is made up of the following proper elected members. The jury also includes deputy members, appointed members, and ex officio members.