Author bios can seem difficult. Its impossible to narrow a person down to a few sentences. But writers also do the impossible all the time.
My experience with this is limited to Submittable. Most places ask for a bio between three to five sentences long. Bios are simple and can have a bit of creativity involved. Most include:
- Name
- Occupation
- Credentials
- Achievements
- Personal touch
Name and occupation go together in the first line usually. For example, Robin LeeAnn is a writer and freelance editor. Its also good to mention that bios are % in third person.
Credentials include if you have a degree or how long youve been writing. Some writers, if theyre writing nonfiction, will state their knowledge in that field. This is usually said in the least amount of words. Something short and sweet. If youre writing a bio in three sentences, this is something added to the first sentence, or Ive seen a few leave it out.
For achievements, mention previous books you’ve written, short stories you’ve published, etc. It can be as simple as: She has published two flash fiction pieces with Friday Flash Fiction and a short fiction piece with the Aspec Journal. I
New to writing and stuck on the About the Author section? No bestsellers yet? No worries.
Here, youll find actionable tips with examples on how to write an author bio, laser-focused on unpublished, first-time authors.
Stick till the end! Because your author bio isnt just a footnote—its your debut spotlight.
Lets dive in.
What Should An Author Bio Include?
The anatomy of a standout bio is quite simple take care of the basics, then leave an impression with something unique.
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The Fundamentals
According to the Scottish Book Trust:
- An author bio is a quick snapshot, not an autobiography.
- Brevity is key. Keep it under words.
- Write in the third person. Its not just a stylistic choice; it adds a layer of professionalism.
Your Why
A higher purpose: Your why is your North Star. Its the reason you picked up the pen in the first place. Make it resonate.
Example: M
8 Great Author Bio Examples, Analyzed
There’s some awkwardness in composing an author bio, whether you’re an established author or a debut novelist. Its purpose is to concisely share any relevant qualifications or accolades you have, and perhaps show some personality if you feel like it and it’s genre-appropriate. The bio isn’t likely to be the deciding factor when it comes to someone choosing to buy a copy of your book (though it certainly matters more in nonfiction than fiction, where some level of expertise is expected), but it’s very much worth taking the time to write one thoughtfully, even if drawing attention to yourself makes you uncomfortable.
Since there isn’t a single right way to write a great author bio, I've collected 8 case studies that showcase the range you can work within.
1. Ruth Ozeki
“Ruth Ozeki is a novelist, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest. She is the author of three novels: My Year of Meats, All Over Creation and A Tale for the Time Being, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and translated into 28 languages. She has also written a short memoir, The Face: A Time Code. She is affiliated with the Everyday Zen Foundation and lives in Northa
Writing a bio for a poetry submission can be a challenging but rewarding task. Paired with good poetry, a well written bio showcases an author’s writing style and introduces their work to potential readers. Whether submitting to a competitive magazine, agency, or publisher, your bio should stand out and effectively express who you are as a poet. First and foremost, be honest and concise. Do not list outdated or exaggerated accolades, particularly those that may look good on paper but don’t represent your true writing personality. Instead, focus on only positive, relevant information that might affect the reader’s opinion of your work. For instance, if you are a semifinalist in a writing contest, be sure to include when, where and for which poem it was awarded. To ensure that your bio is informative and stand out from the competition, consider including a few facts about yourself. Are you a budding poet? What type of themes or feelings does your poetry reflect? Do you belong to any poetry groups or publications? Provide a unique or interesting background story or attribute that makes you unique as a writer. Always provide a brief sample of
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