The Difference Between Author And Writer Explained
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between author and writer? If you are working on a book of your own, it might be helpful to know how to position yourself and what’s the difference between these two.
When it comes to writing, there is often a lot of confusion between the terms "author" and "writer." So, what exactly is the difference between an author and a writer?
What Is The Difference Between Author And Writer?
The word "author" comes from the Latin word "auctor," which means "originator" or "creator." An author is often someone with expertise in a particular subject matter.
In short, an author is a person who originates the ideas, plot, or content for a literary work, while a writer is a person who actually writes the book, article, or other pieces.
However, there is a bit more to it than that. Let's take a closer look at the definitions of author and writer, and explore some of how they differ.
Who Is An Author?
As we mentioned, an author is responsible for originating the concepts behind a piece of writing. This can include coming up with the initial idea for the story, developing the characters and plot, and crafting the overall message or theme of the work. In many cases, an author will also be involved in the actual writing process, though this is not always the case.
In addition to originating the ideas behind a literary work, an author may also be responsible for its publication. This includes making decisions about where and how the work will be published and marketing and promoting the finished product.
Who Is A Writer?
A writer, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for the actual act of writing. This includes putting the words on the page (or screen), crafting the sentences and paragraphs, and ensuring that the finished product is grammatically correct and flows well. Sometimes, a writer may also be involved in the story's development or characters, but this is typically not their primary focus.
It's important to note that, while an author may be a writer, not all writers are authors. That is, not everyone who writes creates their own original content. Instead, many writers simply put other people's ideas into words, or they may specialize in a specific type of writing, such as technical writing or copywriting.
Think about ghostwriters, for example. These are writers hired to write books or articles on behalf of someone else. The ghostwriter may come up with some of the ideas, but they are not considered the author since they are not the original content creators.
So Are You An Author Or A Writer?
Now that you know the difference between an author and a writer, you might wonder which one you are. The truth is, you can be both! Many people who write also have ideas for stories or articles that they eventually want to see in print, making them authors and writers. And, of course, many people write without any intention of ever being published; they simply enjoy the act of writing itself.
If you self-publish your work, you are both the author and the writer. You are responsible for coming up with the initial idea, developing the story and characters, writing the book, and making decisions about publication. Marketing and promotion may also be part of your self-publishing journey, but that is not always the case.
If you are simply enjoying the act of writing without any intention of being published, then you might consider yourself a writer. You may have ideas for stories or articles, but you are not considered the author since you are not the original content creator. This is perfectly fine! Many people enjoy writing simply for the sake of writing, and there is nothing wrong with that.
No matter what your goals are as a writer, understanding the difference between author and writer can help you better understand your role in the writing process. So whether you're just getting started or you've been writing for years, remember: an author creates while a writer writes. And both are essential to the world of literature!
