Seems to me that the "songwriter" bit is what the singer/songwriter is most proud of (because it's the "clever" bit?), whereas for the potential audience it is the bit which causes most trepidation.

I have in the past had to sit through song after song which no doubt meant a lot to the songwriter, but which left the audience cold. I do believe audiences need a fair amount of familiarity to relate to - a sense of security almost. The fear on seeing "singer songwriter" advertised is that you may be faced by an evening of self indulgence on the part of the performer.

I would suggest "singer" or "singer/guitarist" (or whatever) so the audience will first assume a range of material, possibly both familiar and unfamiliar.

More specifically, in England, if I saw an unfamiliar "singer/songwriter" advertised, I probably wouldn't go. If it went on to say the guy was really big in Alaska, I still probably wouldn't go.

I suggest you advertise yourself as what you intend to do on stage - call yourself a songwriter only if you intend to write a song during your act.

cheers, Terry