I have used the terms writer and author interchangeably a hundred times. Until one day, I came across a post about the difference between a writer and an author. So I searched it up. According to the Britannica dictionary, a writer is someone who can create written stuff like poems, books, people's thoughts, diary etc. Meanwhile, an author is someone who writes formally, has published their work, and claimed it publicly.
Although the difference is barely distinguishable. You need to know what label you are selecting for your future career, if you are pursuing a writing career in future. Here are some points that separates an author and a writer from each other. By the end, you’ll know if you are a writer or author.
We all know both writers and authors work with words. They write as a passion or as a profession. But they're roles are different. A writer can be anyone who can write articles, stories, but doesn't share it with the public. If you write for yourself, or can compose romantic sonnets or poems in your backyard for years without anyone ever finding your work, you are a writer. An author, on the other hand, can be anyone who has published their work or just shares it with others in any form. Basically they take writing seriously and focus on sharing it with the public through print or digital publishing.
In short, any author can be called a writer. But not every writer is an author ( not even those who write letters to others).
Your choice: Should you be an author or a writer?
The foremost thing you need to become an author and writer is great writing skills. If you enjoy writing freely like journals, short stories, blogs, etc. then you can pursue your career as a writer. But if you want to share your message or story in book form to the public, then you can become an author. Let's do an author vs writer breakdown to help you choose.
You Choose To Be An Author
It means you are now ready to express your story or ideas to the public. You can become an author by writing, editing, designing, and publishing your book by yourself or through a book writing company like Ace Book Publishers.
But there are pros and cons to everything, so knowing them will help you choose better.
- As an author, you can be recognized, and you’ll earn the trust of millions of readers. ( You can become famous)
- You can have a long time impact. Means you can help a lot of people with your book for years.
- You can have a passive income.
- You can strengthen your status as a professional writer. You can even build your brand as a public speaker, business partner, and professional book industry.
- On the other hand, you need commitment to write a book ( which is the reason why many prefer being a writer)
- You need to invest in book production.
- You have to write up to readers' expectations, which can be pressurizing.
- It takes time to build a career.
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You Choose To Be Writer
You can write different types of content like copywriting, blogs, articles, and magazines for different clients without any pressure of publishing. Let's see what are the perks of being a writer.
- You have a flexible job. You can write for any niche, like poetry, journalism, social media content, etc.
- You can work with multiple companies ( even the famous ones like Ace Book Publishers).
- You can earn per word daily through multiple projects.
- But as a writer, you’ll have no recognition in public. You’ll be a ghostwriter or content writer behind the scenes.
- No freedom of writing. You have to write according to the clients.
- No ownership of your work.
Basically, you can choose either, or you can even become both. Some people become writers, then when they are ready, they pursue their career as an author or published writer. Some release books and then choose to be writers.
The vast world of writers and authors
You may be confused about your role. Like, am I an author or a writer? To solve your confusion, I have decided to discuss different types of authors and writers.
Are You A Writer?
The scope as a writer is enormous. You can write blogs, magazines, speeches, scripts, etc. Let's see in detail about the different types of writers.
- Creative Writer
If you write stories, poems, etc. you are a creative writer. You can call yourself novelist and poet.
- Content Writer
If you write online content like posts, blogs, website content, and articles for brands and businesses then you are a content writer.
- Copywriter
If you write content like ads, product descriptions, salesy content, slogans, taglines, etc to promote a product or service then you are a copywriter.
- Technical Writer
If you write manuals, how-to guides, and instruction content then you are a technical writer.
- Academic Writer
If you write research papers, essays, journals, textbooks, and educational material then you are an academic writer.
- Business Writer
If you are an expert in writing proposals, PPTs, business plans, and more, then you are a business writer.
- Scriptwriter / Screenwriter
If you write plots, scripts for movies, plays, radio, and shows, then you are a scriptwriter.
- Journalist
If you cover new related content like interviews, magazines, reports, etc, then you are a journalist.
- Grant Writer
If you write applications to secure funding for nonprofits or research work, then you are a grant writer.
