Monday, July 23, 2018

How to Write a Killer Author Bio


Last month, we took a look at what goes on a "One Sheet" or "Pitch Sheet." One of the MUST HAVE items is an author bio.

In a single paragraph, you're supposed to capture your entire writing resume, personality, and social media platform. It's supposed to be informative, relatable, and NOT boring.

Sounds easy, right? You can knock that out in a couple minutes, right?

If you're like me, probably not.

So, how does one go about putting together this marvel of succinct awesomeness?

Here are a few tips to help you craft a Killer Author Bio:


Use third person, make it sound like you, and establish your credibility - Author bios are written in third person. Readers will know that the bio is written by the author, but pretend it wasn't. 😄 Tailor your bio to fit your personality and what you write. Your bio will sound different if write YA, or Sci-fi, or thrillers. Put something in your bio that gives your bona fides for writing the genre you write.


Examples: 


Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband of thirty-four years and their two active dogs. She is the author of several novels, including Hannah's Choice

  • Note that Jan has Amish and Mennonite ancestry, which aids her and gives her Amish fiction veracity. Totally cool that she mentions it in her bio.


Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

  • Mary living on a ranch in Nebraska gives her writing about cowboys the ring of truth and authenticity. People are drawn to that! 


Carrie Schmidt is an avid reader, book reviewer, story addict, KissingBooks fan, book boyfriend collector, and cool aunt. She also loves Jesus and THE Story a whole lot. A reviewer and a co-founder of the Christian Fiction Readers' Retreat, Carrie lives in Kentucky with her husband Eric. She can be found lurking at various blogs and websites (because she can't stop talking about books) but her main home is the blog she started in 2015 - ReadingIsMySuperPower.org. You can also connect with Carrie on Facebook @ meezcarriereads and everywhere else social at @meezcarrie

  • Carrie is a book reviewer who cannot stop talking about books. That's an ESSENTIAL qualification! :)

Brag but don't brag - If you've hit a best-seller list, won an award or contest, or had J. K. Rowling ask to co-author a book with you, you should mention it. But in a classy way. Don't list all your awards from "Won the three-legged race at the 1979 church picnic" to "Voted most likely to become an astronaut by her graduating class." Keep it relevant to writing. Award-winning, or best-selling, or both are appropriate. If you've won a Pulitzer, it's okay to say "Pulitzer Prize Winning" in your bio, but otherwise, keep it simple.


Examples: 


Annie is proud to be one of the founding stewards of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR). CFRR is a one day event gathering of Christian Fiction readers and authors, with a focus theme of “Honoring God through Christian Fiction." It features speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, prayer & worship and author signings. You can reach Annie on her blog, Just Commonly , Facebook , Twitter or Instagram.

  • Annie and Co have done something amazing with the CFRR, and it has grown out of all proportion. Annie has included it as part of her bio, but she isn't bragging about it. Here it is used as an identifier, something that makes Annie unique in the world of book bloggers. Readers will begin (and have begun!) to make that connection: Annie + CFRR. Annie loves Christian Fiction. Annie must be a great CF blogger. (And she is! :) )


CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms: Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman

  • Here, Pam keeps it simple. She's a best-selling author in the CBA. Not too many flourishes, and straight to the point. Readers like that.

Keep it short! - Four or five sentences. Anything longer means the reader has to work too hard to get to know you, might lose interest, and/or assume you're boring. Get pithy. Get succinct. Pack a lot in!


Examples: 


Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy Tippens met her very own hero when she headed to grad school in Atlanta, Georgia. She promptly fell in love and has lived in Georgia ever since. She and her pastor husband have been married over twenty-five years and have been blessed with three children. After ten years of pursuing her publishing dream, Missy made her first sale to Love Inspired in 2007.

  • Look at how much Missy has packed into four sentences. And there are so many places for people to feel a kinship. She is a pastor's wife and a mom. She had a cool career, and she knows what perseverance is all about. 


