So. When do you start calling yourself “a writer?”, as in, “I’m a writer, please go easy on me with the bad news.”
When you finish a novel?
When you spend a certain amount of time doing it?
When you decide it’s what you want to do?
When you have an agent?
Upon publication of your first novel?
And what about “author?”
Vegas Linda Lou says
This hits a nerve for me. I get annoyed by people who call themselves writers when they haven’t even bothered to learn the proper use of a semicolon. You can call yourself a writer if you’ve committed yourself to studying the craft. The ability to slap words onto a page doesn’t make someone a writer. There’s a big difference between a writer and a storyteller!
You become an author when you have written a completed body of work, regardless of whether it’s been published. I am the author of “Bastard Husband: A Love Story.” My manuscript has yet to be published, but I’m still the author. Who else would it be?
ryan field says
Unless I’m promoting something, I just say I work in publishing.
Tiffany Schmidt says
I’m a runner when I run, a reader while I turn pages, and a teacher when I’m in front of my class. So why wouldn’t I be a writer if I write?
Like RW, I spend a lot of my day trying to convince my students that they are writers, with the potential of being even better writers if they take risks with their words (and check their grammar!).
As for author, I’m in the once-your-book-is-published club.
Sarah says
Published book = author
Writer?
I’d like to go with a writer being someone who writes (I like RW’s point), but then you’d have to include folks who think running spellcheck counts as revision. (I’ve met a few. They annoy me.)
I’d say you’re a writer if you:
*write regularly
*work at it (revisions, incorporating GOOD criticism, etc.)
*have to write
*would never, ever say that it’s easy
DebraLSchubert says
I’m a singer/songwriter/musician as well as a novelist. All serious musicians “self-publish” i.e., make recordings of their music. Does it matter whether the recordings took place in a small 8-track studio, or a large 24+ track studio? Or are you only a professional musician once you get paid? What if it’s only $50 at a local coffee house every weekend? I think it boils down to how much you love and are dedicated to your art.
I’ve written two novels. I didn’t try to get the first one published, but I’m actively seeking representation for the second. I definitely consider myself a writer and an author, and I’ll call myself a published author when I secure a publishing deal. (I don’t think having an agent makes you an author any more than not having one. Sorry, Nathan – nothing personal!)
sex scenes at starbucks says
One doesn’t become an author, until they have a book published.
A book is required to be called an author? I know several authors who write exclusively and successfully in the short story genre who would disagree.
As to the difference, I call myself a writer because I write a lot of different things, from business/marketing writing to short fiction to novels, all for money.
I personally believe there is no loftier title than “Writer” in our industry.
T. Anne says
Vegas Linda Lou,
You had me at Bastard. Cannot wait for the book.
Anonymous says
I think you are a writer when you finish a story, whatever the length, and you’re an author when you are publshed.
Self publishing is iffy. To be honest, when you are published in the traditional sence, it means you’ve been judged and deemed worthy. Self publishing feels as though they are trying to cheet.
Not trying to make anyone mad, but I feel that “author” means published not self published.
Dara says
I called myself a writer when I started devoting most of my free time to it, whether writing or studying the craft. I’ve always been creating stories ever since before I was even able to write (my mom used to transcribe them for me). I probably seriously called myself a writer sometime in high school. That’s when I started reading up on grammar and developing an intriguing story.
I call myself a writer before I say I’m a part time real estate secretary because writing is my passion and I don’t often like to think about my “day job” unless I have to 😛
I think one becomes an author when they are published, which seems to be the general consensus.
Carla Buckley says
I became a writer after I completed my first novel. I became an author after I signed my first publishing contract. Of the two, “author” definitely trumps.
Walter says
Right now, I just write. I say when it’s my full-time career to write, then I’m a writer. Ditto for author. You wouldn’t say, “I’m a plumber” if you happen to be handy with and enjoy bathroom repairs. Even if you don’t it often. If it’s not your career, you wouldn’t call yourself a plumber. Maybe an aspiring plumber?
Julie Weathers says
I said a few years ago to a friend, “I just want to be a writer.”
My friend also happens to be the editor at the horse racing magazine I worked for. She responded, “Why do you think we’ve been sending you a check every two weeks for the past seventeen years?”
“Well, yeah, but I mean a real writer. A novelist.”
“If you get paid for your writing, you’re a writer.”
I suppose, technically, it should be if you can legitimately deduct your writing expenses. Sitting in a garage doesn’t make me a car. Writers should be known by their actions. They write.
An author, for me that would be when I see my name on a book or short story aside from the racing magazine.
jimnduncan says
Oops, small addendum to my prior post. I said Nathan was an editor, which he does, I’m sure, but it’s obviously not what he is. Sorry about that, Nathan. My bad.
