By Josh T.
A well-written author bio gives insight into you as an author. It showcases your writing style, talents, and accomplishments. Having a concise, objective, and relevant bio with a quality portrait of yourself introduces you to your readers and makes a lasting first impression. Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when writing a bio that everyone will remember.
Relevancy
When writing your author bio, it is important to include only details that are relevant. According to Heather Hummel in her Huffington Post article, “10 Tips on How to Write an Author Bio,” awards and other accomplishments that do not relate to your writing should not be included in your author bio. Your audience is most likely reading your author bio because they enjoy reading your books, novels, or articles, so they want to read about relevant accomplishments, awards, and life events in your author bio that led you to become the author you are now.
Objectivity
Author bios should be written objectively and in the third person. According to the FreelanceWriting.com article titled, “Writing an Author Bio,” author bios should only contain facts that can be proven and should be written as if an objective person is writing the bio about you. An objective, factual bio will ensure that you appear professional to your audience.
Conciseness
Another thing to keep in mind when writing your author bio is to keep it simple and concise. Just how concise it should be depends on where it is being published. Some publications may only need a sentence or two, while others may need a longer version of your author bio. In any case, it is important to only include relevant details in a concise form that also shows off your writing style. Make it interesting in a concise way so that everyone who reads it will remember you.
Include A Quality Portrait
A quality photograph of you adds the perfect finishing touch to your author bio. For a professional-looking photograph, ensure that there is adequate natural lighting and a clean, uncluttered background. You might even consider having a professional photographer take your photograph to get the best quality photograph for your bio. Having a quality portrait helps you stand out to your readers.
Relevance, objectivity, and conciseness are key aspects of a well-polished, well-crafted author bio. In conjunction with a quality portrait of yourself, your bio will be memorable to all who read it.