If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found that writing an Author Bio about yourself is hard. We can spin a story fine, but when it comes to summing up our own lives and writing in a few short paragraphs, we get stuck. We may stay too humble.
It’s a common struggle for authors and specialty coaches, but your biography is too important to gloss over. It creates social proof with new readers and is a crucial part of your author brand.
You might think it’s all about listing your achievements, but it’s really about connecting with people. A great bio tells your story, builds credibility, and invites readers to explore your work.
You’ll use your author bio on your book jacket, website ‘about’ section, or professional profiles. You’ll use it if you upload your own books and if you speak on stages.
I’ve got some startling research on my new Thought Leader Marketing webinar, so let me know if you’d like that link in the comment. Make sure we’re friends too.
Step 1: The Building Blocks
First, Identify Your Goal and Audience
What do you want your bio to achieve? (e.g., impress a publisher, sell books, connect with fans or attract new leads). It will need to be adjusted.
Who are you writing for? A bio for a book jacket might be different from one for a publisher’s website.
Next, Gather Your Key Details
Your full name, your book’s title and genre, and a one-sentence summary of what you write.
Note your core achievements and credentials (e.g., academic life, awards, relevant professional experience, or perhaps a life-defining experience). What makes you a credible author in your genre?
Include a personal touch or a fun fact that is relevant to your work and will resonate with your readers. Not coffee, but something relevant to what you do.
Understand Your Author Brand Tone-of-Voice
It’s crucial to be consistent in your communication and connecting with your target audience. Not only for your Bio but your whole suite of online communications.
Start by considering what you want your Author Brand to convey. Is it warmth, humour, honesty, thoughtfulness, or something else?
With tone of voice, don’t try to mimic others – you have your own personality, am I right?
Choose a few keywords that capture the essence of your brand’s tone. These keywords will guide your communication and keep your tone consistent. E.g. Mine are empowering growth, unvarnished truth, helpful guide.
Write sample messages. Imagine your target audience will read them. Will they get the necessary emotional experience? These will later become the base for marketing your book, your program, and your unique self.
I wrote a book on author brand, called My Personal Brand, which is sold both directly and at online retailers.
Step 2: Write a Draft of the Bio
Start with a strong opening line that quickly establishes your identity as an author.
Write in the third person, as this is the standard for book jackets and professional profiles. (For LinkedIn, write in first person and make changes so that it’s more career and keynote focused).
Connect your experience and personality to your writing. Keep it concise.
Step 3: Polishing and Finalising
Choose the Right Length and Format
I always make three bios, because I write articles, regularly update my Amazon Author Central, update my LinkedIn Summary (~400 words) or pitch for a speaking gig – and most of these require different lengths.
- Short Bio (under 100 words): Ideal for the back of a book, social media profiles, and professional directories. Focus on the essentials.
- Medium Bio (100-250 words): Great for a website’s “About” page or guest blog post bylines. Allows for more detail on your experience and personality. This could also go into your Media Kit.
- Long Bio (250+ words): Suitable for a full author page on your website, where readers or the media can dive deeper into your story.
(Media Kit ideal length is 4 A4 pages).
Proofread and Edit your Author Bio
- Read your bio out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors.
- Ask a friend or colleague to review it for clarity and tone. Make sure it feels like you.
In an effort to help more new authors and specialists, we are re-launching Business Author Academy this year… with three main options:
Book Creation Self-Publish – DIY? Get resources, training and a workbook — helping self-publishers to learn the ropes in their own time. Content focusses on using IngramSpark, with alternative resources for Amazon publishing and eBook creation.
Writing Coaching – Offering non-fiction (self-help, how to, etc) or biography, memoir writers the support to develop a properly structured book. From $3,000 to $4,800 with editing.
Book Funnel Flow – Marketing Support – direct sales a must? This personalised system supports authors to set up a working email marketing template, list, blurb copy and launch imagery, with the aim of increasing visibility and book sales. Discounted price for those with our publishing support program. (Launch reel and media kit supplied).