An author is a person who creates and writes a formal literary work, such as a book. An author can write a variety of genres and may choose to work in either fiction or nonfiction. The term author is used in the context of both professional writers and amateur authors. In general, a person who creates an entire book is considered to be an author, but the same definition can also apply to a journalist who writes articles or to a blogger who writes posts. Even a film director who takes charge of the creative direction of the movie script is considered to be an author, because they are responsible for the overall concept and structure of the film.
An important aspect of determining whether an author is great is the impact that their writing has had on society. This is a difficult thing to measure, but can include things like critical acclaim and popularity. It can also include social media discussion and the presence of the author in the media, such as television or film appearances. Other factors that can help define an author’s greatness are their writing style and the ability to convey ideas in a way that resonates with people.
While the verb author has made a resurgence in the English language, it was once viewed as a pretentious synonym for write. However, careful use has allowed it to take on a connotation that is distinct from the common meaning of write. A novel or screenplay, for example, can be “authored,” but a school essay is not.
The word is derived from the Latin autour, which means originator or creator. The h is unetymological, though; this may be from the Middle French spelling autheur. The word is often contrasted with the similar concept of auteur, which is used in the film industry to describe a filmmaker who maintains complete control over the production of his or her work.
When describing an author, it is also important to note any notable awards and accolades that they have received. These can be a sign of a certain level of recognition in the literary world and can help to sell books. In addition, it is often important to consider the cultural impact that an author has had, such as if their work has appeared on popular lists or been adapted into other forms of media.
Lastly, it is always a good idea for an author to share some personal information. This can help readers to connect with the book more and can provide a reason for them to purchase it. This can include things like a list of their backlist of books, their awards and education, and any high-profile accomplishments they have achieved (like a big-deal book tour or high-profile interviews). It is important not to get too carried away with this, however; claims that an author has a quarter-million followers on Twitter will likely be skimmed by potential readers.