debut author
Literary scene newcomer
A debut author is a writer publishing their first book.
The term appears frequently in publishing industry coverage and book marketing, where debut novels often receive special attention as discoveries: She won the award for best debut author.
The designation typically applies only to the first book in a particular category—a novelist with previous nonfiction may still be called a debut author when their first novel appears.
- first novelAuthor's earliest book-length work
- first bookInitial work published
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- unpublishedNot yet in print
- literary agentAuthor's publishing intermediary
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