Glynna Kaye treasures memories of growing up in small Midwestern towns, and vacations spent with the Texan side of the family. She traces her love of storytelling to family gatherings where they shared hours of what they called “windjammers”—candid, heartwarming, poignant and often humorous tales of their youth and young adulthood. Glynna now lives in Arizona, and when she isn’t writing she’s gardening and enjoying photography and the great outdoors.

  • Three sentences. Yet, Glynna has shared her history and her heart. If you get a chance to meet Glynna in person, you will already know her from this biography. She's gentle and kind and welcoming, and her bio gives the flavor of all those things.


It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. But once God called her to write, she never looked back. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. Mindy lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, and when she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Find more at MindyObenhaus.com.

  • Mindy tells so much about herself in this bio! She's a Texan, a grandma, and she's passionate about God. I can hear all this in Mindy's Texas twang! 

Tell one thing that makes you unique in the writer-world - There are thousands of authors on this planet, and every one of them has a bio. You want to stand out a little bit in that crowd. What else are you known for besides writing...or what angle do you use in your fiction that makes it stand out? Are you an archaeologist? A baker? A phrenologist? Mention that. It will make your bio memorable.


Examples:


Debby Giusti is a medical technologist who loves working with test tubes and petri dishes almost as much as she loves to write. Growing up as an Army Brat, Debby met and married her husband--then a Captain in the Army--at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Together they traveled the world, raised three wonderful Army Brats of their own and have now settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where Debby spins tales of suspense that touch the heart and soul.

  • Test tubes and petri dishes? What? That is unique! Folks will remember that! And they'll remember Debby, which is the whole purpose of an author bio.


Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author and a Christy Award winner. Her first book, The Healer’s Apprentice, won the National Readers’ Choice Award for Best First Book in 2010, and The Merchant’s Daughter won the 2012 Carol Award. Melanie spends her time daydreaming, researching the most fascinating historical time periods, and writing stories at her home near Huntsville, Alabama, where she gathers dandelion greens for her two adorable guinea pigs between writing and editing her happily ever afters. Visit her online at MelanieDickerson.com; Facebook: MelanieDickersonBooks; Twitter: @MelanieAuthor.

  • What? Guinea pigs? How cute is that? How many authors do you know who have guinea pigs? Memorable for sure! And something that will help Melanie relate to her target readers, Young Adults, the vast majority of whom love animals.

Add a dash of humor - Humor makes you relatable and friendly. (...or in Ruthy's case, endearingly snarky!)


Examples: 


Ruth Logan Herne is the bestselling author of more than forty novels and novellas, including Welcome to Wishing Bridge, the first book in her Wishing Bridge series. With millions of books in print, she’s living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read. The mother of six and grandmother to fourteen, she loves God, family, country, chocolate, and dogs and lives with her husband on a small farm in Upstate New York, where she can be found prepping chicken eggs for local customers—who know not to say too much (or they just may end up in a book). Visit the author at www.ruthloganherne.com.

  • Doesn't this sound JUST like Ruthy? That little zinger at the end is so very HER! 


Winnie Griggs learned the art of storytelling as a child when she and her siblings spent countless hours exploring the overgrown area around her South Louisiana home, building forts, stalking big game and keeping watch for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. She now happily shares the product of her active imagination with the readers of Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at winniegriggs.com or connect with her at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author

  • Don't you love the touch of whimsy Winnie added to her bio? Can't you just see her as a child, conquering the wilds of Louisiana, her siblings by her side, vanquishing pirates and capturing bullfrogs? The imagery here gives you a glimpse into the writing style and imagination in her books.



Put in social media contact points - Give your readers a way to find you online via your bio. Website, Instagram, email. Something. It's a call to action, an invitation to find you online and deepen the new relationship.


Examples: 


Beth Erin lives with her husband and their four children in a close-knit rural southern Illinois farming community. They love their laid-back lifestyle and small country church family. When she isn’t reading, Beth enjoys indulging in a favorite show or movie with her family, completing DIY projects with her husband, and seeing the country on long family road trips. You can connect with her on Faithfully Bookish, Facebook, and other social media platforms @betherin02!

