The Business of Writing

What is a Writer’s Bio and Why Do You Need One?

A writer’s bio is a brief summary of your professional background, achievements, and personal interests as they relate to your writing. With every submission to an agent, publishing company, marketing opportunity, and publication, you will need a to tell people who you are and why they want to learn about you. Your biography is that tool.

Professional Writer’s Bio

A professional author bio is a brief biography that lists your professional accomplishments relevant to your writer’s experience. It should be a paragraph, or a series of sentences, about who you are as a writer and an author. It should include your name, your genre, relevant experience, and publications. It can include relevant organizations you are in, as well as your tagline about you and or your writing. For example, my bio includes my tagline: “Creating beauty for the mind.” Additionally, linking your website or how to connect with you should be included.

Personal Writer’s Bio

A personal author bio is your chance to connect with readers. It should be personal enough to make readers feel connected to you and compel them to buy your book. The author bio establishes you as the kind of writer whom your target market wants to read. It is where you forge a connection with potential readers and get them to trust you and want to know you. This is also where you should include a link to your website or social media accounts. 

Even if you don’t have an extensive list of publications, you can share your journey that led you to writing, discuss your inspirations, and share personal insights. For example: 

Jane Smith was an elementary school teacher for twenty years. Her love of camping, along with storytelling around a campfire, inspired her to write a children’s adventure series about camping and exploring the national parks. Through her writing, she aims to raise awareness of environmental issues facing the national parks, spark interest in the adventures of camping, and discover the unique attributes of the national parks in the United States. 

This context can enrich the reader’s experience and provide a deeper insight into your work, while adding credibility. 

Components of a Writer’s Bio:

• Your Name, Genre, and Profession: State who you are, what you write, and what you do. 

Example: John Smith is a science fiction writer, writing novels, flash fiction, and short stories.  

• Writing Background: Mention notable works, publication or relevant experience. 

Example: John has been featured in journals, Space Age Magazine, Rocket to Space Journal, and We Are Not Alone. He was also the recipient of the 2023 Brilliance of Minds Award for his flash fiction story, “My Dog In Space.” 

• Unique Qualities or Interests: Highlight what makes your perspective or style unique.

Example: Having taught Physics and Space Engineering at Caltech, John brings unique insights to space travel and realism to his sci-fi stories. 

Trade Secrets 

Crafting multiple versions of your bio is essential for various submission contexts. When submitting to journals, publications, media companies, or query letters, you will often need shorter, more concise versions of your bio. Frequently, these entities will request a bio under 100 or even 50 words. (See a version of my bio below.) Always check their website for specific submission guidelines and adhere strictly to them. DO NOT think you can the one person to break the rule. Publications have stringent word limits, or those reviewing your bio may not have time for lengthy narratives. Be succinct and focused, providing a snapshot of who you are and what you write. If further details are required, they will ask. 

Overall, an author bio builds credibility with your audience and professional connections in the industry. It also introduces you to your target audience, helping you connect on a personal level. Agents, publishers and readers often prefer to support writers they find professional, experienced, and relatable. Do not underestimate the important step in creating a professional bio.