WRITING A MEMORABLE AUTHOR BIO

Why is it important?
 
For the indie author of any genre, an author bio is crucial. Readers want to connect with the author, and in today’s world, your bio is the one way they can do that. Just as the blurb is your book’s first impression, your bio is your introduction to the potential reader. However, in order to make the right impression, you need to know what makes up a memorable bio.
 
In researching this topic, I have complied the following information. However, before you begin, here are a few tips:

• Keep it short and concise.  Your bio should be under 300 words. People want a glimpse of who you are.
• Professional bios are written in 3rd person. A true sign of an amateur is to write your bio in 1st person.
• Keep your bio updated.

 
 
What, then, are the components of a memorable bio?
 
I will list four.
 
1) Begin with a byline.  This is a one-sentence summary of you.
 
            for example: John Smith is a retired English professor and author of. . .
                               
 
2) Next you need to state the theme of your work. Simply put, tell people what you write about: fiction/non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, murder mysteries etc. Also mention your area of expertise and if you have published other works.
 
            for example: As a retired medical examiner, John has seen and is keenly aware of the various
                                 causes of death and he uses this knowledge to add realism to his debut thriller, 
                                 The Graveyard Shift.
 
 
3) You can also mention your credentials and awards, but a word of caution, readers don’t want to read a list of every diploma or award you have received. Mention only those things that are directly related to the book in hand. If your book is sci-fi, there’s no need to mention your award for romance novels. Keep it relevant.
 
            for example: John is a decorated Vietnam Vet and has lived and breathed the same air as his
                                 characters.
                                 or:    Mary, winner of the Newberry Award for Young Adult Fiction, is . . .
             
 
You may also want to include accolades from a famous personality that are pertinent to the genre of your book.  
 
4) Finally, give your bio a personal touch. Readers who feel a connection with YOU are more apt to buy your book, so mention a personal tidbit about yourself.  But remember, it’s not necessary to go into a detailed autobiography. A first-time reader glancing at your bio doesn’t want to hear about your first pet or a list of authors who inspired you to start writing. Give them glimpses of who you are that are applicable to your book.
 
            for example: If your book is a young reader novel set in a boarding school you could say:
                                 John spent his teenage years in a boarding school and is keenly aware of the
                                 struggles of living away from home for the first time.
  
 
Or you could give them a glimpse of your life subtly in your byline.
 
            for example: John, a psychologist, works from his home in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens in
                                 Washington State.
 
The main thing to remember is to let your personality show through.
 
 
Finally, what do you do with your bio once it’s written?
 
Your bio is a marketing tool.

• Add it to your website, in the back of your books under “About the Author,” and on your Amazon author page, to name a few.
• If your book is part of a series, use your bio to encourage readers to buy the other books in the series.
• Advertise your website – for example: For more about John Smith and his thrilling books, visit his website: johnsmith.com.
• Encourage readers to leave reviews – if you enjoyed this book, let the author know by leaving a review.

 
In conclusion, your author bio is extremely important. Give it the attention and thoughtful care it deserves. Your memorable bio could make the difference in your book becoming your next best seller.  

Submitted by James M. McCracken, current President of NIWA and author of the five book, young reader series, A Charlie MacCready Mystery, available at Amazon.com and on my website,
jamesmmccracken.com.