National Author’s Day is celebrated every year on November 1st, honoring the writers who create the books that entertain, inform, and move us.
History of National Author’s Day
National Author’s Day traces back to 1928, when Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, president of the Bement, Illinois Book Club, was deeply moved after reading Irving Bacheller’s novel “Eben Holden’s Last Day A-Fishing.” Inspired by the impact the book had on her, McPherson wrote a heartfelt letter to Bacheller expressing her gratitude, and the experience led her to believe authors deserved broader recognition for their work.
McPherson proposed the idea to her book club, which endorsed a resolution for National Author’s Day in 1929. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs also endorsed the observance that same year. It wasn’t until 1949, however, that the U.S. Department of Commerce officially recognized National Author’s Day, cementing November 1st as the annual date. After McPherson’s death in 1968, her granddaughter, Sue Cole, continued promoting the observance, encouraging people to write thank-you notes to their favorite living authors.
How to Celebrate National Author’s Day
- Write a thank-you note or letter to a favorite living author
- Read a book by an author you’ve never tried before
- Visit a local library or independent bookstore
- Support an author by leaving a genuine, thoughtful review of their work
- Share your favorite book or author on social media
Fun Facts About National Author’s Day
- National Author’s Day was inspired by Nellie Verne Burt McPherson’s admiration for author Irving Bacheller’s novel.
- The observance was formally endorsed in 1929 but not officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce until 1949.
- McPherson’s granddaughter, Sue Cole, continued promoting the day after her grandmother’s death in 1968.
- National Author’s Day falls at the very start of November, coinciding with the beginning of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
- A common way to celebrate involves flying the American flag on November 1st, a tradition suggested by Sue Cole as a way to honor American authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Author’s Day?
National Author’s Day is celebrated annually on November 1st.
Who started National Author’s Day?
Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, president of an Illinois book club, proposed the idea in 1928 after being deeply moved by a novel from author Irving Bacheller.
When was National Author’s Day officially recognized?
While the idea was endorsed in 1929, it wasn’t until 1949 that the U.S. Department of Commerce officially recognized National Author’s Day.