Tips for Writing a Long or Short Author Bio for Magazine Articles
As synchronicity would have it, a different author emailed me the very same day and asked if she could interview me for a book she’s writing about how to acquire a literary agent. She asked me to contribute an author bio for that book – making the day officially my “author bio” day.
For more writing tips, click on How to Write It: Complete Guide to Everything You’ll Ever Write by Sandra Lamb – it’s about everyday writing correspondence, not magazine writing. And, read on for my tips for writing a long or short author bio for magazine articles…
Tips for Writing a Long or Short Author Bio for Magazine Articles
When writing your author bio, do:
- Include your most impressive writing credentials.
- Write it in the third person. Not only is this more professional, it allows you to be objective and balanced about your credentials and experience.
- Mention your education, training, and work experience if it directly relates to the topic of the article.
- Explore the author bios in various magazine articles and book excerpts for ideas. For instance, I found several great ones on YahooShine and BlogHer.
- Provide “live” links your name and blog, whether it’s for a print or online magazine. Some editors will post the magazine article online, and include your bio (check your author agreement and types of copyright for details).
- Provide a short and a long version; let the editor choose which is most suitable. It’s better to offer a little too much than not enough.
- Ask the editor if you should send a photo. If yes, then send two or three.
One of my most important tips for writing an author bio for magazine articles is to remember that it is a work in progress. It can and should change, depending on your magazine articles, book contributions, or book proposals.
When writing your author bio, don’t:
- Get scared or anxious about bragging or sharing your credentials. This is business, fellow scribes. Be professional.
- Mention your age, race, marital status, number of children, or any personal information – unless it suits the magazine article or book excerpt.
- Say that you’ve never written for money, never been published in The New Yorker, and never thought you’d be published by that particular e-zine (unless it somehow flows from the article you’ve written).
- Include url’s such as http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/ for online author bios. Instead, do what I’ve done below…
If you have any thought or questions about these tips for writing an author bio for magazine articles or book excerpts, please comment below…
Example of a short author bio:
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time freelance writer and blogger; her work has appeared in magazines such as Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day, Health, Writer’s Digest, MSN Health and sometimes More. She created and maintains a series of Quips and Tips websites: Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, and Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility. She’s also the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101.
Example of a long author bio:
The above, plus:
Pawlik-Kienlen is working on her first book: See Jane Soar: Life Lessons From Women Who Weren’t Well-Behaved – which is also a blog! She is represented by Special Agent Jon Sternfeld of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency; her degrees are in Psychology and Education. Pawlik-Kienlen lives on Bowen Island, BC – and she’s also known as The Adventurous Writer.
Please feel free to add your thoughts on author bios below…
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Comment by Tumblemoose on 13 September 2009:
Sage advice Laurie. A bio is an excellent opportunity for an author. If it is presented as an option, take full advantage.
Often times we scribes are hesitant to blow our own horns. We need to get over that and promote ourselves whenever possible.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post ..Dear Writer, This Is The Wall. You Have Hit Me. What Now?
Comment by Mom on 14 September 2009:
Your children might be a successful writer someday. Enrolling them in a writing school will help improve their writing skills making it useful as they grow in school.
Comment by Notebook Stories on 14 September 2009:
I see too many author bios that say cutesy things about the pets in the household. I don’t know why anyone thinks this is a good idea.
Comment by Ami on 16 September 2009:
Thanks for the great advice. I found writing bios to be difficult until I started keeping a running list of achievements, publications, etc., along with previously written “bio blurbs”. That way when I need a bio, I can go to this document and mix and match based on the publication or publisher’s needs. My credentials and achievements are right in front of me so that I can’t deny them or get modest about them, and I’ve already got basic bios to work from.
Ami´s last blog post ..Review: You’ve Found Your Specialty – Now What?
Comment by Laurie PK on 16 September 2009:
These are great tips for writing an author bio — thanks Ami!
I like the idea of thinking of our writing credentials and achievements as facts…not something to be embarrassed about. Successful writers need to accept and share their achievements without fear or shame. We work hard!
Laurie PK´s last blog post ..Writing Careers – Jobs for Magazine Staff Writers and Editors
Pingback by Sunday Wash-Up, 20th September « Shack's Comings and Goings on 24 September 2009:
[...] Tips for Writing a Long or Short Author Bio for Magazine Articles Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen lays out all the points you need to consider when assembling your author bio. [...]
Comment by Ben Angel on 27 September 2009:
Fantastic advice. I’ve just written a book called, ‘Sleeping Your Way to The Top in Business – The Ultimate Guide to Attracting & Seducing More Customers.”
I find that whenever I contribute to a magazine my bio always changes, even if it is ever so slightly. I feel it’s incredibly important to aim it towards your target market, i.e. the magazines readership base.
Thanks for the article.
Comment by Meryl K Evans on 29 September 2009:
In the early days, I used to fret about this because I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging … but I know I needed to provide proof that I had decent credentials. Your advice is right on target, Laurie. Thank you.
Meryl K Evans´s last blog post ..10 Commandments for Writers Using Social Media
Comment by Laurie PK on 29 September 2009:
Great tips — thanks Meryl and Ben!
I’ve never really felt like I was bragging when I mentioned my writing credits, but I can totally see how writers feel that way. I think like Meryl: your author bio is a chance for you to “prove” your credentials — and to gain the confidence and respect of readers and editors.
I don’t change my bio to suit the magazine, but I should. That’s great advice, Ben.
Laurie
Laurie PK´s last blog post ..A Top 10 Writing Blog – Quips and Tips for Successful Writers
Pingback by Links: Octo-what 2009 Already? Edition | Meryl.net on 2 October 2009:
[...] Tips for Writing a Long or Short Author Bio for Magazine Articles: I try to update my bio on a regular basis and create a short, medium and long version so it’s ready whenever I contribute an article. [...]
Pingback by Superhero Nation: how to write superhero novels and comic books » Writing Articles Seen Around the Web on 17 December 2009:
[...] Completing Your Author’s Bio–whether you’re completing an “About the Author” section of your website or preparing a manuscript submission, you’ll probably provide a bio to your readers. Here are some tips. [...]
Comment by Paul on 22 August 2010:
So simply laid out. I just loved it. Great advice that I plan to do… and don’t do! Thanks!