Wondering how to write an author bio? Feeling like it has to be extra-special because you are a writer? You are not alone. Even though writers have a natural ability to put words together, most writers find it excruciatingly difficult to write an author biography. This article gives practical guidance on how to write an author bio, along with some author bio examples.
Here are some points to consider when writing your author bio.
1) Think about who is going to be your reader. It could be an editor but it could also include business associates, radio hosts, or even your own family. Write your author biography for your intended reader, and don’t forget that your readers might include people from different backgrounds and generations.
2) Prepare several author biographies of different lengths. Pull one out for an appropriate setting. Author bio examples can range from a short single sentence blurb for a magazine, a longer version of about 100 words in a query letter for a novel, to a full page for a press release.
3) Decide on the points you want to include. Most people find that they have more information than they need. Be ruthless in editing your bio to include only points that are relevant. Should your fishing hobby be mentioned in your bio for a murder mystery novel that you are submitting to a publisher? Probably not, unless the murder took place at a fishing lodge. You worked in a coroner’s office for a couple of weeks to learn about medical examiner’s terminology? Now that’s relevant.
4) Make a list of writing credits to highlight. Limit your credits to not more than three or else it would take up too much space in your author biography.
5) Include contact information and website so readers can learn more about you and your writing. You can include a longer author biography when you write your website biography.
