So you've been putting off writing your author bio. Or maybe you wrote one in 10 minutes just to get it done, then you slapped it up on Amazon Author Central with a dulled-out selfie. After all, very few of us enjoy an afternoon of bragging about our books and other accomplishments. And no one reads them anyway, right?
Wrong!
Your author bio is your business card. It helps you stand out from the rest of the authors out there. Besides showcasing your books, your author bio should reflect your personality and achievements. It affirms that you are a real person, qualified in your field, and worth reading. People read author bios because they want to relate to you and pursue reading your other publications, be it other books, a blog, column, etc. A catchy bios help you sell books!
What's In An Author Bio?
Your author bio needs to speak to your target audience. This is key to ensure the right reader picks up your books. For example, you wouldn’t market children's books to post-apocalyptic zombie readers. And it's short, only 90 words or less, with the following sections:
- Writer Profile
- Credentials
- Interests/Personal Info
- Call to Action
- Internet Presence
- Headshot
How Do You Write An Author Bio?
Sitting down to write your author bio can be difficult. So, before you tackle it, start by answering the questions below. Provide at least 3 short, striking responses for each. These questions will assist you in compiling a striking bio.
1. Who are you writing for? Men or women? Certain professionals? Kids or adults?
2. What are your publications about? What genres do you write? Who are your characters? Where does your book take place? Is there something historic that readers should know about? Are your works funny or serious?
3. What do you know? What special training do you have? What has happened in your life that influences you? What have you experienced that makes you an expert in your field?
4. How are you involved? What do you do to make the world a better place? How are you involved in helping people? Are you solving problems?
5. Who are you personally? What are your interests? What are your hobbies? What do you want people to know about your family life?
6. What do you want readers to do? When people read your bio, do you want them to go to a blog or website? Or do you want them to go to a popular article you wrote? Do you want them to sign up for one of your classes?
7. What are your most important accomplishments? Have you won a contest or award? What can you tell readers to increase your credibility?
Now use your answers to write your author bio in third person. Pull out your most interesting and highest accomplishments from the answers. Start with something captivating from the list that speaks to who you are as a writer. Continue by building your credibility. Add your interests and personal information, and end with a call to action that could lead to a book sale.
After you write your first draft, remove irrelevant words, then remove some more irrelevant words. Get that word count down to 90 or less. Make changes as needed, but don’t spend more than a half an hour on your bio. Ask a friend to critique your draft, then complete your final copy.
Don't forget about your headshot. Forget that dulled-out selfie and go with a more professional and personalized photo. If you are a doctor, the photo better look professional. If you are a horror writer, consider a dark and mysterious background with a raised eyebrow. It's okay to show off your personality, considering your career. A comedian that looks like an accountant won't attract readers.
Also consider that you will need a different author bio for a number of websites, contests, awards, articles, and more. You will also need to update your bio on your own website and social media accounts regularly. So keep that list around because you're not done!
I am the founder of ArmLin House, as well as the Chief Editor and Creative Director. For over thirty-five year, I’ve worked in technology, business development, marketing, writing, and publishing jobs. In the last 5 years I’ve returned to school and have become a graphic designer and social media video editor. In general, I have A LOT of experience in A LOT of industries and I love to help people, which is one of our main missions as a company. Learn more about me on my LinkedIn page.