Biographies

Short and sweet, showing credits and/or experiences that may have contributed to your story. Some authors may have an extensive biography. Mine was about half a paragraph.

You're most welcome.
The deeper you get into the process, the worse it gets. Acronyms, buzz words and phrases... it's maddening for a short while. The upside is that it doesn't take that long to become acclimated.

Best of luck to you.

LJ

JY, FWIW, here's mine: biography.

I've always wondered whether I should include computer-related non-fiction publication credits in a query for a novel (i.e., they have nothing to do with my novel). I've had no fiction published. Ever.

I wouldn't include blogs or websites or such. Now if it's the online version of Asimov or Readers' Digest, then sure, why not. I include my e-zine because it's a paid gig.

Help! Author bio?

Oy vey. I need to submit an author bio and, despite some really interesting stuff I can put in there, I have zero, zip, zilch writing credits.

What do to? Don't send it? List my credits in my two wildly different careers, neither of which really having anything to do with being a published writer?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I assume you need this for a submission to an agent or editor, yes? First off, don't sweat this so much. If it's for an agent or editor, we want to know a smattering about you and why you wrote the book. What unique qualities did you bring to your writing that makes your work connect with a specific audience. Lastly, what are your future plans? We want to know if you're a one book trick or if you have other books up your sleeve.

Here's a general sample. It's not Hemingway, but it may give you some ideas.

I wrote XYZ because I’m well-versed in medical fiction and know there aren’t any books that blend two of my favorite topics – alternative medicine and how doctors handle controversy. The 2007 New England Journal of Medicine states that 27 billion out-of-pocket dollars are paid to alternative medical practitioners, so I believe X and Y’s passion and dedication will fill a void in the medical fiction genre. It’s important to know that not every doctor is X, and that a doctor’s belief system affects how they care for their patients. There are many ongoing debates that surround the uses of alternative medicine, and I plan on a five book series that will become the “go to” source dedicated to this issue.

priceless1 said:

I assume you need this for a submission to an agent or editor, yes? First off, don't sweat this so much. If it's for an agent or editor, we want to know a smattering about you and why you wrote the book. What unique qualities did you bring to your writing that makes your work connect with a specific audience. Lastly, what are your future plans? We want to know if you're a one book trick or if you have other books up your sleeve.

Here's a general sample. It's not Hemingway, but it may give you some ideas.

I wrote XYZ because I’m well-versed in medical fiction and know there aren’t any books that blend two of my favorite topics – alternative medicine and how doctors handle controversy. The 2007 New England Journal of Medicine states that 27 billion out-of-pocket dollars are paid to alternative medical practitioners, so I believe X and Y’s passion and dedication will fill a void in the medical fiction genre. It’s important to know that not every doctor is X, and that a doctor’s belief system affects how they care for their patients. There are many ongoing debates that surround the uses of alternative medicine, and I plan on a five book series that will become the “go to” source dedicated to this issue.

Click to expand...

Bless you.

I'm porting Blondchen's question from Bewares to Ask the Agent, and merging it with a similar thread.

- Victoria

So if we have no formal education, no official writing credits, and aren't huge participants in any clubs should we just put a little witty info about ourselves?

For instance, a lot of people refer to me as the Lizard Lady (used to run a reptile rescue), or joke that I have a small zoo in my home. I'm a homemaker and full time writer who also happens to sew. Would any of this be something I would put in a bio? I generally don't send one as I didn't think any of this was relevant to my storyline. I don't fight many demons while feeding my chickens. lol