  • Beth has given several platforms where folks can connect with her...and you should! She's awesome!


Audra Harders writes "rugged stories with heart" featuring cowboys and ranchers who haven't a clue about relationships rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers. In real life, she's married to her own patient hero and is surrounded by everything conducive to writing about farming, ranching and cowboys at her day job in the county Extension office. She began writing right after her son was born and sold her first book to Steeple Hill Love Inspired mere months before her daughter graduated from college. Surviving those years in between remind her God does have her plan for her life...and that He has a tremendous sense of humor. You can visit her at www.audraharders.com. Don't be shy!



  • Audra actually TELLS her readers to not be shy, get themselves over to her website! :) Now THAT is a call to action! I love it!



One Last Example:



Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she married her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!

Let's dissect it and see if I hit all the points:

 (Keep it short. Four sentences.)

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. (Bragging but not bragging. This tells people that I'm not a novice at this writing thing.)

She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum (Third person bona fides - I love history, and I write history.)  

and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. (Throw in something unique...as far as I know, I am the only historical romance writer in the Christian market that loves both the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team and the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team and roots for each vocally and often.)  

You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ (The social media connection points) 

where she spends way too much time! (A bit of humor that I can poke at myself and that people can relate to easily. Besides, it's TOTALLY true.)

As you can see from the examples given here, you don't have to follow a strict order to these points. Mix things up. It's best to get your name in early, but after that, be creative.

Before you write your own author bio, go online or to a bookstore and READ a lot of them. Pick out the ones you like best and see how you can creatively incorporate the things you like. Utilize the tips given here, and before you know it, you'll have a KILLER Author Bio of your own!

SHARE your author bio in the comments. We'd love to get to know you better! 




62 comments:

  1. This is such good information because these author bios can either be tricky... (for traditional publishers)... or SO MUCH FUN (for blogs and intros, etc. where I change mine to be a little more silly)...

    Erica, thank you for doing this! You rock!

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    1. Ruthy, I love how you personalize your bios. :)

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    2. Missy, I think people kind of just expect some random thing now! :) And it keeps them guessing. Which Ruthy will show up today????

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    3. Hey, Ruthy! You're more creative than I am. I tend to update my bio every once in awhile, and then stick with it. :)

      Delete
  2. When do you need to write an author bio?

    I have not written one yet. I am in various stages of writing and nothing is ready for publication yet. I have written the end on 3 so far. Those are women's fiction and Suspense. I have 3 more started a women's fiction. a historical and the other a suspense, I also have 3 middle grade stories I am working on so my genres are all over the place at this stage.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Wilani, you may need some sort of bio for when you first submit your work. You'll also need one if you set up a website or author page. So you could always start working on it now! Or just keep a list of what you'd like to include.

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    2. Wilani, there's no time like the present! Jump on in! As Missy says, you'll need it the minute you pitch your project, so might as well have one all polished up and ready to go.

      Delete
  3. Great post, Erica! I love how you shared the examples. I've got several different ones and need to make sure to update all the locations where I use them. I've learned to keep a Bio file on my computer! That way I can keep it updated and find it quickly.

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    1. Hi Missy:

      When I read what you wrote here about keeping your bios updated and easy to find, I instantly envisioned your autobiography:

      "My Life as a WIP"

      Then, in the far reaches of my mind, I could hear bits and pieces of the audio book being read in a soft voice, "a pilgrimage of the heart", "finding oases along the trails of spiritual growth", "sharing the experiences of love" and "driving the hearts of the money changers to a better place."

      Well, it's like they say: "You can write your story the way you want but it still has to be played in the reader's mind."

      Delete
    2. Missy, I have an author bio file on my laptop, too. It's got several iterations that I've used over the last ten years, but the one I use the most is always at the bottom of the document so I can find it quickly!

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  4. These are great tips, Erica. I'm working on setting up my website and it's surprisingly difficult to write a bio. Especially since I'm a newbie and have to find creative ways to sound like I know something LOL :) I'm definitely going to refer to this post often!

