Byline

A byline is a line in a publication (such as a newspaper, magazine, or website) that identifies the author of an article, story, or other piece of content. It typically appears near the title or beginning of the work.

The primary function of a byline is to give credit to the writer for their work. It also serves as a marker of authorship and accountability. A byline can increase a writer's visibility and reputation, and help readers identify and follow the work of their favorite authors.

Byline formats can vary slightly, but commonly include the author's name (e.g., "By John Smith"), or phrases such as "By [Author Name]" or "Written by [Author Name]". Sometimes, a byline may include additional information, such as the author's title, affiliation, or social media handle.

In cases of collaborative work, the byline might list multiple authors. The order of authors in a multi-author byline often reflects the level of contribution, with the primary author listed first.

The absence of a byline indicates that the work is unattributed. This could be due to various reasons, including the author's preference for anonymity, the work being a collaborative effort where individual contributions are not distinguished, or editorial policy. Work without a byline is often referred to as being "bylined" or "unsigned." Ghostwritten content also lacks a byline for the actual author.