Author vs Writer
Although there may be some differences between an author and a writer, these two terms are often confused in the English language due to the similarities in their meanings. The word “author” can be used as both a noun and a verb, while “writer” is a popular noun with phrases such as “writer’s block” and “writer’s cramp” in existence. Both terms have their origins in Middle and Old English.
Who is an Author?
An author is someone who writes books regularly, often referred to as a fiction writer. They do not write on a daily basis and their main goal is to complete the book they are working on. Once the book is finished, they may or may not continue writing.
Who is a Writer?
A writer, on the other hand, is someone who contributes to magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications through their writing. They also write books and other written materials including poems and short stories. Non-fiction writers are generally called writers, making the term “author” a subset of “writer.” Writers typically write on a daily basis and continue to do so throughout their lives. They work on various projects and occasionally produce books in the form of poems, short stories, novels, and both fiction and non-fiction.
Key Takeaways
- The main difference between an author and a writer is that an author writes books regularly, while a writer contributes to various publications and writes other written materials.
- Fiction writers are typically called authors, while non-fiction writers are usually called writers.
- Authors do not write as regularly as writers and focus on completing their books, whereas writers continue to write throughout their lives.