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    1. One thing potential readers love is when you share something personal, like Erica's love for the Jayhawks and New Zealand Blacks. When you don't have publishing credits to mention (yet!), take advantage of this opportunity for people to learn a little bit about you!

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    2. Glynis, I remember those days! I think my first bio mentioned that I was a member of the ACFW and the Minnesota State Historical Society! LOL Anything to fill the space and try to show agents/editors that I was serious about writing and history.

      Delete
  5. Great post, Erica!

    One thing you forgot to mention is that once you write your author bio, it isn't set in stone! Change it up as time goes by! Have fun with it!

    I also try to vary mine, depending on where it is. So my author bio for my publisher is a little bit different than the one I send with a blog guest-post. And at the Yankee-Belle Cafe, I'm less formal.

    But the main thing - and you pointed this out - is to let your bio reflect the true you rather than the person you think people want you to be. You wouldn't lie on a resume, so don't stretch the truth in your author bio, either. :-)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes! You can tailor your bio to the spot it will appear. Sometimes you have several paragraphs to fill in, and sometimes you get one line!

      And yep, your bio should not be 'fake news!' Make it you, all the way through, as you are, not as you want to be!

      Delete
  6. Thank you so much for this post! I've been struggling with rewriting my bio and this is just what I needed. As usual, Seekerville delivers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Waving frantically, LeAnne. Hope you made it home safe and sound.

      Delete
    2. So good seeing you at RWA, LeAnne! Mindy, too! I had fun "hangin'" with you!

      Hugs!

      Delete
    3. LeAnne, so glad you found the post helpful! And glad you got to hang with some Seekers at RWA!

      Delete
  7. Great post, Erica. I have thought about this. I haven't written an author bio, but have spent time wondering what I would put in it. This is helpful.

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    1. Hey, Sandy, give writing one up a whirl! It's kind of fun, since you thoroughly know the subject matter. :) And you'll have it all ready for when you need it!

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  8. Erica, this is so helpful. Writing a bio can be torture, but you've given some great tips. Thanks!

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    1. Mindy, I remember trying to write my first author bio. I went and read a lot of them online to try to figure out what to say, and I remember thinking...I am the most boring person on the planet. LOL Everyone else seemed to have a much more interesting life than me!

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  9. Erica, this is a great post. What would you put in a bio if the book has been written under a pen name? This is the situation I face at the moment. Thanks!

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    1. Well, I'd match it to the pen name.... So here's an example if I were to write young adult fun stuff:

      Author Ro Ro Jones writes about kids because she was one once and figures she knows a lot about them, and when one of them mentions how long ago that was, she shows them some of her lesser known karate tricks. That quiets them down real fast.

      You can reach her at RoRoJones.com or check out any nearby hollow trees where she tends to gather with occasional group of fairies, dryads and Justin Timberlake fans. Because who doesn't love "Can't Fight the Feeling"?

      Delete
    2. Hey, Edwina!!! Long time no see! So good to see you here.
      I'm no expert, but I'd think, unless you want your pen name to be super secret, i.e. unless your publisher is requiring you to keep your YA writing self separate from your adult writing self, you should mention it. Something like, "Eleanor Elegant also writes romantic comedies under her alter ego's name, Edwina Cowgill."

      Delete
    3. Hi, Edwina,

      Here's an example from a longtime ago Seeker, Camy Tang, who writes Regency fiction under the name Camille Elliot:

      USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot also writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense as Camy Tang. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog. She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, and for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher.

      She's right up front about Camille Elliot being a pen name.

      But, if you don't want people to know your real name, write the bio as if you are "Eleanor Elegant" and call it good. :)

      Delete
  10. Hi Erica:

    I have one question: "Will you be going to the World Cup in Japan next year?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't. I. Wish.

      I will be trying to figure out how to:

      A) Get a VPN, so I can watch all the games.

      B) Keep the time differences straight so I can watch live matches.

