A List and Descriptions of the Different Types of Authors

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1. Professional Writers

As the name suggests, these authors write as professionals, that is, they have studied at length to be able to write the way they do and they are usually paid a lot for the things the write. Professional writers can write books, theses, magazine articles, you name it.

Just like a doctor, or a lawyer, this author is passionate about his profession. One example of a successful fulltime writer is J. K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter novel. It is through writing that these authors generate their main income.

2. Copywriters

Do not be fooled by the word "copy", it is not an indication that the author is a plagiarist. "Copy" here refers to Copyright. Usually these writers work in the field of advertising. They do not necessarily write as a hobby for themselves, but more to influence their readers. The content of their writing is more prone to be hypnotizing, enticing and reassuring.
Copywriters are usually the ones who are responsible for the success or failure of an advertising campaign and in essence you could say their forte lies more in marketing than writing.

3. Ghost Writers

A ghostwriter is someone who writes something, but on behalf of someone else. So, whoever they are writing for will get the recognition. Typically, these ghostwriters our customers of politicians or sometimes celebrities.

4. Script Writer

A good movie can be a tribute to a scriptwriter who wrote the script of a film's dialogue. Writing a movie script is not the same as writing a novel or short story. When writing a script, you need to have an idea of how your writing will come to life when actors are asked to act out the script.

In addition to his understanding of writing, especially when writing dialogues, scriptwriters must also understand the procedure of filmmaking.

5. Business Writer

The main goal of a business writer is to inform readers on business procedures, often include points on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Often these writers are businessmen first, and then give a go at writing about their business experiences.

These authors also often motivational books which accompany events and seminars related to the content of the book.

6. Idealists

These authors usually write about activism. Activists always write something based on their idealism. For example, human rights activists will inform readers about a certain issue in the world and will usually encourage them to make a difference or offer assistance to those in need.

Very often, the proceeds of the sales of the books go to charity and not to the author.

7. Media Writer

Media writers can also be referred to as journalists. Journalists record information and then write articles for the masses to read. These articles often reveal hard truths and to be a media writer you have to have a certain amount of narcissism in your personality.

These are the types of authors I stumble upon most often, if you were to delve deeper, you could most likely add even more to the list. On the top of my head I can also think of: bloggers and traveler writers.

This post has been edited by a member of the @blue-pencil team.