- Write in the third person, and keep it short.
- Lead with what matters to your readers.
- Add one human detail.
- Keep a short and a long version, and update them.
Why your bio matters
Your bio appears on your book page, author page, website, social profiles and interviews. It helps readers decide whether they connect with you, and it should work well in all of those places.
A simple formula
- Who you are, and what you write.
- Your most relevant credential or achievement, if you have one.
- One personal detail that makes you memorable.
- Where readers can find you.
A fiction example
These examples are made up, to show the shape. “Jordan Hale writes cozy mysteries set in small coastal towns. A former librarian, Jordan believes the best clues are hidden in plain sight. Jordan lives near the sea with two cats and far too many notebooks. Visit jordanhale.example to join the mailing list.”
A non-fiction example
“Priya Menon is a personal finance coach and the author of a beginner’s guide to saving. She has helped hundreds of people build their first budget. Priya writes about money in plain language, and she lives in Leeds.” Only include claims that are true and that you can back up.
Short and long versions
Keep a one-sentence version for social profiles, a 50-word version for book pages and a longer version of about 150 words for your website and interviews. Update them when you publish a new book or reach a milestone.
Mistakes to avoid
- A list of facts with no personality.
- First-person writing in places where readers expect third person, such as a book page.
- Overstating your achievements.
- Leaving out what you write, so readers cannot tell if the book is for them.
Common questions
Should my bio be in first or third person?
Third person is the usual choice for book pages, press and directories. A first-person version can work well on your website’s About page.
Do I need a photo?
A clear, friendly photo helps readers connect with you, and many platforms use it. Choose one that matches the tone of your books.
How long should an author bio be?
Have a short version of one or two sentences, a mid-length version of about 50 words and a fuller version of about 150 words.
Want your author brand to feel consistent?
We help authors align their bio, website and profiles.
See Author Brand