Writing a Standout Author Bio
Some author bios just have me reeling in admiration. Not so much because of the content, but because of the way the content is presented. The best ones carry a unique, personal voice, and just enough relevant background information. A bit of humor can be a plus.
Take note of the typical elements in an author bio:
– Name
– Profession
– Genre
– Awards, recognitions
– Relevant expertise
– Location
– Personal detail(s)
Here are two examples:
Mary Walker is the author of seven published books. She lives in California’s San Fernando Valley with her husband of 32 years, Sam, and a mischievous Siamese cat named Katra.
Name: Yes
Profession: No
Genre: No
Recognition: No
Relevant expertise: No
Personal detail: Yes
Would it be more interesting to know a little bit more about Mary? She could be a VERY interesting person with lots of interesting stories. But we don’t know that. Is she just being modest? Maybe. What genre are her books? What’s her background? I think you’d agree there should be something more to make it memorable. Why should we bother with the other elements? Check out this author bio:
Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming, and Let Me Hear a Rhyme. A Walter Dean Myers Honor Book and Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University, earned her master of arts in media studies from the New School, and has over a decade in TV and film experience. The Brooklyn native still resides in the borough she loves. You can visit her at www.writeinbk.com.
My favorite bios are short and sweet, which is an invitation for me to read and appreciate every word, and that’s what I did with the second one. It includes the author’s background, recognitions, and personal detail. The titles are intriguing and an important inclusion. Plus, her website link directs the reader to visit to learn more about her and her books. See the difference a few words can make?
