How to write an author bio

The rules that matter

The Scribe Method, Scribe's free book on writing nonfiction, gives four tips in its chapter on how to write your author bio:

• Keep it short and relevant. Readers do not need everything about you, only what shows you know this subject.
• Do not oversell or undersell. A bio stuffed with every outlet and award reads as promotional. One that hides your real expertise wastes the space.
• Use the third person. Most professional bios are written that way, and it reads with more authority.
• Ask a friend. Writing about yourself is hard. Someone who knows your work can say what is impressive without it sounding like boasting.

The chapter also shows real bios side by side, including the same author's bio written badly and then well. It is worth reading before you start.

What to put in, in order

1. Who you are, in this book's terms. The role that makes you credible on this subject, not your full job title.
2. Who you help, and with what. This connects you to the reader's problem.
3. Proof. One or two specific facts that show you have done it: years, results, roles, people helped. Pick the ones this reader would care about.
4. The book. On the store page and in other people's materials, name it.
5. One personal line (optional, longer versions only).
6. Where to find you (website, longer versions only).

Build your bio

Fill in what you can. The three versions update as you type.

Treat what the builder writes as a first draft. Read it aloud, cut any word that does not earn its place, and ask someone who knows your work whether it undersells you.

Fill-in templates

If you prefer to write it by hand, start from these.

Back cover (two or three sentences)
[Name] is [role] who helps [who] [do what]. [One fact that proves it.] [Optional second fact.]

Store page and back of the book
[Name], author of [Book], is [role] who helps [who] [do what]. [Proof: years, results or roles that relate to the book.] [One personal line.] Learn more at [website].

Speaker introduction
Our next speaker is [role] who helps [who] [do what]. [Proof.] [First name] is the author of [Book]. Please welcome [Name].

Common mistakes

• Listing everything. Every outlet, award and board seat in one paragraph. Pick the two that matter to this reader.
• Vague claims. "A passionate leader with a proven track record" says nothing. Replace it with what you actually did.
• Credentials from the wrong field. An impressive degree that has nothing to do with the book's subject takes space from proof that does.
• One bio for every use. The back cover, the store page and a conference program have different space. Keep a long version and cut it down.
• Letting it go stale. Update it when something relevant changes. Module 6 suggests a review twice a year.

Where the bio goes

The back cover, the "about the author" page at the back of the book, the store page, your website, and anything an event organiser or podcast host reads out. Module 5 covers the back cover and store page in full, including the photo that goes with the bio.

Questions