Create custom permissions for user type

I’m currently wanting to have it so that writers on my site have to have an admin approve their content before it’s published, but still be allowed to do other tasks such as uploading images, adding tags, etc, and the wordpress static permission levels are either too restrictive, or let writers publish themselves.

I know on drupal there is an easy way to edit permissions for account types, but I was wondering if there is a way to do the same level of functionality with wordpress at all.

Plugins that would do this are:

• WPFront User Role Editor — free & paid both do what you’re asking
• User Role
• User Role and Capabilities

Or you can write it into your theme’s functions.php

• consult Roles & Capabilities in the WP Codex for the details
• and read this easy-to-understand guide on how to add those capabilities yourself

Personally, I prefer to write it into functions.php rather than install a plugin. It’s more secure and typically keeps your site running faster.