J Duncan
L.C. Gant says
I’d have to disagree with those who say that anyone who writes is a writer. I have many friends who claim to write, yet they refuse to let anyone see their work. Ever. I love them, but I don’t consider them actual writers. They just write for a hobby.
To me, writers produce work for an audience, whether that be traditional publication, self-publication or just spoken word night at the local coffeehouse. If you write words that you intend for other people to read, you’re a writer.
Lapillus says
I think a writer is someone who writes with the intent of authoring something.
I think an author is someone who has completed a piece of work. Did they not author it?
Once published, you can add to the title, i.e. published author, professional writer, etc.
Anonymous says
I am a writer, even though only approximately 20 people know it in the world (I write anonymously under pen name). In my mind you are an author when other people declare you are. I have to disagree with saying self-published does not make you an author, if an unsolicited group of people declare you an author then you are an author. Not everyone who fails to go the agent and normal publishing route are unsuccessful. And with the E-book surge we are about to have a shortage of authors in the world if self-publishing nulls the title.
raballard says
A writer becomes a writer when he/she turns in her first “How I spent my summer vacation” essay. You become a writer after you write your first word on a sheet of paper. You don’t have to be particularly good or polished to become a writer. There are millions of writers out there. Not all writers seek attention. Those seeking representation are not exclusive to the moniker “writer”. Everyone that posts on this or any blog is a writer. Anyone, including myself, that attempts to write his or her own blog, is a writer.
We are all here to take the next step. We want so badly to metamorphosis from a writer to an Author.
Point is, if you have ever put pen to paper to finish an essay, you are a writer.
vjaxby says
I hate this question. It always comes down to talentless people conflating themselves with professionals because they occasionally put words onto paper, and hugely talented people selling themselves short because they have yet to see their novel in print. Both terms are meaninglessly divisive without the important modifiers: pro, semi-pro, aspiring, occasional, amateur.
raballard says
I guess a simple I agree with Mira would have been sufficient.
Scott says
I think we should all get over the Self-Publishing bias right here, right now. Would all of us as writers love to be published “mainstream?” Of course! But the reality is that for must of us, it isn’t going to happen. POD is a viable option that’s going to continue to grow and improve in terms of quality.
In terms of the written word, I come from the school of more is better. I think it’s extremely exciting that “publishing” is available to the masses. While it’s sad to see people lose their jobs and publishing houses go under, I think something better will rise in there place. Let the market determine the validity and strength of writers’ work.
It’s a revolution, people. Embrace it!!
Silicon Valley Diva says
Although privately I consider myself a writer, publicly I don’t because I haven’t made any income yet (from my writing).
I would consider an author one who has published and made at least a few sales from that work.
What do I know though–I’m not published yet lol. Another thought-provoking question as always 🙂
Anonymous says
I am a writer, when I write on a regular basis. I am an author when I complete a novel. I am a published author when it is published (self or traditional whether anyone likes it or not). I admit none of it to anyone, unless they personally know me, and even then I am reserved with the announcement.
Stillwalkn says
I’ve been a writer my whole life. I was a journalist for a while, and that is being paid to write. I wrote a lot of feature articles. For a while I had a business called “Putting Words To Work For You” in which I wrote speeches, brochures, grant proposals, etc. Then I entered an industry and I was always the designated writer of reports, proposals, curriculum and so on. When I stopped working for a living, I found myself writing more fiction. I journal, I blog and I write stories, scripts, memoirs. There are all kinds of writers and all kinds of writing. Writers write.
Misssy M says
I would say that you could really only answer the question, “So what do you do?” at parties by saying “I’m a writer” if you are published and it’s what you do in the main for a living.
Any grey area in between will make you come off as a bit deluded.
Harsh, yes, but I’m just going by my own feelings. I’d feel a bit bogus saying it if my earnings from writing paled in significance to say, my job in Blockbuster Video (that’s not what I do for a living but you get the picture)
Furious D says
I’m a writer, because I write novels, as well as a blog.
I’ll be an “author” when I get my novel published. 😉
Anonymous says
For me, being an “author” is not a status in and of itself, but only something that one is vis-a-vis a finished written work.
To be a writer, I’d say when you’ve published one book or two stories.
And self-publishing only counts if you’ve earned more from selling copies than you paid out in publishing/marketing/production costs.
Samantha Tonge says
I agree with Furious D – i’m a writer until i get a novel published and then i’m an author.
I don’t know why i tell people i’m aspiring either – i mean, i am doing it.
Audrianna says
I started calling myself a “writer” when I wrote with the intent of completing an entire project, that wasn’t related to school.
