Difference Between Author and Writer

When it comes to the world of literature, the terms author and writer are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. Understanding the difference between an author and a writer can help you appreciate the work of these creative individuals better. In this article, we will explore the definitions of author and writer, their similarities, differences, relationship, advantages, disadvantages, and provide examples of each.

What is an Author?

An author is a person who is the originator or creator of a literary work, such as a novel, poem, or screenplay. The author is responsible for the ideas, plot, characters, and overall structure of the work. They are the ones who conceptualize, plan, and execute the entire writing process. An author has the legal right to claim ownership of the written work and receive royalties for its publication.

What is a Writer?

A writer, on the other hand, is a person who writes. The term writer can refer to anyone who puts pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to create a piece of written work. This can include journalists, screenwriters, bloggers, copywriters, and more. Unlike an author, a writer may not necessarily be the creator of the original ideas, plot, or characters. They may be hired to write an adaptation or to produce a piece of content for a specific purpose.

Definition and Meaning

Definition of Author and Writer

The table below provides a detailed definition of both author and writer.

Author Writer
Originator/Creator of a work A person who writes
Responsible for plot, ideas, and May not be the originator of the
structure of work ideas or plot
Legally owns the work May not own the work

Meaning of Author and Writer

The table above provides a summary of the meaning of author and writer. An author is the originator or creator of a work, responsible for its plot, ideas, and overall structure, and legally owns the work. On the other hand, a writer is a person who writes, may not necessarily be the creator of the original ideas or plot, and may not own the work.

Differences - Relationships - Similarities

What's the Difference Between Author and Writer?

The main difference between an author and a writer is the level of creative input and control they have over the work. An author is responsible for the ideas, plot, characters, and overall structure of the work, whereas a writer may not necessarily have creative control over these elements. Additionally, an author legally owns the work and receives royalties for its publication, whereas a writer may not own the work.

What's the Relationship Between Author and Writer?

An author and writer can be the same person, but they can also be two different individuals. An author can hire a writer to produce a piece of content for them, or a writer can adapt an existing work into a screenplay or novel.

What Is the Similarities Between Author and Writer?

The similarities between an author and a writer lie in their ability to create written work. Both an author and a writer have the skills and creativity to produce quality writing that can entertain, educate, or inform their audience.

Table of Advantages and Disadvantages

The table below provides a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of being an author or a writer.

Advantages Disadvantages
Author  
1. Creative control over work 1. High pressure to produce successful
2. Ownership of work works
3. Potential for higher royalties 2. Difficulty in getting published
  3. Limited audience for certain genres
Writer  
1. Opportunities for collaboration 1. Lack of creative control over the
  work
2. Exposure to different writing styles 2. Uncertainty of income
3. Variety of projects to work on 3. Need to constantly find new clients
  or projects to work on

Example:

To further illustrate the difference between an author and a writer, let's take the example of the popular book series "Harry Potter." J.K. Rowling is the author of the series, as she was the originator of the plot, characters, and overall structure of the story. She legally owns the work and receives royalties for its publication. However, the screenwriters who adapted the books into films, such as Steve Kloves, are considered writers as they were hired to produce a screenplay based on the existing work.

Table of Comparison

The table below provides a summary of the comparison between an author and a writer.

Author Writer
Originator/Creator of a work A person who writes
Responsible for plot, ideas, and May not be the originator of the
structure of work ideas or plot
Legally owns the work May not own the work
Higher creative control over work Limited creative control over work
Potential for higher royalties Income uncertainty
Difficulty in getting published Opportunities for collaboration

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the terms author and writer may be used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two. An author is the originator or creator of a work, while a writer is a person who writes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and they can work together or separately to create quality written work. Understanding the difference between an author and a writer can help you appreciate their work better and recognize the level of creative control and ownership they have over their work.