- Ghostwriter
If you write content without getting credit, or if that is officially someone else, like a book, then you are a professional ghostwriter.
- SEO Writer
If you write optimized content for search engines like keywords, then you are an SEO writer.
- Social Media Writer
If you create posts, captions, or micro-content for online websites, then you are a social media writer.
Are You An Author?
Now, let's discuss different types of authors and if you are one of them or not.
- Fiction Author
You write stories about imaginary characters and worlds of multiple genres and publish it online then you are a fiction author.
- Nonfiction Author
You write research-based content or books like biographies, self-help, etc.
- Children's Author
You create books for children like picture books, or middle grade stories.
- Self-Published Author
You are self publishing a book and own work independently, managing production, etc.
Skills Overlap, But Goals Are Different
Some author writers have the same skills like storytelling or research work, etc, but what the difference is, a writer is not publishing his work. A writer may work fast and produce short pieces for many clients and meanwhile authors need time for producing a full book.
What gives a person the right to call themselves an "Author"?
If a person creates a full work intended for the public or readers then they can call themselves an author. In author writing, you need to be professional and have everything required for publishing, like an ISBN or a literary agent, etc. You don't have to earn an award or bestseller status; you can be an author if you have published a work
You can hire a book writing company or self publish your book on top platforms. That's all you need to be called an author.
Can you call yourself an author if you have published with ghostwriters a book?
Yes, anyone who publishes with ghostwriters can call themselves authors. Why? Because ghostwriting is a service, you pay others (ghostwriters) to write for you without any credits. You are the one who guides them about your idea and they simply write them. And the ghostwriters fully acknowledge this condition of your name appearing on the book. You can find a ghostwriter from freelance websites or through a legitimate company like Ace Book Publishers.
However, you can choose to be transparent about the writing process when asked in interviews or awards. Many famous authors have their books written by ghostwriters. Hiring a ghostwriter is totally legal, so you can get one and still be recognized as the book’s official author.
Are published short story writers considered authors?
Absolutely. You are an author if you have published your short stories.
Why they are authors
It doesn't matter if you have produced a short story, or long story, a novella, or poem, etc. If you have published original work, then you are an author. Even if it is published in a magazine, in the corner of a newspaper, or any book. You call Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King authors. Why? Because they have published their work even if it is a short story or a full book.
Can fanfiction writers call themselves authors as well?
Yes. You are an author even if you write fanfictions. Let's see why they are authors.
They write stories
Anyone who produces original content is an author. Fanfiction writers write plots, dialogues, and full stories, even if the characters are not original, they use their writing skills that is enough to attract readers and let them enjoy the side stories.
They create full stories
Fanfiction writers use the same skills as authors like they produce multi- chapter novels, alternative universes, retellings, short stories, and spin-offs.
Publication is not the only requirement
If you can write, complete and share a story on any online platform, you are an author. You don't need to go through the publication process.
The fanfiction community already acknowledges
Fanfiction readers on AO3, Wattpad and FanFiction.net already acknowledge you as an author.
There are many examples
Many famous authors started as fanfiction writers. So if you write fanfiction and share it with others, you are an author. I am not naming any fanfiction author but you can search on fanfiction forums.
Wrapping Up
If you love writing then becoming an author or a writer, both are perfect options. If you are an author, you need to be responsible, committed, and passionate enough to write for others or readers. Meanwhile, as a writer you can write as a free soul (if it is not for clients). All of these differences can help you choose better for your future career. Long story short, any author can be a writer but not all writers are authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
If someone produces original content and shares it to others they are an author. It can be a book, poem, article, fanfiction, short story or anything meant for readers.
An author is anyone who writes, edits, and produces original work for their fans and readers. If you can develop ideas, make stories, and produce them in a full piece for readers, you are an author. You can publish books, research papers, articles, and more written content.
You spell it as A,u,t,h,o,r and pronounce it as Aw-thar. It means founder, leader. Bow down to the author! which is not necessary, just know the one who produces original and gets the credit for their work is the author.
If someone writes a written content like ads, scripts, stories, essays, reports for fun, or for work is a writer. You can write freely or as a professional.