To me, even if I become an “author” (have a work published and read by at least one person), I’ll still be a “writer” in my head because that’s what I’ll be doing! I won’t be authoring a story, I’ll be writing one. (Yes, I know they’re almost the same thing, but writing is what I consider correct in terms of me.)
Back to writing (and probably getting in trouble because I spend to much time on it, according to *ahem* Mom and Dad and Little Bro.)!
Anonymous says
There is little variation between the definition of the two words. Only our vanity or lack of that makes the distinction. We should never demean someone based on their claim to be an author, because technically they are likely right.
Fat Eddie says
I suppose when I have a check I can show my wife. Until then it’s a hobby. Although a fun hobby granted. To call myself an author or a writer sooner would feel like I was pretending or having delusions of grandeur.
PurpleClover says
“Aspiring writer” – no agent
“Writer” – Agent
“Author” – published
That is my interpretation.
I am an aspiring writer. 😉
JES says
The comedian Dimitri Martin does a little bit (okay, they’re ALL little bits) which goes something like this:
“Adult language is full of disappointments for kids. For instance, they say ‘You’ll like your Uncle Max. He’s a cat person.’ [pause for a few beats] So you meet Uncle Max and you’re all, ‘Oh. You LIKE CATS. You’re a cat-liker.’ A cat person is something ELSE.”
I think it’s possible to distinguish between someone who just writes stuff, and someone who’s a writer. One of the comments above mentioned that writing is a verb, therefore anyone who writes is… While granting the point in a small way, I’m not sure about that. I think saying that someone’s a writer has all sorts of CONnotations, not just the literal DEnotation.
Sometimes when somebody tells me s/he’s a writer, and then tells me what s/he does, I feel like the kid meeting Uncle Max the cat person for the first time.
Janet says
I’m not comfortable calling myself a writer until I earn a significant amount of money doing it. I played guitar for years as a proficient amateur, but I would never have thought to call myself a musician. In the proper context I would refer to myself as a guitarist, but normally I would just say that I played guitar.
So I’m at ease saying that I’m writing a book, less comfortable saying I’m a writer, and really uncomfortable calling myself an author, which somehow sounds more exalted than a writer.
Once I sell a manuscript or two, then I’ll happily inform people I’m a writer. Hey, I’ll be writing it on my income tax forms… (Note the optimism.)
Anonymous says
I’m a self-published genre fiction writer (paranormal romance). I’ve sold over 500 copies in just over 3 months, and have also pulled down a handful of 5 star reviews from reputable reviewers. I did all the work myself, from writing to cover design, formating, editing, marketing and everything in between. And my total out-of-pocket cost to get my book listed on Amazon and into the market was less than $20.00.
For those of you who say self-publishing doesn’t count as published or doesn’t make you an author, then what does?
I’m just curious!
PurpleClover says
Ooh, just read Mira’s response. I have to admit it gave me warm fuzzies. But I’m too hard on myself to give myself that much credit of being an author. sigh.
Meg says
Calling myself an author won’t happen until I’m published. Even then it’ll probably take a bit for me to be willing to actually call myself that.
I don’t call myself a writer. If people ask I say I write. My friends call me a writer. And they think I’m super smart and know the definition of every single word because I’ve written a novel. At least they keep me laughing. 🙂
Anonymous says
JK Rowling wrote for years before she published her first book. To me, she was still a writer during that time; just as I consider all of us as writers. Nathan didn’t ask what we claimed as our occupation on our tax forms.
Marla Taviano says
I’ve written four (not self-)published books, and I still have a hard time calling myself an “author.” It sounds snobby. But when I say “writer,” my husband corrects me.
I like your blog.
Scotty says
What 7-iron said, pretty much. In normal everyday conversation, when you say you’re a “writer” you are implying, I think, that you primarily write for a living. This can be anything from ad copy, to magazine fiction or non-fiction, to sketch comedy, to journalism.
You can say you’ve “authored” a book if you’ve had a book published, but you’re not an “author” until you’ve published a few more and it’s what you tell the government that you do (although they take “writer”, they’re not picky, just greedy).
Self-published doesn’t qualify for either, in my opinion. It’s a personal accomplishment on some level, but that’s about it. Even if you sell a few.
I’ve had several pieces of music published, but I think that makes me a “composer”. The fact that I still write songs makes me someone who writes songs, but not a “songwriter” because I don’t make a living doing it.*
*All of the above may or may not be considered “facts” and I’m sure more than one can be disputed.
Ashley says
I became a writer when I was a child, that first time I felt a twinge when I wrote a short story. The twinge, that feeling in my gut that says this is a part of me whether I want it to be or not.
