How do you write a bio when you haven't done anything?

LittleFlowerLei · Dec 23, 2009

I'm nearing the end of my editing phase and have begun thinking about what I'm going to write in the bio that I'll have to send to any agents who request it.

But I haven't done anything worth mentioning. I havent entered or won any contests, and have virtually been invisible. How do you write a bio about yourself when you haven't done anything worth mentioning?

katiemac · Dec 23, 2009

Keep it simple, one or two lines:

"I live in Montana and work in marketing. I love writing, sky diving and big band music."

If they don't ask, don't send anything.

LittleFlowerLei · Dec 23, 2009

katiemac said:
Keep it simple, one or two lines:

"I live in Montana and work in marketing. I love writing, sky diving and big band music."

If they don't ask, don't send anything.

What if you're still in school? Do you say: "I'm a senior in high school" ? or whatever the case may be.

roonil_wazlib · Dec 23, 2009

LittleFlowerLei said:
What if you're still in school? Do you say: "I'm a senior in high school" ? or whatever the case may be.

I've seen a few books written by high school students that mention it in their bio. If you want it in there, I say go for it.

LittleFlowerLei · Dec 23, 2009

roonil_wazlib said:
I've seen a few books written by high school students that mention it in their bio. If you want it in there, I say go for it.

Will it make me more likely to be rejected if I DO put something like that in there?

katiemac · Dec 23, 2009

I wouldn't mention school until you're in college, in which case I'd substitute your major for what kind of work you do.

If you're talking about the bio portion of a query letter, it might do you better just to leave it out at this stage. If you're talking about sending a bio after an agent requests a partial and bio, then you may want to include your age/school status.

LittleFlowerLei · Dec 23, 2009

katiemac said:
I wouldn't mention school until you're in college, in which case I'd substitute your major for what kind of work you do.

If you're talking about the bio portion of a query letter, it might do you better just to leave it out at this stage. If you're talking about sending a bio after an agent requests a partial and bio, then you may want to include your age/school status.

Yeah, I didn't plan to mention anything unless they asked for a bio. So I guess I'll add my age and school status in it if they ask for one :3

Does this mean that it doesn't have to be a very long bio?

katiemac · Dec 23, 2009

Yeah, don't make it long. Agents don't need a novel aside from the manuscript pages. Just a few lines.

LittleFlowerLei · Dec 23, 2009

katiemac said:
Yeah, don't make it long. Agents don't need a novel aside from the manuscript pages. Just a few lines.

Aaah okay ^_^ Thanks you guys!

jasonleeward · Dec 24, 2009

Writing Credentials

If your writing history consists of only your current novel out on query and possibly a workshop or critique groups then include this and any relevant writing information. Despite what some have advised in this post regarding hobbies and music, do not include these. Also, don't offer your age until after you've sent a full manuscript and recieved a review. Age is irrelevant unless you get a book deal, are under 18 and a parent is required for contract purposes. Agents are interested in your writing and what you've done and will do to strengthen it.

See agent Jessica Faust's blog http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/ Bookends, LLC

This has a wealth of relevant information (and many other agent links) that you can research to learn the rules and to get valuable advice. Check out the Must-Read Posts.

Let me know how the querying goes!

RJK · Dec 24, 2009

Don't forget writing/critiquing groups you belong to. If you are not a member of one, join now. At least you can add that to your bio.

Linda Adams · Dec 24, 2009

I did my bio on what inspired the book.

How do you write a bio when you haven't done anything?

LittleFlowerLei

Reverse psychologist

katiemac

Five by Five

LittleFlowerLei

Reverse psychologist

roonil_wazlib

Smile.

LittleFlowerLei

Reverse psychologist

katiemac

Five by Five

LittleFlowerLei

Reverse psychologist

katiemac

Five by Five

LittleFlowerLei

Reverse psychologist

jasonleeward

JasonLeeWard

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

Linda Adams

Soldier, Storyteller