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I don't know about you, but I'm always interested in an author's background, especially if it's one I read regularly. I typically read their "about" section on their Amazon page and in their books.
The biography section of your profile is the perfect opportunity for you, as an author, to draw your readers in. After all, some people will pick up a book because the author's background intrigues them. That can lead to a lifetime supporter.
So, what is an author bio, and what does it entail? And more importantly, how can you create one that sells?
Do You Really Need One?
Yes!
It's a fabulous marketing opportunity, however subtle.
Why wouldn't you take the opportunity to introduce yourself to your readers? You should want them to be curious about who you are and why you got into writing in the first place, regardless of your genre. This is your time to shine and let readers know what has inspired you to become an author and what motivates you to keep going.
Tailor Your Bio to the Genre and Reader
Hold up. I know what you're thinking: the author bio is about you, but you should tailor it to the reader?
Absolutely. Know why? Because it helps you connect with them.
If you're a fiction writer, you will be a little more creative than a non-fiction writer, whose biography will be more fact-based.
But make sure your bio aligns with the type of books you write, too. If you write sappy romance, paying homage to your spouse and family, and your feelings about love fit the bill. You wouldn't want to be all rainbows and sunshine, though, if you write horror, for instance.
Grab the Reader's Attention
The best way to grab the reader's attention is to inject an impressive stat or accreditation you've received. If you don't have either, no problem. Just make it relevant to your books. Perhaps mention your love for writing or reading, and the history of how you got into the genre.
Make it personable, and let your personality shine through. This is your one chance to really make the reader want to know more about you.
Why You Should Write in Third Person
It might be weird to write in third-person POV, especially when talking about yourself, but it softens the approach. In this style, you can easily talk about your accolades without coming across as though you're bragging or boasting.
Speaking of…
Keep it Humble
Nobody likes a braggart. Even if you've written 100 books and hit the best-seller lists (which you should absolutely mention), keep it humble. Writing in the third-person actually softens these statements, because it sounds as though someone else is talking about you, rather than you listing your achievements.
Keep it Short
How long is too long?
You don't need to give your life story here (unless you want to, of course), keep it relatively short. Typically, 60 to 90 words is enough. It's enough to introduce yourself, but not too much that it will overwhelm the reader.
Remember, they're only likely to read the first few lines, so keeping it under 100 words will keep them engaged. And, if you're strategic, you can fit quite a bit of information in that short summary.
How Much Is Too Much?
In addition to avoiding long, rambling bios, you also want to avoid giving away too much information about yourself personally. After all, safety is top priority, even if you're not writing under a pen name.
What to Include
Credentials and qualifications are a must, they prove your authority on the subject. This is true even if you're a romance writer like me. I have been reading love stories for decades. I've also written them for many years, though I didn't start publishing until a few years ago. Sometimes, just immersing yourself in the genre is enough to show that you truly have a love for it.
You should also include your interests. That can create some common ground between you and your readers, so you can establish a connection and make them more interested in your books.
What to Leave Out
Maintain a sense of privacy, as much as you can. Keep your personal information, like your address and real name (if you're using a pen name), out of the bio. Don't make it easy for people to find exactly where you live, and be vague if you do list your hometown.
Reveal More on Your Website
If you want to go more in-depth, use your author website to do this. There, you can dig deeper into your personality, what made you become a writer, and any other information you want to include. But, for your book and your author bio on Amazon or other publishing sites, short and sweet is best.
In your shorter bio, you can include a link to your website with a call to action inviting readers to learn more about who you are, as long as the platform allows for it.
But, I Hate Talking About Myself
I get it. Truly, I do. If you're really not comfortable coming up with a biography or you struggle to do so, you have two choices.
Ask a friend to write it for you. Pick someone who really knows you. Or, you can hire a freelancer, one who has the writing chops to make your talents truly shine in 100 words or less.
In Short…
Your author bio should include:
- A catchy opener
- Your credentials and accolades (if any)
- Any interests you're willing to share
- A call to action
Need help crafting an author bio that sells? See how Sudowrite can help you create a dynamic profile.