National Authors Day

National Authors Day History

National Authors Day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating the creativity of authors and the influence of their work on society. The day is a tribute to the thought-provoking narratives and tales written by authors, which are capable of transporting readers to alternate realities, revealing diverse perspectives or simply providing entertainment. It serves as a reminder of the inspirational and challenging craft of storytelling.

The seeds of National Authors Day were planted in 1928 when the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, headed by Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, proposed the idea. A teacher and an avid reader, McPherson decided to honor her favorite authors by dedicating a special day to them. In 1949, the U.S. Department of Commerce recognized her initiative and officially designated November 1st as National Authors Day.

On this day, the American populace is encouraged to acknowledge their favorite authors in various ways, such as by writing a tweet or a letter of appreciation to them, or by purchasing their books. Book signings, author visits, and other literary events are common on this day. It’s not just a day to celebrate published authors but aspiring writers are also motivated to partake in events, fostering a love for literature in all. National Authors Day is celebrated each year on November 1st.

National Authors Day facts

• Several authors have written hundreds of books. These include Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, Kathleen Mary Lindsay, Jozef Ignacy Kraszewski, and R. L. Stine.
• The oldest multi-page 'book' ever found was the Etruscan Gold Book. It is estimated to be 2673 years old and has been dated back to 660 BC.
• Authors with the highest salaries include James Patterson, $86 million, JK Rowling, $54 million, Stephen King $27 million, and John Grisham, $21 million.
• The most prolific author by number of books published is Mary Faulkner, who wrote more than 904 books during her lifetime.

In the News and Trending for National Authors Day

Top things to do for National Authors Day

• Find something new to read. Check out Finding Books to Read for some ways to find new books.
• Spread the joy of reading by donating books you've already read. Also, try to donate to reputable organizations that work to improve child literacy like the Children's Literacy Initiative.
• Many independent bookstores organize author meet-and-greet events, book readings, and signings. You can visit your local bookstore and enjoy these events.