Is There a Difference between a Writer and an Author?

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People tend to use “writer” and “author” interchangeably. However, they’re not really the same thing. And when it comes to these kinds of similar words, knowing their distinction is even more important.

Who is a Writer?

Put simply, a writer is someone who writes. It’s a catch-all term that applies to many types of writing. 

You can call yourself a writer, whether you write fiction or nonfiction, long-form or short-form, professionally or casually. You’re a writer even if you solely write diary entries that only you will ever read.

Types of Writers

There are many types of writers. Here are just a few:

  • Content writer—creates web content such as blogs for themselves or other companies.
  • Copywriter—creates written outputs for marketing or advertising purposes.
  • Journalist—works in the media industry, researching and writing stories and information relevant to the public.
  • Screenwriter—writes scripts for movies, television series, and documentaries.
  • Technical writer—writes technical documents such as user guides, how-to’s, manuals, and white papers.
  • Fiction writer—focuses on writing fictional stories and other creative works such as fantasy, horror, and science fiction.
  • Nonfiction writer—focuses on writing facts-based works memoirs, biographies, and self-help books.
  • Academic writer—focuses on writing scholarly works usually in a specific field of study.

The possibilities are almost endless for being a writer. You’re one no matter your chosen genre, form, industry, and motivation.

Who is an Author?

An author is someone who creates original concepts and ideas for a literary work. This can include coming up with the initial idea of a story and developing its plot and characters. In most cases, they’re also the ones who write the actual piece, though it’s not necessary.

They are also formally published. So someone who has written a manuscript isn’t an author yet. They have to take it to the next level by getting their books printed and distributed too. 

For this reason, all authors are writers but not all writers are authors. However, with the rise of self-publishing, it is now easier than ever to become an author.

Writer Vs. Author: The Key Differences

Here are the key differences between being a writer and an author.

1. Origin of Ideas

To be an author, your work must come from your own ideas and perspectives. In other words, you’re the originator. 

A writer will often write a piece using someone else’s ideas or be assigned to a topic. Content writers usually write content that is dictated by their client’s niche and preferences.

2. Ownership

Being the original creator, authors have full ownership of their published works. That’s unless they sell or transfer the rights to their works.

Writers often write works that are owned by another, such as an employer or client. For example, staff writers may get credit for but don’t own the pieces they write for their company.

3. Publication

You receive author status when you publish and sell your work. It doesn’t matter if it is fiction or nonfiction. More often it’s a book but it can also be a short story!

An author also typically publishes their works under their name—unless they opt to use a pen name. This is a big part of their status as an author. 

Writers, on the other hand, often create works that aren’t credited to them. For example, ghostwriters frequently produce books, articles, and speeches that are attributed to someone else, usually a public figure or busy professional. 

4. Creative Control

Authors accept outside feedback from readers and editors but still hold complete creative control of their works. Writers usually write under specific guidelines or parameters that are set by an employer or client.

A Question on Authorship

Writing is an art and art is often subjected to constant debate. An interesting question that regularly comes up is whether someone can be called an author without being involved in the writing process.

We often think of authors as being writers themselves. However, it’s also common for authors to hire professional writers to create their manuscripts. Public figures such as celebrities, politicians, and business leaders often do this. 

See, an author is someone who originates ideas. The word itself comes from the Latin auctor, meaning “originator”. They provide the core elements of a story but don’t necessarily have to be the one who writes it. 

Sometimes an author does write the manuscript but also hires someone to help them write it. In both cases, it’s usually only the author who is credited. 

Many people think that such authors aren’t proper authors as they rely on someone else’s writing skills. They feel that a ghostwritten piece isn’t authentic or has a personal connection to the credited author. 

However, ghostwriters often work closely with an author to ensure a piece fully reflects their voice and vision. The author also puts a lot of work into coming up with ideas and controlling the piece’s creative direction.

There’s no real answer to this debate. But it does bring up interesting conversations about writing as both an art and a career.

Why Do You Need to Know the Difference?

When pursuing a writing career, it’s often difficult to label yourself. What makes you this and not that? What even is the difference?

Mislabeling yourself also means mispositioning yourself in the market. This negatively affects you in a lot of ways, including attracting the wrong clients and audience. 

By knowing how best to present yourself, you can more clearly communicate what you provide as well as navigate certain writing and publishing processes. Remember, your expertise doesn’t only stem from your writing but also your professional skills.

Conclusion

An “author” is simply a more specific form of writer. Its primary distinction from other writers is that an author has published and sold their works.

Both involve the craft of writing. Which one you are entirely depends on your writing goals. One thing is for certain: you need to write. You won’t be much of a writer or an author if you don’t. 

Would you call yourself a writer or an author? Share your thoughts below!

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