authorcraftn.
/ˈɔːθəkrɑːft/, /ˈɔːθəkraft/, U.S. /ˈɔθərˌkræft/, /ˈɑθərˌkræft/ The art or skill of an author; the exercise of this. Also: the product of an author's skill.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > [noun]
bookcraftOE
fayingc1200
pena1387
composition1577
penwork1596
book writing1600
pencraft1600
composure1601
authoragea1628
literature1663
authorism1702
authorship1710
letters?1710
authoring1742
authorcraft1746
penwomanship1776
penmanship1793
authorhood1832
creative writing1837
pen-and-inkeryc1909
1746 Remarks Power & Patriotism 28 The whole Scheme of this Introduction is as compleat a Piece of Author-Craft as I have ever met with.
1777 P. Thicknesse Year's Journey France & Spain I. xxv. 215 A man well versed in author craft might write thirteen little volumes upon subjects so very singular.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary I. xiv. 304 The mysteries of author-craft.
1841 T. Carlyle On Heroes ii. 106 All art and authorcraft are of small amount to that.
1872 W. H. Dixon W. Penn (rev. ed.) vii. 60 An attempt in author-craft which brought him into conflict with men.
1912 O. Elton Surv. Eng. Lit. I. xiii. 416 Its aims were in no sense æsthetic, and in its early articles there is little authorcraft.
1969 E. Bullins Five Plays 221 I am here to become acquainted with the formal aspects of authorcraft.
2012 Toronto Star (Nexis) 30 July a2 Alliteration is such a low form of authorcraft, isn't it?
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1746