      C) Race towards a December 1st deadline and still watch all the rugby.

      Delete
  11. Erica, such an interesting post. Bios are so hard to write. I'm in awe of Ruthy who changes her bio frequently. I'm naming her BIO QUEEN RUTHY!

    Back from RWA 2018! Trying to catch up and need more sleep! Hugs to all!

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    1. So glad you're home from RWA safely. Hope you are able to catch up on all that needs doing, but get that sleep first! I'm way better at life when I get good sleep.

      Delete
  12. I loved this post. Here's the bio I usually use:
    Amy Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a cat or two. Amy graduated with a degree in English from Freed-Hardeman University and hopes in all her creative endeavors to glorify God, but especially in her writing. She wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

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    1. I love this! I'd probably add a stray spider or scorpion or snake to that cat line because cats are so NORMAL, Amy...

      And I would shorten those last two sentences. (are you offended that I'm saying that??? No? Good!) :)

      Something a little snappier.... She has a an English degree that she intends to use to glorify God and she wants her work to show the true struggles Christians face and how adversity can work for the good.

      Something like that.

      Do not hate me.

      Delete
    2. I don't hate you, Ruthy. I appreciate suggestions that help me come across as more real. Although I would rather not live with a spider if I can help it. :-/ And definitely not the other two. Maybe I should just change it to say I am growing children and multi-headed sunflowers! Ha!

      Delete
    3. Hi, Amy! I love so much about your bio! Ruthy makes good suggestions to tighten up the back end of the paragraph.

      I might suggest adding a word about the cats. Perhaps "...and usually a snooty cat or two." or aloof, or snuggly, or whatever. Something that cat people and non cat people will key in on, that you like and understand your cat, just like they do.

      It will help make a connection, and seem more friendly.

      Delete
  13. This was great, Erica. I've been thinking about revamping my author bio. It was fun to read all the bios you shared here. I'm stuck on my "interesting point." I used one a few years ago, but it feels like it needs to be changed up.

    I did a quick revamp of my bio, and I'd love feedback.... :)

    Award winning writer, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that deals with real life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her real-life hero husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days. You can connect with her on her blog (jeannetakenaka.wordpress.com), on Facebook and on Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeanne just write one. Then write a short one. Then write a really long one. Then write one including live links to your facebook page, etc.
      Then write a funny one.
      Then write a genre specific one.
      Save THEM ALL.
      You'll find as you write and rewrite...just like a book...they become sharper and better. And you sometimes need specific or funny or long or short. It's good to have them handy.
      Here's my short bio. I could cut out the last sentence if someone wanted really really short.
      Or add in that sentence about 'she's married to her own romantic cowboy hero...'

      Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of over 55 books and novellas.

      Delete
    2. Jeanne, I love your bio. And as Mary says, write a couple of them, so you have one ready for any occasion.

      Award-winning writer Erica Vetsch is the author of 35 novels and novellas, and when she's not writing, she's plotting which history museum to conquer next.

      :)

      You might consider changing just the first line of your bio...

      Award winning writer, Jeanne Takenaka, writes

      Award-winning novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes...

      That way you avoid using writer and writes so close together.

      Delete
    3. Thank you, Mary and Erica. These thoughts are very helpful! :)

      Delete
  14. Hi Erica:

    Thanks for so many good examples of author bios. There is one more step I would suggest:

    Ask yourself these questions when you are done:

    How will this bio 'play' in the reader's mind? How do actual non-related readers react to the boi? (Did you test the copy?)

    Will the reader know what type of books you write from this bio or would it work for any genre?

    Will this bio make the reader more likely to read the type of books you write?

    Could you add a line to your standard bio to make it better sell this specific book? Should some aspect of the standard bio be empathized for this title?

    Could you put a hook (in some way) in the bio? "…loves to pull surprises on her readers…"

    "Sell the sizzle not the steak."

    Put some sizzle in your bios.

