A writer is a person who uses written words in different writing styles, genres and techniques to communicate ideas, to inspire feelings and emotions, or to entertain. Writers may develop different forms of writing such as novels, short stories, monographs, travelogues, plays, screenplays, teleplays, songs, and essays as well as reports, educational material, and news articles that may be of interest to the general public. Writers' works are nowadays published across a wide range of media. Skilled writers who are able to use language to express ideas well, often contribute significantly to the cultural content of a society.

రచయిత ఎవరయినా తమ స్వంత రచనలను వ్రాతపూర్వకముగా సృష్టించి, దానికి ఒక గ్రంథం లేదా పుస్తక రూపాన్నిస్తే, అతనిని రచయిత అని వ్యవహరిస్తారు.