Book marketing consultant Rob Eagar suggests that another way to boost your credibility is to to weave in any endorsements you may have received from well-known outlets Readers pay more attention to authors with a proven track record.. This is such a great example of a bio. I just need to get some author photos first. Boomer Sooner! But first-time writers can include relevant expertise that pertains to your book. Want to come along? Figure out your target reader, then write your author bio for that person. This is so great. I dont even know how Instagram works really, though my brother has been telling me its the best social media site to find and learn new things. Finish with a call to action perhaps a link to your sales page. Bio Many authors use the about me section on their website to do this, and its smart. In summary, the steps in this post take you through everything you need when writing your own author bio. This can be tricky to wrangle in a website presence. Credentials can look differently depending on the author and the kind of book being written, but they do need to align with the writing somehow. I guess you could call it my author site. Start With An Introductory Byline. The content and tone you include in your author bio will depend on several factors: In a print book, your author bio should go in the back matter of your book or on the dust jacket sleeve. If someone is reading this article, it is highly unlikely that they can boast being bestselling authors or share that they are on the third book of a highly successful series. I get more response when I post photos of my mother and little tidbits about her. People want to read the work of someone who knows what they're talking about, so making it clear that you are indeed that subject matter expert immediately puts a reader's mind at ease. In this post, well explain why Amazon editorial reviews matter, how to secure them, and how to use them to impact your launch. This point correlates directly to the previous one about credentials, because they indicate to the reader that, essentially, you know what you're doing, and they're in the hands of an expert writer who is going to tell them an amazing story. You can add your author bio to your Amazon book page by visiting Amazon Author Central, select your book, and add it in the About the Author section. For non-fiction authors, your credentials are incredibly relevant as readers are far more likely to trust an authority on a subject, while fiction authors can focus more on why they write in a specific genre. These are two things I catch a lot as an editor. (I know thats dark, but it happens and is worth considering.). He has an engaging and friendly photo of himself. WebFollowing one of the examples or templates below, you can create a bio that effectively summarizes your experience without having to write it from scratch. What began as a grad school hobby is now a top food blog, with millions of readers coming to her site for easy weeknight recipes and simplified gourmet meals. Id already read and loved Lucy Foleys THE GUEST LIST, and like that one, this is told from several points of view. By the way, if youre interested in book trailers, you might want to read my post on How to Make a Book Trailer: 5 Steps, Plus How Much It Cost. Theres a lot of click-bait on Medium about getting to the top of the feed, but I really feel like its a toss up as their algorithm personalizes for the readers with great specificity and they benefit from the long tail of content while you get a trickle of followers. Here are some real-life author bios from Amazon or on a back cover that combine most or all of the tips above: Forgotten Legacy: Robin Perini, the Publishers (67 words). How to Write an Author Bio Examples & Tips to SELL I love it that Emilys picturewith a big smileis front and center in this website. If that is the case, a mention of something that is important to you is fine, but dont drag it on and focus on it. And the best part is, if you change the template, it will change it for all your books. Her friendliness and sense of The author bio isnt your most important tool. I have been keeping a blog for quite a while now and while I do prefer working on my novel or short stories I have found my stride with it. Joanne Machin does other things besides write, and thats true of a lot of writers. However. The author of A Gentleman in Moscow features a book trailer right on the home page, which is something I would probably do with my book trailers (see here and here) if I had a more traditional author website instead of or in addition to a blog. Bingley during a road trip break. Your passions and values. No, you cannot just leave out your author bio, even if you wrote a short story or novella. Hi Erin! Hashtags are a great way to get discovered. Learn seven tried-and-true strategies for boosting book sales. Thats the way to do it right. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. If I should get a short story published, or shortlist in a competition etc, then I want somewhere where I can direct would-be readers, and keep their attention for the year or two (or three) that its going to take me to get the book finished. She lives in Australia, with her husband and extended family. Like others, Im a fan of WordPress. An author bio is unique to the writer, so everyones will look different but by following our 4-step process and using the author bio template, youll include everything you need to maximize your chances of winning over readers. I began blogging a few years ago, then felt embarrassed by a story and then kind of sat on my domain for a year. Im currently using the Twenty Seventeen theme. Thank you, Silke P.S. Shes conducted numerous writing craft workshops for writers groups and book conferences, and offers online fiction writing courses. The bold font and background convey a sci-fi feel. For NON-FICTION, it should be longer, enough My own author bio is listed just below for reference (and ridicule, if you like). Is that what an Author Website is? Here are 3 steps to write an awesome author bio (About the Author) and upload it onto Amazon: How do you write a bio for