Author vs. Novelist — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 22, 2024
An author writes various texts, while a novelist specifically crafts novels.
Difference Between Author and Novelist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An author is a broad term that encompasses anyone who creates written work, be it fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic texts, articles, or any other form of written content. Authors are recognized for their contribution to literature or a specific field through their written words, regardless of the format or genre. On the other hand, a novelist is a specific type of author who focuses on writing novels, which are lengthy works of fiction that narratively explore complex characters, settings, and plots. Novels are a distinct literary form that allows for in-depth storytelling and character development.
While all novelists are authors, not all authors are novelists. The distinction lies in the type of content they produce. Authors can engage in a wide range of writing styles and formats, from short stories and essays to research papers and biographies. In contrast, novelists dedicate their craft to the creation of extended fictional narratives, often weaving intricate plots and character arcs that unfold over many pages.
The skills and techniques employed by novelists, such as character development, plot structuring, and world-building, are specific to the art of novel writing. Authors writing in other genres or formats may focus on different techniques, such as factual accuracy in non-fiction, persuasive clarity in essays, or lyrical beauty in poetry.
The recognition and categorization of an individual as an author or novelist can also depend on their most notable works. For example, an author who primarily writes non-fiction but has published a single novel can still be considered a novelist for that work, yet their broader classification would remain as an author.
The impact of an author or a novelist's work varies greatly depending on their genre and audience. While novelists often delve into the human condition, evoking emotion and fostering empathy through fictional narratives, authors in other fields might aim to inform, educate, or persuade, each contributing uniquely to the literary and intellectual landscape.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A writer of any form of written work.
A writer who specifically writes novels.
Scope of Work
Broad, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.
Focused on creating lengthy, narrative-driven fiction.
Skill Set
Varies widely based on genre and format.
In-depth character development, plot structuring, world-building.
Types of Works
Articles, essays, poems, research papers, etc.
Novels.
Contribution
Diverse, across various fields and genres.
In-depth exploration of characters, settings, and plots in a fictional context.
Compare with Definitions
Author
A creator of written content across various genres.
The author published her latest research paper on climate change.
Novelist
A writer of fictional long-form narratives.
The novelist won an award for her debut book.
Author
A writer of any published text.
The author expressed her thoughts through a series of compelling essays.
Novelist
An author specializing in character-driven stories.
The novelist is known for her complex character arcs.
Author
Someone who writes professionally.
The author was invited to speak about the art of biography writing.
Novelist
A creator of immersive fictional worlds.
The novelist's latest series has captivated fantasy lovers worldwide.
Author
A person responsible for literary work.
The author's poetry collection explores themes of loss and hope.
Novelist
A storyteller through the medium of novels.
The novelist discussed her writing process at the literary festival.
Author
A contributor to written knowledge or entertainment.
The author's guidebook on Rome has become a bestseller.
Novelist
A craftsperson of extended narrative fiction.
The novelist's work explores the intricacies of human relationships.
Author
An author is the creator or originator of any written work such as a book or play, and is also considered a writer. More broadly defined, an author is "the person who originated or gave existence to anything" and whose authorship determines responsibility for what was created.
Novelist
A novelist is an author or writer of novels, though often novelists also write in other genres of both fiction and non-fiction. Some novelists are professional novelists, thus make a living writing novels and other fiction, while others aspire to support themselves in this way or write as an avocation.
Author
The writer of a book, article, or other text.
Novelist
A writer of novels.
Author
One who practices writing as a profession.
Novelist
An author of novels.
Author
One who writes or constructs an electronic document or system, such as a website.
Novelist
(obsolete) An innovator; one who introduces something new; one who favours novelty.
Author
An originator or creator, as of a theory or plan.
Novelist
An innovator; an asserter of novelty.
Author
Author God.
Novelist
A writer of news.
Author
To write or be the author of (a published text).
Novelist
A writer of a novel or novels.
Author
To write or construct (an electronic document or system)
Authored the company's website.
Novelist
Someone who writes novels
Author
The originator or creator of a work, especially of a literary composition.
The copyright of any original writing belongs initially and properly to its author.
Have you read any Corinthian authors?
Author
Someone who writes books for a living.
Author
Principal.
Author
(obsolete) One's authority for something: an informant.
Author
To create a work as its author.
Author
The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.
Eternal King; thee, Author of all being.
Author
One who composes or writes a book; a composer, as distinguished from an editor, translator, or compiler.
The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.
Author
The editor of a periodical.
Author
An informant.
Author
To occasion; to originate.
Such an overthrow . . . I have authored.
Author
To tell; to say; to declare.
More of him I dare not author.
Author
Writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
Author
Someone who originates or causes or initiates something;
He was the generator of several complaints
Author
Be the author of;
She authored this play
Common Curiosities
Can an author switch to writing novels?
Yes, an author can switch to writing novels at any point in their career and would then also be considered a novelist.
What skills are important for a novelist?
Important skills for a novelist include the ability to develop complex characters, construct engaging plots, and create immersive settings and worlds.
Can an author write novels?
Yes, an author can write novels and would be considered a novelist for those works, but their title as an author encompasses all their written contributions, not just novels.
Are all novelists considered authors?
Yes, all novelists are considered authors because they create written works, specifically novels, but the reverse is not necessarily true.
Is it common for novelists to have another writing specialty?
Many novelists may start in or venture into other writing specialties, such as journalism, academic writing, or short stories, either in addition to or before their novel-writing careers.
What defines a novelist?
A novelist is defined by their focus on writing novels, which are extended works of fiction that delve into narrative storytelling, character development, and plot construction.
Does an author need to be published to be considered an author?
While publication is a common benchmark for professional recognition, anyone who engages in creating written work can be considered an author.
Can a novelist write other forms of literature?
Yes, a novelist can write in other literary forms, but their designation as a novelist is specifically for their work on novels.
What distinguishes a novel from other forms of writing?
A novel is distinguished by its length, narrative structure, and focus on character development and plot, set within a fictional context.
How does the impact of a novelist's work differ from other authors?
A novelist's work often impacts through storytelling and exploring the human condition, while other authors might aim to inform, educate, or persuade in different genres.
Do authors and novelists follow different processes in their writing?
Yes, authors and novelists may follow different processes, with novelists typically focusing on narrative elements like plot and character, while other authors might prioritize research, factual accuracy, or poetic expression.
Can a novelist's work influence other genres?
Yes, a novelist's work can influence other genres by introducing new narrative techniques, themes, or character archetypes.
How do authors contribute to society?
Authors contribute to society by expanding knowledge, providing entertainment, fostering empathy, and encouraging critical thinking through their varied works.
What role do novelists play in the literary world?
Novelists play a crucial role in the literary world by offering deep, narrative-driven explorations of life, society, and the human psyche, enriching the literary landscape.
How has the role of the author evolved with digital media?
With digital media, the role of the author has expanded to include digital formats and platforms, offering new ways to publish, share, and interact with audiences.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
