Writer

A writer is a person who produces written works—stories, poems, articles, academic books, or non-fiction texts. The term is used broadly: it refers both to someone who creates ideas for writing and to a professional writer who earns income from writing.

Writers are classified by the type and purpose of their work. Some work in fiction, others in non-fiction. In journalism, writers of news are often called journalists or reporters, though the task itself remains writing.

Types

These include: novelists, short-story writers, poets, writers of scripts and screenplays, opinion columnists, and scientific writers who publish in academic journals. An individual writer may work in more than one form.

Working method

Work typically begins with a plan or draft, followed by revision and review. For published books, an editor works with the writer to refine structure, language, and accuracy. Publication, marketing, and distribution follow.

Rights and income

In many countries, writing is protected by copyright law, which gives the writer the power to permit or forbid use of their work. Income may come from advances, royalties (a percentage of sales), commissions, or grants and prizes. Many writers supplement writing with other work.

Somalia

Somali literature was long based on oral forms (poetry, performance, song), and writing developed more widely after Somali was given official written status in 1972. Since then, Somali writers have published novels, articles, and fiction, with a significant body of work also appearing in English and Arabic.