    Vince

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    1. Vince, these are all great things to ask! You're always adding interesting angles to the discussion! :)

      Delete
  15. Great post Erica! My bio is in need of an update and this will make a great reference to help me when I finally get around to tackling it.

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    1. Winnie, it always seems like there's something writing-related to keep up on, doesn't it? I keep a virtual Post-it on my laptop to remind me of things like updating my bio, adding to the books page on my website, etc. It is a great reminder, and also a way to procrastinate working on my WIP by doing "writerly things." LOL

      Delete
  16. Wow, Erica! What a post. Thanks for packing all this info into one place!

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    1. Hey, Sally! Thanks for stopping by, and I'm so glad you found the post helpful!

      Delete
  17. So glad you wrote this chock full of info post, Erica. It's so useful and timely. I love all these unique and memorable bio samples.I would like to revise my non-fiction author bio or write a completely new one for my fiction. Ordering business cards soon. Is it appropriate to use a bio on the back of your author business card?

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    1. Jeanne, I've seen it on bookmarks but the business card is kind of small. I'd suggest a tagline if anything... And then typical business things. Name. Pic. Web address, facebook, twitter, etc. If I was giving it to an editor I'd add a phone number on the back, but last year when an editor wanted to reach out to me, she messaged me on facebook... and opened the conversation that way, and that's really common now.

      I have a little more fancy with the bookmarks, but the business cards I keep short and sweet.

      Wait.

      I'M SHORT AND SWEET!!!

      Delete
    2. Many thanks, Ruth. I didn't think of my pic on the card. Need to get a professional one done. Tagline does seem best here. I know you're sweet.

      Delete
    3. Mary, you took the words right out of my mouth! :) We love you, Ruthy. You're concentrated awesome!

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    4. As to the bio on business cards, I wouldn't try to fit it on there. As Ruthy says, a tagline works there, but not a bio. Put your bio on your "One Sheet" and proposals and your website instead.

      Delete
  18. Even though as a reader I do read the bio. It's the story line that draws me in to a book and keeps my attention. Nice if the author can identify a tiny bit with setting or characters.

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    1. Kim, that's so good to know. And it makes perfect sense, right? If the book draws you in, you're in.

      Then the whole package idea makes sense.

      I'm so glad you posted!

      Delete
    2. I read the back cover copy first, too. But if I really like a book, I want to know more about the person who read it, so I check the bio. I want to know what we have in common, what the author brings to the table that makes them the perfect person to write that story.

      Example, one of my favorite authors in the world is the late Dick Francis. He wrote stories that were all at least tangentially related to steeplechase racing in England.

      He was perfectly suited for this task, because at one time he was a steeplechase jockey in England. (He even rode the Queen's horses!)

      I love learning those things about authors when I have already fallen in love with their work.

      Delete
  19. I had the grand champion chicken at the county fair in ninth grade.
    I should include that. Highlight of my life. It's been all downhill from there.

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    Replies
    1. I should mock you right now.

      You make it so easy.

      But no, I'm going to smile and nod. :)

      And I'm going to BE NICE.

      Gasp!

      Our friends just finished their 4H years with their now 19 year old daughter, their fourth child... and she finished it as Grand Champion and then took their little three year old granddaughter through the paces as a future show person. OH MY STARS, I thought I'd die with the cuteness of it all.

      I love County Fairs and showing animals.

      Delete
    2. HEY! I got A TROPHY! Then one of my little brothers realized you could UNSCREW the beautiful golden woman from the lovely wooden base and he DISASSEMBLED IT!!!
      I put it back together but it was never the same!!!

      Delete
    3. Definitely put that in your bio, Mary. And perhaps a picture of you and the chicken and the trophy. I am sure that will be what pushes your work over the top and garners interest from one of the Big Five....either that or it will be the thing that pushes you right around the bend! LOL

      I am kind of afraid of chickens. There. I said it.

      Delete
    4. Okay, you all just made me laugh. Loud. ;)

      Delete
    5. "I put it back together but it was never the same!!!"

      The always happens when you knock someone off their pedestal.

      Delete

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