a first-time author? Thanks for all the great ideas. Just a super enjoyable read. It is currently in the hands of a copy editor and I will soon start working on a custom book cover. And youre going to have to stop saying youre lazy. Depending on your niche or subject, not sure. This ensures some consistency on our publisher website and in our About the Author pages, plus the shorter length also forces a person to make some smart decisions and keeps them from rambling. One great example of a bio that shares biographical details is author Niyati Tamaskar, whose memoir Unafraid draws on her own experiences of cancer and the cultural baggage surrounding it. Thank you for writing this. :). Hey friends! ELD teacher, mother, MG writer. It is horribly more expensive,with the domain cost paid up front, for 3 years of use. If your book is a spiritual guide to personal growth, some life-affirming positivity will improve your bio. in her bio. If your book is melodramatic, add a little melodrama. Everyone needs a stellar front cover design, an attention-grabbing book title, and a sophisticated keyword strategy. A professional bio is not at all different from a persuasive article and Lena Alexson proves it through a very engaging professional bio. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Natalie loves cooking, knits very badly, enjoys riding her Vespa around town, and otherwise spends far too much time at the computer. Do you have to do this? I think it can be really challenging to figure out how to present yourself online. Hes one of my favorites. Learn how your comment data is processed. How can independent bookshops and self-published authors support each other? While this may seem like obvious advice, a lot of irrelevant content finds its way into many author bios. I said to her, Hey, okay if I take a bath? She said, Oh sure, hang on and brought me THIS BASKET full of loofahs and soaps and lotions and a new candle! Patricia loves to hear from readers. Example: An authors lived experience One great example of a bio that shares biographical details is author Niyati Tamaskar, whose memoir Unafraid draws on her She was the oldest of three in a literary household. However, a solid author bio is actually an important marketing tool. 4. For instance, if you've written a political thriller, maybe you have a well-documented interest in politics, the American government, and conspiracies. Amazon Book Sales Calculator: How Much Does a Best Seller Make? Readers may not connect with those bios as much as they connect with yours! Why do we hate writing them so much? Also leave out the fun stuff about family, pets, and So for the last few months I turned off the indexing of my personal website to see how well my Medium following grew. She is a member of SCBWI, QWC and Brisbane Writers Festival. I often recommend setting up an author website, and I get a lot of questions from people who cant figure out what to put on an author website if they had only published one bookor if they hadnt published anything yet. Tanks a lot for this post. For instance: With over a decade of writing obituaries for the local paper, Jane has a uniquely wry voice that shines through in her newest collection of essays, which explore the importance we place on legacy. I definitely want to check out these other blogs for some pointers. I fall somewhere between, but Mama always thought I was more kin to Papa than to her. That's okay, too! Again, theres a bit of humor, and the bio also explains what he hopes to do for his readers. Those are some lovely websites. But in many cases, writing about yourself is more challenging than writing any other prose. I especially love that you included examples from unpublished authors. And I wanted to keep my site secure. However, you also dont want your bio to be devoid of any personality. Looking to publish? Unlike an author bio, a query shouldnt include any mention of what you do for bucks (unless it relates to the book.) Throwback Thursdaylilacs at our old house in the Kansas City area. ", Convert Amazons Best Seller Rank into estimated Sales Per Day, Convert an Audiobooks Best Seller Rank into estimated Sales Per Day, Generate HTML code for listing your book for sale online, Create custom QR codes with your author logo or book cover, Find keywords and categories to help your book reach Best-Seller status, All in one formatting tool for books and ebooks. Say you don't have manyor anyachievements like the ones mentioned. The stunning images and evocative messaging drew me in and made me want to know more. 1. (Lots of them are also visual artists, for instance!) Why are you qualified to write this book? Bio Examples Unless you have a huge resume related to writingyou've got TV shows and movies and merch related to your booksyou'll probably want to keep it short and sweet. The bold font and background convey a sci-fi feel. Best Author Websites (Including Unpublished Author Diary of a Farting Creeper: Why Does the Creeper Fart When He Should Explode? Reedsy is more than just a blog. Get into a best-selling author mentality and dont be shy about the size of your own name. He is a graduate of the premier Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOTIC), among other military training courses, and has taught snipers and police sharpshooters from around the world. Include a picture when possible. I just kind of blogged about life in a data science program, and most recently on matters I was interested in. Shes a podcaster and an award-winning creative entrepreneur. Now, I feel that my picture is too large. Thank you for sharing! (By the way, if youre interested in setting up a website, be sure to check out my post on author website examples!). And when writers set up a website, an about the author paragraph or statement is often front and center. