If you are a self-published author, you would know how difficult it can be to make a name for yourself. This is especially true if you are a newbie writer and have yet to make an impact with your readers. Which is why you should never take any aspect of the book publishing process for granted.
One aspect that you should always take into account is your author bio. Although it may seem trivial at first, it is still an important part of your book marketing campaign and can also affect how your readers will perceive you and your book.
So before you release your book, it is imperative that you make your author bio as interesting and informative as possible.
Here are 6 great tips on how to write an author bio for your book:
- Write in short and concise sentences
When writing your author bio, it is always a good idea to write in short and concise sentences. This is because readers don’t like reading overly long sentence compositions. It tends to bore them and make reading more of a chore than a learning experience.
So when you write your author bio, always remember to write in shorter and more concise sentences. This will make your sentence composition more efficient and effective in the long run.
- Take it easy on the unnecessary details
One great tip on how to write an author bio, is to take it easy on unnecessary information. This is because if you overly pad your author bio with unnecessary information, it will not only bore your readers. It will most likely frustrate them as well.
Because, as harsh as it may sound, no one cares if you got an award in first grade or if you like to do yoga in your spare time. When writing your author bio, make sure that your information is relevant to your work. This will show readers that you are serious about your work.
- Do show your credentials
Although it was stated earlier that you should refrain from padding your author bio with unnecessary information, it is still very important that you show your readers your credentials. This is a way for you to show readers that you really know your stuff.
That you know what you are writing about and that you are passionate about your work. For example, if you are writing a book on Military history, it would be a good idea to mention that you have a background in archeology or that you went to a military academy.
By showing your credentials, you are alleviating your readers of any doubts on your credibility to write about the subject matter.
- Show your commitment for the writing process
It is also a good idea to show your readers how committed you are as a writer. It will show them the level of dedication you have for the art. So it is always a good idea to mention that you are a full time writer or a part time writer.
If you mention that you are full time writer, it will show readers that you are willing to work day in and day out for your craft. If you mention that you are a part time author, then it will show that you are willing to juggle a full time job along with other responsibilities to make your book publishing dreams come true.
It is also a good idea to mention any writing communities that you have worked with through the years because it shows that you have a long history with writing. All in all, this type of information will make you look good to your readers.
- Do show your emotional side
Although it was stated earlier that you should not share too much unnecessary information, it is always ok to show your emotional side. One example is your main motivation to have your book published.
It could be in honor of a dear friend, a promise to a loved one or a lifelong dream. It is never wrong to show a bit of vulnerability in your author bio, because it shows that you are a human being and that you can feel these emotions.
- Just be honest with your audience
Writing a book is by far one of the purest and most honest endeavors you could ever undertake. Which is why it is important that you stay honest with your readers. Don’t make up information or achievements in your author bio.
Just tell your readers about yourself, and keep things simple and real. Remember that your author bio is just your way of introducing yourself to your readers. Because at the end of the day what will really shape their perception of you is your work.