Have you ever loved a book so much that you read it cover to cover? You might have found yourself stumbling upon the last pages of the book which includes the life story of the writer— the author bio.
An author bio is a passage that includes the author’s credentials, previous publications, and any details in their life they wish to share with their readers. This can be found at the last page(s) of a book.
What constitutes an author bio can vary from one author to another. It gives your readers a glimpse of your personal life as well as your credibility in writing. In this way, you can establish a connection with your audience, encouraging them to read more of your creation.
Author Bio and Its Importance
The importance of author bio boils down to one: bringing in avid readers of your books. You become more credible in their eyes by laying out your credentials and personal life experiences that shaped you as a writer. This influences your sales, book and personal marketing on social media.
How to Write a Killer Author Bio
In knowing how to write an author bio, basics of writing must be observed. Basics of writing include spelling, capitalization, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure, and many other more. In this way, you are able to communicate the message you want to convey to your readers concisely.
1. Write in Third Person
When telling a narrative, it is necessary to choose the point of view you will use. In writing an author bio, regardless if you are the one making it, it should be written in a third-person point of view. Pronouns such as: she, he, her, him, they, them, their, are being used.
A point of view dictates who is telling the story. A narrative can have a different impact depending on who is telling the story.
Writing from a third-person point of view allows you to have a professional tone. Moreover, remember that you will be writing about your credentials and awards, which means using “I” can sound conceited to your readers.
Do’s: I have sold more than 135 million copies of my book in 168 countries.
Don’ts: He has sold more than 135 million copies of his book in 168 countries.
2. Writing the Bio
Writing the bio is the most crucial part. In this area, they will know your name, credentials, credibility, and yourself as a writer. This is where you impress your readers. Here are some tips for writing one.
Observe the basics of writing
Before getting started on how to write an author bio, remember to observe the basics of writing. Maintain proper capitalization, punctuation and spelling. Check also on your sentence and paragraph structure. In this way you are going to communicate with your readers clearly.
If you are having a difficult time in writing one, seek help from writing and editing services.
Start with the Basics
Writing your own biography can be overwhelming. You may be tempted to write details that are unimportant. Ask yourself from time to time: Is this relevant to my readers?
Start your bio with the basics. State your name, where and when you were born, what you currently do and your best work. These are the common details your readers ask.
For example: Mary Smith was born in New York City, in October 1947. She is a poet and an author of the best selling book My Life is a Movie.
State your credentials
For readers, it is important to know whether the author is credible or not. Charm them with your credentials and awards. However, maintain a humble tone when writing them down. In this way, you will appear trustworthy to your readers. They will be invested in you and what you can offer.
Intrigue and Entice
The key ingredient on how to write an author bio, is adding something intriguing. This will entice your readers to finish your author bio, to get to know you more.
An example is Paulo Coelho’s author bio. He included his experiences of being kidnapped, his admission to a psychiatric ward, and taking a pilgrimage.
Who does not want to finish Coelho’s author bio after reading these experiences?
Talk about yourself as a writer
In writing your author bio, it is important to sell yourself as a writer. Start with how you found yourself in the writing industry and what your experiences were. Include the genres you write about, and how passionate you are in writing.
3. A call to action
After writing about you and yourself as a writer, it is time for a call to action.
If you are a new writer, this is not applicable. However for writers that have a new book, they may include this part in their author bio. This is where you say check out my new book and include a link if you can.
This aids you in your promotion of books and sales.
4. Online Profiles
Last but not the least, include your online profiles and website.
Adding your online profiles can help you with your sales. People will have access to you online, hovering what book of yours they will read next.
Author Bio Template
An author bio can be utilized when you are being introduced in public speaking and signing events. Read it out loud, and put yourself in the shoes of the listeners. Is it inviting and interesting enough? Make yourself stand out.
Once more, write in a third-person point of view, keep your personal details relevant, cut the chase (keep it 250 word max), and include your online profiles.
After diving deep with the basics of writing a killer author bio, use this template as a guide. Paulo Coelho’s author bio will be used as an example, the author of the best-selling book, The Alchemist.
First sentence: [Author] [basic information] is [statement to demonstrate credibility].
Example: Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August 1947. He is one of the best-selling and most influential authors in the world.
Second sentence: [Previous books], [sales], and [how many copies that were produced]
Example: The Alchemist, The Pilgrimage, The Valkyries, By the Piedra I sat
Down and Wept, …, and others have sold more than 135 million copies in 168 countries and have been translated into 73 languages.
Third sentence: Include credibility of the author’s awards and participation.
Example: He is the recipient of numerous prestigious international awards and
was inducted into the Brazilian Academy of Letters in 2002. In 2007, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
Fourth sentence: Give a glimpse of personal life information.
Example: Paulo’s parents attempted to suppress his devotion in Literature, but
failed, they took it as a sign of mental illness. When he was 17, his father had him committed to a mental institution, twice.
Sixth sentence: Give a link to your online profiles or website if applicable.
Example: Visit the author online at www.paulocoelho.com
Word count: 137
See, it is easy to know how to write an author bio, it’s your turn. However, if you are still having difficulties in making one, seek help from coaching services to assist you in creating a coherent and substantial content. Just follow this template and apply the tips above. Do not be in a rush when creating your author bio, follow the basics of writing, and you might be the next best-selling author in the world.
