Edan Lepucki

I still can't believe that I went on 'The Colbert Report' myself; for the appearance I wore a lot of makeup, my hair was curled like a poodle's, and I could barely breathe in my Spanx undergarments. But, hey - an authoress has to lean in, right?

American Novelist

Margo Jefferson

Several elementary school teachers had described me as a 'future authoress or poetess.' Mother took me to meet Chicago's leading black librarian, who published a poem of mine in the magazine she edited for Negro children.

American Critic

Used especially for a female author; 'author' is more common today and gender-neutral.

Gender Specific

Some may consider 'authoress' old-fashioned; 'author' is preferred in contemporary contexts.

Potentially Outdated

Recent cultural shifts focus on gender equality, hence 'author' is frequently used for all genders.

Authoress