We consider an author as British if they are a citizen or resident of the United Kingdom, or if they have a significant connection to the country and its culture. This can include being born in the UK, growing up there, or spending a significant amount of time living and writing in the country. Ultimately, the designation of “British author” is a cultural label rather than a legal one, and can be subject to interpretation.
For the current times and our context an author is a person who writes books, stories, articles, or other written works. They may write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, and their works can be published in a variety of formats, such as print, electronic, or audio. An author’s focus is to create written content that is meant to be read by others. They may be paid for their work, or they may write as a hobby or as part of their profession.
What makes a “great” British author is subjective and can vary depending on who you ask.
However, generally a great British author is someone who has made a significant impact on literature and has written works that are widely considered to be classics and have stood the test of time.
Additionally, a great British author is someone who may have a unique writing style and voice, and whose works offer an insight into the human experience and capture the essence of the time and place in which they were written.
They may also have a good command of the language, including its idioms, colloquialism and the ability to use it in a way that is both evocative and expressive.
Moreover, a great British author should be able to entertain, educate and enlighten their readers, leaving a lasting impact on them.
There are many ways to judge an author and we are ongoingly reviewing our process – both objectively and subjectively. We have put together an anonymous “Advisory” group, which we will disclose more about in time.
Some of the factors considered include:
It’s worth noting that judging an author is a subjective process and that different people will have different opinions.