Help Wanted #5

Articles about all aspects of writing, publishing, research, etc.

We're looking for articles from writers like you. Check here for our guidelines.

by

Julie H. Ferguson

Examples

The Long:

• Julie Ferguson

• Lyn Hamilton

• Tom Wolfe

and the Short:

• Lois J.  Peterson

• Small Spiral

   notebook

   contributors

The Long and the Short of Writing Your Bio

                              August 2004

     In terms of writers’ promotional writing tasks, creating a bio comes second only to getting short descriptions of their books and articles down on paper.

     Why?

     Bios form part of query letters, book proposals, promotional flyers, websites, jacket and catalogue blurbs, article by-lines, and introductions for book readings, etc.

      Bios are not resumes. They are usually written in narrative style in the third person. A long one will be no more than a page (500 words); a short one – from one sentence to a paragraph. Bios have to be  relevant to your writing career and your book-related expertise - I would not include my degree in physiotherapy in my bio unless my topic was about Geriatric Patients I Have Known!

      One page bios  are easier to write than shorter versions, so start with that.

 1.  Make lists of your relevant credentials, special skills, awards

      and accomplishments, memberships, and publishing history.

2.   Look at examples of other writers’ bios and note what you like

       and don't like.

3.   Now start writing.

4.   Use facts to promote yourself rather than lots of adjectives and

      adverbs, though a few  judiciously placed ones can be effective.

5.   Brag a little. But be 100% truthful.

6.  Now begin to tighten it up. Cut out, and rewrite. 

7.  Show the draft one-pager to your writers’ group and ask for

     comments.

8.  Rewrite and rewrite again.

9.  Now get someone else to edit it.

              10.  Finally, decide whether or not to include a picture on your long bio.

     It’s not necessary unless you are a celebrity, a speaker, or there is

     another compelling reason.

The bio in a query letter to a magazine editor is usually one paragraph, so you have a few more words to play with than, say, a by-line, which is one or two sentences.

Query bios must clearly tell an editor why you are the ideal person to write the article. 

Short bios need all the components of a long one, but choose only your best credential, best award, the top two of your publication successes, etc.

 If you have lots to say and feel the editor needs to know it all, you may choose to include a long bio as a separate attachment to query letters. However, although I have 30 years of writing experience, I never attach a long bio to my queries because I prefer to entice! After all, I am only inviting the editor or agent to ask for more material at this stage; if editors want more info, they’ll ask for it.

           Very short bios are demanding to write – what to include; what to cut?

1.   Start by trying to describe yourself in two words: “Author, historian.”

2.  Now try to do it in a phrase: “Leader of creative writing workshops

      for aspiring authors…"

3.  Include the means to contact you “Julie can be reached at….”

4.  Knowing who this short bio is for helps you to choose the key items to

      include. I often find myself tweaking my basic short bio to suit the

      “client.” 

          One thing is certain. Writing good promotional material takes much time and effort. But it is always worthwhile. When your bio is so good people start asking you to help them write theirs, you know you have achieved success.

 Author and professional speaker, Julie H. Ferguson leads workshops that provide aspiring authors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to approach publishers and succeed. Julie can be reached by email  or phone (604-469-1319), or through her website.