Writing an Author bio is simple in these three steps.
Step 1: Overview statement
This is your big picture summary of your unique combination of skills and experience. This should be 10-13 sentences total and needs to clearly explain what you do, what your niche is and the core benefit(s) of doing business with you. Be sure to be clear about what your expertise is and how you can help your target market solve their problem or achieve their goal. [Hint: Spend 90% of your time writing your bio perfecting these first few sentences.]
Step 2: Follow Up Facts
These facts should support your overview statement and back up why you are the recognized expert in your field (i.e. professional accomplishments, awards, or distinctions you’ve achieved). This should be 3-5 sentences.
Step 3: Social Proof
Provide details of who you’ve worked with and include any well-known people or celebrities in your industry or niche. If you have them, include any summary statistics about how many customers you’ve served globally (i.e. More than 50 of the Fortune 100 companies including Walmart, Chevron, General Motors, AT&T, and Bank of America currently use our service, in over 40 countries around the globe.)
Select any publications outlets that you’ve been featured in. Select any television media outlets where you’ve been featured. Include a couple of personal facts about yourself: i.e. (Originally from Minnesota, Michelle lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and son. She loves the ocean, is an avid boater, and plays the piano).
Provide information about how to contact you:
List any Website URLs, social media links, and business contact information.
TIPS when writing your author biography
- Include a professional headshot (photo) with your bio.
- Use the third person, never the first person.
- The word “I” should be banned from your bio!
- Edit your work. Ideally, have someone else do the editing and proofreading for you.
- Consider creating a few different versions:
- a short 100-word bio
- a longer bio (250 words) and then an article bio (50 words) for when you’re published in various media outlets.
- Don’t be afraid to tailor your bio depending on your audience, the publication, etc.
- Once you write your bio, create a verbal version of it in the form of a 30-second elevator speech. Practice delivering it until it becomes automatic.
Click Here to Read examples of Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster Bios.
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