This study examined the relationship between facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR), an established marker of testosterone level and dominance, and eminent writers' achievement. The fWHR of laureates (N = 39) and nominees (N = 247) of the Nobel Prize in Literature 1901-1950 was measured together with historiometric data. It was demonstrated that although high-fWHR writers were nominated at a younger age, they waited longer for the prize than their low-fWHR counterparts. The probability of being awarded was predicted by the number of nominations, but fWHR moderated this association--the relationship between the number of nominations and the award probability was stronger among high-fWHR writers. Theoretical explanations of these findings are presented.