There have been a lot of questions surrounding the difference between a writer and an author. That’s why there are a lot of articles written about it. Since you are reading this, you probably have your own set of questions yourself, like “Is a writer the same as an author?” “When do I know that someone is a writer, or someone is an author?” “Why do I even need to compare the two?” “And when I finally know the difference between the two, does it matter?” Those are just a few of them, right?
Right. You probably have a million questions in mind, but let’s zero in on those questions above.
Is a Writer the same as an Author?
I used to believe they were the same – you know – a writer and an author. Well, at some point, they are the same. Both writer and author express their thoughts and ideas using their writing skills. They scribble away when a thought comes to mind and enjoy doing it. They may have a specific audience in mind as they put their message down digitally or in print, or their works could be for themselves. A writer, like an author, may also write to earn financial gain. Both respect the writing process, a possible reason they engage in it wholeheartedly.
But over the years, I have come to recognize, and as supported by an article entitled “Writer vs. Author: What’s the Difference” written by MasterClass, that all authors are writers, but not all writers are authors.
When do I know that Someone is a Writer or Someone is an Author?
MasterClass and I share a similar answer to that question. The difference may be subtle for others to pay much attention to but vital. Someone becomes an author when his work is published by either a traditional publishing house or a self-publishing company. A writer, on the other hand, although he may also earn money and attention from his written work, may not necessarily opt to or even qualify to become an author. Generally, anyone who has published a novel is typically called an author. They may both write beautiful and engaging stories, but one took a chance to publish his work while the other didn’t have the courage yet to do the same. The latter probably needs more time to be ready. Is it not what most writers tell themselves when they are scared?
Why do I Even Need to Compare the Two?
It is essential to establish a distinct value between the two terms, especially when one wants to decide whether he wants to become an author or not. Is it what you want? If you can picture yourself seeing your work read by different individuals investing time to enjoy it, then you must know the difference and do something about it.
Does it Matter?
The answer is all up to you. It matters that you know what you want. The real question is, are you brave enough to leap becoming an author?