I became an aspiring writer after college when I realised that the only job that could ever make me happy was as an author, and set out to do just that.
I will become an author when I sell my first novel to a publisher. Yes, I’m in that camp.
My opinion, you aren’t a writer unless you feel that twinge. Kicking a soccerball doesn’t make me an athelete, and singing in the shower doesn’t make me a musician, even if it’s accompanied by an air guitar.
Sue says
I’m a full time technical writer, a blogger, and have written a number of manuscripts and I STILL feel uncomfortable calling myself a writer. It’s right there on my business card, I don’t know why I feel so pretentious saying it out loud.
Vancouver Dame says
I thought of myself as a writer when I began to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to writing. I have always written since the 6th grade, in one form or another. Fiction stories, journals, poetry, and essays as well as technical (at work). That was sporadic, now it's a priority. The dedication to the craft makes you a writer. The intention to send out your work and put yourself on the line makes you a writer. Upon publication, you become an author. When you acquire an agent, you get a confidence boost — as in, 'someone likes my writing and thinks it will sell'.
Self-publishing doesn't make you published (IMO), as it lacks that approval by the publishing experts (agents & editors). It can provide satisfaction to see what you have written in a printed book, or online. I do think that self-publishing will grow if the regular publishing industry shuts out the new writers. Good question, and yes, authors need thick skin, but we do have delicate egos.
Kate H says
I first really felt like a writer when I got good feedback from an agent at a conference. That’s when I started telling people I was writing. But I’ve really been a writer since about age 11, when I first decided that’s what I wanted to do.
An author, however, has to have a book published, or at least under contract.
Nikki Hootman says
“Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.”
– Robert Heinlein
That pretty much sums up my view.
Kristan says
Aw, I like Anon @ 11:12 AM’s thought.
Kristin Laughtin says
Ahh, see, this is why I just say “I write” if the issue comes up.
I started thinking of myself as a writer when it became a serious hobby and I devoted more time to it than the random piece of flash fiction here and there. To others, particularly strangers, I still feel hesitant calling myself a writer, though, out of fear it will imply I earn money through my writing. It’s still a hobby at this point. I’ve done nothing professionally yet.
I usually think of authors as someone who has gotten their work published. If I called myself an author because I’ve written a few manuscripts, it would feel a bit pretentious.
K.S. Clay says
I’ve considered myself a writer since I was little, scribbling stories in my room and dreaming that they’d be published someday. The point? I was writing and I was writing with a serious intent. On the other hand, I can’t yet call myself an author because an author to me is someone who has published a book and I have yet to do that. I do enjoy calling myself a professional writer, though, since I sold my first short story, although I rarely say that either as I don’t want to imply I’m making a living out of it or anything when I’ve just started to get my foot in the door. To sum up:
Writer: Someone who writes often and of their own accord (I don’t really consider writing an essay for an English class being a writer)
Professional writer: Someone who has sold their writing.
Author: Someone who has written a book and had it published.
Scotty says
Heh, Sue. I’m the same way. You should hear how the word “writer” comes out of my mouth in that context. I get a look like, “Are you sure?”
Exactly, Kristin. When you say you’re a “writer” to someone, they automatically think “author”. In LA they might think “screenwriter”. “I write” is a good way to get out of a long, and for some reason slightly humiliating, explanation.
Anonymous says
I think you’re a writer is you write something with the intent of showing it to an audience. I think you’re an author when your work is read by an audience. This is based on my idea that art requires an audience, a viewer other than the artist. Similarly, you’re a painter when you’re putting oils on canvas in your studio, but you’re an artist when your painting is on view. When I was a painter, I aspired to be an artist. When I write, I aspire to be an author.
But it’s more complicated than that, and like some previous posters, I think that a writer is interested in the craft of writing, the use and misuse of words and grammar, but my thinking quickly gets vague in that area. A few years ago this question really nagged at me, but I don’t so much think about it now.
Tangentially, I also went through a phase when I was convinced that I had no idea at all what a story was. I have since come up with a provisional definition wherein a story has a beginning, a middle, and an end; it also has to say something true. “Say something true” is an undefined term, but I look for “the ring of truth” (yet another undefined term) in my writing. Rambling now; must stop.
Mira says
I’d like to say more about this publishing issue.
As an example: Emily Dickenson
This is from Wikipedia, the source of all my wisdom:
“Dickinson was a prolific private poet, though fewer than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime.”
It goes on later to say how her poems were ill-received and heavily critiqued during her lifetime.
I don’t think that you can base your sense of who you are on other people’s opinions. And certainly not to the publishing industry.
You may or may not like Emily Dickenson’s poetry, but would you really argue with her right to call herself a Poet?