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When youre self-publishing on Amazon, you need to put some serious thought into the author bio on your Amazon book page. Your personality and/or expertise should make them want to read what you wrote. I hope you can be almost as kind to yourself. If your book is humorous, inject humor. We have a whole series of posts on the subject, and we highly recommend you check those out as well! How to Write an Author Bio [With Examples and Templates] ). Notice that the bio is doing much more than just introducing her: its also inviting you to follow her on social media, hire her as a speaker or teacher, and sign up for her newsletter. Spring here is ahead of Chicagoland and all the lilacs are in bloom. You must explain your credits, bio and platform - making a case that you are the best person to write this book and you have some means in place to sell it. I cant tell you how excited I am to get not one, but TWO Dresden books this year. Author Bio: That Engages Readers Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books. You probably dont even remember asking thisand it may be that youve since realized that you arent ugly, which youre not! 1. Then I erased both of my stories. Your sign in information will be sent to your email address after it has been verified. David Crumm Media, an imprint of Front Edge Publishing has published three books by author Rodney Curtis. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post and especially for the examples from unpublished writers! Raised in the mountains of Colorado, I had the advantage of what some would call a disadvantaged childhood. This has been really helpful. How to Write an Author Bio [With Examples and Templates], How to Write a Powerful Author Bio for Your Book, Step 1: Figure Out Your Genre and Target Audience. Thats why Joel Pitney suggests: If there's room, and it's relevant, you can add some color, like where you live or something interesting that might not obviously relate to your writing career, but that makes you a more interesting person.. Only just discovered it, via your retweet today. Long Range Shooting Handbook: Complete Beginner's Guide to Long Range Shooting: Ryan Cleckner served as a special operations sniper team leader with the U.S. Army's elite 1st Ranger Bn. When I searched your website for anything that could help me understand how to start an author website I found just the thing I needed! Bio Examples He is tall for no reason. How To Write a Good Author Bio (When You Havent Done Much Yet) Its my favorite scent in the whole world. I love to bring stories to life and create unique, exciting worlds with my words. (Personally, I kind of get into both.). Blogs that dont have any fresh content for months can be a little depressing for the blogger and for visitors. He has also linked his online columns to automatically appear! I said to her, Hey, okay if I take a bath? She said, Oh sure, hang on and brought me THIS BASKET full of loofahs and soaps and lotions and a new candle! Hear about a Reedsy author's book tour. Start With An Introductory Byline. Patricia Sargeant is the national best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 novels. Member of Florida Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, and Sisters in Crime Guppies. Christopher Lentz is the acclaimed author ofOpening Doors(biography, 2019),My Friend Marilyn(historical fiction, 2018) andThe Blossom Trilogy(historical romance). Like a granny in a Model T I push the limits of my discomfort-zone. Readers need to know. He was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Los Angeles. Most authors want to set up profiles on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub, and some writers want a short author bio for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media accounts. Download your free copy below. For example, Frances Bula is a Vancouver-based political writer and blogger who gave a talk about niche writing at a conference I attended a million moons ago. Ranking high on the list of Things Authors Hate To Write, biographies are something that can make even the most seasoned writer pull their hair out. I would love to have you on my podcast: A Quest for Well-Being. Open up with relevant biographical details. You can definitely combine the two in a bio for a website. I would say this had a bit of a slow start, but I didnt mind. Story collector. I think youre bringing it all together so well. Multiple pen names arent unusual for authors, and Patricia Sargaent has three of them because she writes in different genres. The second goal would be to utilize your website as a central hub for all of your social media ventures. If your nightmare-inducing horror novel contains a perky and cheerful author description about your love for puppies and former career as a glassblower, you forfeit an opportunity to connect readers with your writing. Hi PJ! I have a questionhow do I get other people to find my website? An author bio is a brief passage, usually about a paragraph, that introduces an author and sums up their work, their authorly credentials, and anything else their readers might need to know about them. Sticking to these four elements worked great for me. Web10+ Unpublished Author BIO Examples 1. Visit her at damndelicious.net. Perhaps the first paragraph and the last would make a short bio. Chris, I think your blog looks great! This picture should be a professional headshot of you smiling or looking serious, depending on your genre. Most authors dont want to blogin other words, write posts on a regular basis. While it's certainly true that signaling authority in a field as a fiction writer is indeed more difficultfor instance, you don't have to be a scientist by education or profession to write a hard biopunk novelsubject matter expertise or at least thorough research can be indicated with a bibliography of sources, if you consulted actual medical journals or papers or textbooks on which to base your novel. The author bio establishes you as the kind of writer whom your target market ought to read. [spacer height=20px]. Im going to be doing more posts about social media presence for writers, so subscribe to the blog, if you havent done so already (theres a place to sign up on the lefthand side of the page). I appreciate you making this article available. Make sure your word count is 60-90 words. You can always change the top visual later if you write in other genres later. My name is [Name] and I am an