The Difference Between Being a Writer and Being an Author

All authors are writers, but not all writers are authors. 

Sounds simple right?

Although these terms can be used interchangeably by some they actually hold different meanings to those who use them.  

There are Different Kinds of Writers 

• Blog Writers
• Copywriters
• Content Writers 
• Journalist 
• Ghostwriters 

and 

There are Different Kinds of Authors 

• Fiction/ Nonfiction 
• Poetry 
• Playwright
• Screenwriter

So what's the big difference between a writer and an author?

Well, writers write and authors go around the house complaining they have no time to write as they have to take out the trash, walk the dog, mow the driveway, wax the ceiling, and polish the cardboard. 

Well, that's not entirely accurate, sometimes we actually manage to sit at our computers and stare at our blank pages and complain that our characters were misbehaving too much for us to write about them. 

I might be projecting a bit here, but procrastination and lack of time are one of the most plaguing things our authors of today face, maybe we should start a club about it. Write flyers and make banners, at least we'll be doing something more productive than waiting for the grass to grow just so that we can go cut it again. 

Other than my attempt at self-deprecating humor the difference between a writer and an author is what term you feel fits you better. 

A writer is someone who writes, this can be for their own personal enjoyment without ever intending on publishing their work, or in the professional sense such as the examples listed above, a writer may write for work, but that doesn't mean they make writing their work. 

On the other hand, an author is typically a writer who has gone the extra step of publishing their work whether it be a novel, a story collection, a series of essays, or even poetry. 

The two terms can be used interchangeably depending on which one you believe fits you better. Some authors are insulted to be called nearly a writer and some of us are just happy that we've been acknowledged for having something to do with words instead of the crazy person down the road that sits in the yard with a ruler and a pair of scissors watching the grass grow. 

Best of luck and with all my love,

Keep writing! 

B.K. xoxo

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