A writer is a person who writes, whether they’re a novelist who crafts their own characters and worlds or a journalist who records events in real time. A writer can be a poet, an essayist, a screenwriter, or even a technical manual author who writes for a living. Despite their differences, all writers are considered authors, according to Merriam-Webster.
The definition of author is a bit more complicated when it comes to literary theory, though. Michel Foucault and Roland Barthes have both studied the significance of who penned a book or article in terms of its value and meaning, and they found that it’s not always about who wrote it but rather what an author does to produce interpretation and meaning within a written work.
An author’s role in a literary work can be complex, particularly in the case of a book where an editor may make changes to the text to improve readability or to meet publication standards. This process can sometimes alter the meaning or intent of the original text, so the publisher may consider a different author in these cases.
If you’re publishing your own book, you’ll need to create an author bio. This will include a brief description of your professional and personal background along with a list of any publications you have published previously (though it’s important to note that, in the early stages of an author career, most readers won’t care about older works).
Your bio is also an opportunity to establish your credibility as an expert on your book’s subject. You can do this by mentioning your education, awards, and work history. It’s also a good idea to include a short biography that gives readers a sense of your personality and what makes you unique as an author.
Once you’ve established your credentials, the rest of your bio is a chance to persuade readers that they should buy your book. This includes providing them with a link to your website, a clear author photo, and a short list of your publication credits. You might also mention any other special skills you have, like the ability to speak another language or your training in a specific field.
For example, Kevin Kwan’s book Crazy Rich Asians establishes him as an authority on affluent Asian culture because of his own experience growing up in Singapore. Likewise, Paul Mendez’s extensive work in the arts and his involvement in the local community establish him as an ideal author to write an engaging, compelling story. This type of information helps to give your book more context and encourages readers to trust that you can deliver a quality, informative, and interesting story.