unpublished author from Australia. Check out this post by Kellie Rendina to understand their differences. As a quick recap, an unpublished authors website should have two goals: The first goal would be to provide editors, agents and the publishing world with a better picture of who you are and what youre about. Well, Bryn, you can now claim a new genre. Still, establishing a third-person perspective when writing about yourself automatically establishes objectivity and professionalism, and inspires trust on the part of the reader. After reading the bio. Click on the author names to see their websites. It have to be short and interesting, not boring. As I am not a van driver or pizza delivery girl, why would it interest anyone. Wife. A couple of them havent yet published anything yet. Keep it under 300 words. If youve used levity in your writing, then you can say something like Architect by day, crime novelist by night.. Maybe in between novels, you spend your time reading tons of books about the subject. , Great post, Bryn! No, seriously, try it. Mia K Rose is a statistics and data analyst who lives in Gold Coast and, though the job may be analytical, loves the realms of fantasy. First-time authors might not be able to include any literary accomplishments, like other best-selling books and prestigious awards. Its so clean and easy to read. If your bio is often used by others, provide an easy cut-and-paste version at your website, on your bio page. Jane has traveled extensively around Eastern Europe, learning about the history of the region and walking the paths of her characters. If you write political thrillers, maybe your credentials come from the time you spent working for a three-letter agency, or maybe you write police procedurals because you were once a cop. BLM. To help you put together your own killer bio, weve created this handy template, including a checklist of what to include and what not to include. Behold, our favorite author bios of the day: Mindy Kaling, Why Not Me? Here are some real-life author bios from Amazon or on a back cover that combine most or all of the tips above: Forgotten Legacy: Robin Perini, the Publishers Weekly and internationally bestselling author of Forgotten Secrets, is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts. These are two things I catch a lot as an editor. samples mentioned above. Her short Twitter bio continues that same impression. All the research Ive done says you have to get the website early, but I never had any idea what to put on it since Im not published. Add a personal touch, such as a hobby or favorite TV show. I dont know whats boring anymore. Visit herThe Write Spot websitefor details. I mean, I know theyre available, and I know I want to find one who deals with the types of stories Im writing. Begin with a punchy, impactful first sentence. Despite the fact that an author often writes or approves their own bio, it should be written in the third person they rather than I. This isnt to say that your bio should be impersonal. You can learn more about Niyati and her publishing story here. She lives and continues to cook non-stop in Los Angeles, with her corgi, Butters. How to Write an Author Bio When You Dont Feel Like an AuthorYet Is this ok? Thats good information. Author Jessie, this is awesome! Recently I asked, Whats the difference between wisdom and foolishness? There were a lot of great ideas in the replies. I really liked the way explained each point with examples. You can email her at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com Other ways to stay in touch with Patricia:EnewsletterFacebookTwitterYouTube channel: BooksByPatricia, Click here to watchher author brand video. Pan. But I dont want to just go with the first hit on the google search, you know? Book lover. But the author bio is another critical tool that you shouldnt leave out. This website features the authors completed, unpublished novel (which sounds terrific, by the way.). Hi Bob, I hope everythings going well with you in these crazy times. Dont haphazardly throw together some sentences and hit the publish button. Book marketing and book publicity comprise two main pillars of book promotion. In any case, I am sure you would never be so cruel as to judge or dismiss someone else based on their looks. Add hashtags to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and more! My stories range from high fantasy to paranormal romance, and I have been fortunate enough to have some of my work published in small magazines. Hello, Bryn. Experts encourage authors to start their writers bio with a byline (one-liner) that summarizes their profile and the titles of the latest publications. If you're looking for author bio perfection, Scalzis is as close as you're gonna find. (Your work is copyrighted whether you file for U.S. copyright or not, though U.S. copyright does help in pursuing an infringement claim.). You would think with an MBA in marketing Id be good at delivering messages, but Im horrible. Plus, Im lazy. Patricia has been a keynote speaker and presenter at various events. Do you struggle with writing an author bio? The best author blogs have new posts on a more or less regular schedule. Additionally, people should know that if youre posting to your own domain as well as your Medium account with duplicate posts, that Googles algorithms may punish your post in thinking its plagiarized (Ive seen this pointed out on several SEO pages, though I havent checked the Google blog for any official confirmation). Doesnt hurt that hes a fellow OU alum either. Bingley during a road trip break. Im currently revamping my website, trying to take it from just a blog to a true author website, and the examples you provided give me something to work from. Im still experimenting with that, but I have a feeling Im going to separate my brands into three categories: My Novel/Screenplay site, My Personal Homepage (debating what theme to settle on), and My Medium page (where I put general interest articles). All were engaging. Happy writing! Join a community of over 1 millionauthors. This, too, shows the reader why your book will be written as expertly as possible.