Ranking American born authors by their words and works. This list is not limited to fiction or novels, but can include poetry, plays, letters, and essays as well. It will be up to the voters to determine if an author like Harper Lee who wrote one masterpiece is valued over Stephen King who produces more than a book a year which probably detracts from style and craft. This is not a list for "plot creators" but a list for true wordsmiths and prosers. Please choose the author's most important work, as there is no option to lump multiple titles under the same author.