An author is the person who creates a literary work, such as a book, poem or play. An author also writes articles and columns for newspapers, magazines or online publications. In addition, an author may be a film maker or video game creator. The word author has a long history and comes from the Latin auctorem, meaning “founder, master, leader.” While many people use the terms writer and author interchangeably, an author brings a little more weight to a written work because he or she was involved in the creation of the ideas behind it.
If you want to be considered an author, it’s important to have the necessary credentials to back up your writing. You can earn credibility through your education, work experience or awards. You can highlight these in your author bio to show readers that you have the knowledge and skills to write about your subject.
For many writers, transforming from a coffee shop scribbler to an author is the ultimate goal. This elusive status is what drives many to keep typing away at their laptops, even when they’re sleepy or tired. However, it’s not easy to become an author. For most people, authorship is reserved for those who have created and published a manuscript that meets certain publishing standards.
In the early 1900s, author as a verb began to decline in usage. However, it experienced a rebirth in the 1960s. This was likely a result of the emergence of filmmaking as an art form, which often carries the label of auteur.
The rebirth of the verb author was further fuelled by the emergence of digital technology. Computers allow users to create and publish their own works without the need for traditional publishing houses or printers. These new kinds of authors are also referred to as citizen journalists and cyborg writers.
When you’re considering becoming an author, it’s a good idea to research your subject thoroughly. You’ll want to know the history of the genre or topic you’re interested in, as well as any notable figures who have written about it. A good place to start is with books, films and documentaries that have been adapted from your topic of choice.
The most successful authors are able to convey their message to readers in a way that’s engaging, informative and compelling. Your author bio is your chance to do this, so it’s important to treat it as such. A well-composed author bio should help persuade readers to choose your book as the one they’ll want to read and share with their friends. A great author bio is honest, unbiased and respectful of the reader. It’s also a chance for you to highlight any special qualifications or achievements that could make it stand out from the competition. For example, if you’ve worked at magazines or publishing houses, this can be a positive aspect of your author bio. However, don’t try to oversell yourself. Your audience will be able to tell when you’re trying to sell them something.