Having an appropriate bio as an author sends the right message to your existing and potential readers. The bio is the first introduction a reader has on you. People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter.
1. The first step is for you to identify your purpose and audience. This is important because it shapes the ‘how to’ write the bio. This includes your tone, language, and levels of formality. A bio can be funny, personal, formal or professional depending on the target readers but it should always communicate briefly who you are and what you do in relation to your book.
2. Invest heavily once to reap a hundred times. Write a lengthy bio of yourself detailing every aspect of your life. If you do it well, you will be able to customize that information for the different platforms that will demand your bio. Though it takes time to do it well, it will serve you well over many years.
3. Do your research – don’t re-invent the wheel just re-align it to fit in your plans. Thousands, if not millions of authors have written bios in the past, you can save time by going through what others have done to shape yours. Ensure you search for bios from authors in the same line with your writing.
4. Be precise and to the point. In as much as your life has so many interesting facts, most information will be irrelevant to certain target groups. An author should mention their writing achievements and awards from the past. Mentioning their weight or physical fitness may not be relevant unless the book is about exercising. Every single information must be purposefully selected and committed to building the author’s credibility. Make sure to mention any awards and recognitions you have received in the past towards elevating your credibility.
5. Write in the third person to make your bio sound more objective – like it’s been written by someone else other than yourself. Instead of writing, “I am an author of two books” you should write, “Muthoni Omukhango is the author of two books – Back on My Feet and Too Busy for Worship”. The latter is much more formal and professional.
6. Always begin with your full names because it is likely that there will be readers of your book that do not know who you are. Use two names as you prefer them but avoid nicknames because they tend to water down the seriousness of your bio.
7. How much is too much? Ensure you give enough information that will humanize you. You have to give a little more personal information (in moderation) to help the readers to connect to you. It becomes too much if the information is not relevant to the readers.
It is best practice for authors in the Christian book industry to mention where they live, if they are married and have children. For example, for a marriage book the emphasis could be on family – “Muthoni Omukhango lives in Nairobi, Kenya with her husband Patrick Omukhango and their three children, Makena, Amani and Imara.”
Or for a single parents book the emphasis could be on that – “Muthoni Omukhango lives in Nairobi, Kenya with her two dogs, Charlie and Cookie. She loves training single women on financial indepedence.”
8. Always include contact information. In the world of convenience that we live in, people do not want to stretch as much and so provide the information they need right where they need it. The contacts can include:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Social Media handles
- Website
9. Check the work again and again. Once you are done with the bio, ensure to read it again to check for any typing or grammatical errors. Having a poorly done bio will do more harm to your credibility than not having a bio in the first place.
10. Ask for help from your family and loved ones. It’s always good to have someone check your work to make sure the messaging is clear and to the point. Those close to you should be able to give you actionable feedback.
Next we will look at How to Write a Book’s Blurb.
Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango
Step1: Prepare Yourself to Get Published…
Are you ready to publish your book? Here is how you need to prepare. Have your manuscript ready and explore the oprions available today. If you are stuck in getting it started or finished, there is several ways to get help. Explore and get published today!
Read MoreStep2: Let’s Talk About Publishing
The self-publishing landscape has changed considerably in the past two decades with new technologies such as the Internet, and the $1 billion markets continuing to change at a rapid pace. Increasingly, there are numerous alternatives to traditional publishing, and self-publishing is becoming the first choice for writers.
Read MoreStep3: Factors to Consider Before Self Publishing
Jesus, while talking to the disciples about following Him, asked them to count the cost. The same Scripture applies to authors today - you have to count the cost from the beginning to ensure you don't stop at some point in your book project's journey.
Read MoreStep4: Requirements for Self Publishing
Are you ready to be published? Use our 4 points check list and tick 'Published Author' box so you can move on to the next God-given assignment...
Read MoreStep5: Publishing Steps – Review
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Read MoreStep5a: How to Write a Book Dedication
A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword
A well-written foreword can function as the ultimate third-party recommendation or endorsement for your book, generating interest and helping when it’s time to market your book. Here are the benefits of forewords and a guide to writing one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5c: How to Write a Book Introduction
Are you stuck on writing your book introduction? Here's how to... Hook the reader right from the beginning with a personal story from your life, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes him/her to want to continue reading. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion
If your readers are in the conclusion chapter, it also means they read the whole book, they liked it, and now they want you to wrap it up. So don’t rash it. Give them what they want. Here's how to write a good conclusion for your book. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio
People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter by writing an appropriate bio. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb
A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one... #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5g: What to Include in the Copyright Page and Complete the Copyrighting Process
Copyright law gives creators of original material the exclusive right to further use and duplicate that material for a given amount of time, at which point the copyrighted item becomes public domain. Here's what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5h: How to Write an Acknowledgment
An acknowledgment section in a book provides the space to go into lenghty details in thanking the people who were sources of inspiration and support for your book and life. Here'show to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5i: How to Write a Table of Contents
A table of content shows the things that are held or included in something. In the book industry, it is a list of the chapters or sections given at the front of a book or periodical. Here's how to write one... #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep5j: Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?
A book’s subtitle is a secondary title that typically follows the main title and provides additional information about the book’s content, theme, or purpose.For example, in the book “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, the subtitle is “The Case for Christianity, Christian Behavior, and Beyond,” which gives potential readers a clearer idea of the subjects covered […]
Read MoreStep5k: Why Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Is Important
A book’s chapter is a distinct section within the book that focuses on a specific topic or aspect of the overall subject. Each chapter typically serves a unique purpose and contributes to the development of the book’s main theme or narrative. Here are some key characteristics of chapters: Organizes Content: Chapters help structure the book’s […]
Read MoreStep5l: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?
Self-editing of creative books involves reviewing and revising your own manuscript to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall quality before submitting it for professional editing or publishing. This process is crucial for refining the content and ensuring that the book effectively communicates its message.Self-editing requires careful attention to detail and a critical eye to spot […]
Read MoreStep6a: How to Write a Devotional
A devotional book is a literary work designed to provide spiritual inspiration, guidance, and reflection for readers seeking to deepen their faith and relationship with God.
Read MoreStep6b: How to Write a Captivating Novel
A great novel is a complex interplay of various elements, but some key components often contribute to its greatness.
Read MoreStep6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing
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Read MoreStep6d: How to Use ‘Show Don’t Tell’ in Story Writing
"Show don't tell" is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages writers to use descriptive language, actions, dialogue and scenes to reveal information to the reader, rather than simply telling them outright.
Read MoreStep6e: How to Elevate a Non-fiction Christian Book to Make it Personal and Engaging
"Show don't tell" is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages writers to use descriptive language, actions, dialogue and scenes to reveal information to the reader, rather than simply telling them outright.
Read MoreStep6f: Ethical ways to use other people’s public stories in a non-fiction Christian book
"Show don't tell" is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages writers to use descriptive language, actions, dialogue and scenes to reveal information to the reader, rather than simply telling them outright.
Read MoreStep6g: How to overcome the challenge of mixed languages in writing a manuscript
"Show don't tell" is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages writers to use descriptive language, actions, dialogue and scenes to reveal information to the reader, rather than simply telling them outright.
Read MoreStep6h: How to Peer Review Fiction and Non-Fiction Christian Literature Manuscripts
Here are some tips for effectively peer reviewing such a manuscript:
Read MoreStep7a: The Art of the Author Photo: Essential Specs for a Professional and Polished Image
Professional photos on a book’s back page play a crucial role in an author’s branding and marketing strategy.
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Thank you for this elaborate article Muthoni. It’s very educative.