CVs and Biographies

J Forias · Feb 5, 2010

I'm querying at the moment and some of the agents are requesting CVs and/or biographies. To be honest, I don't even have that much experience with CVs fullstop, yet alone Writing ones. Plus I've never had anything professionally published, so it's hard to know what I can say that's relevant.

Is there anywhere on this site with advice for what agents are looking for from CVs/biographies?

CV wise, I'm wondering the following:

One or two pages?

Should I put education details on - my degree, MA, etc. What about qualifications I got at school?

Is it okay to miss out uninteresting jobs or do I have to account for every year since I left Uni?

Biography wise, it's mainly...

Is it okay if it's pretty short - like half a page?

Apologies for all the questions and let me know if this info is available somewhere already.

Cheers.

Old Hack · Feb 6, 2010

I'd write a single page, single-spaced but with a clear line of space between paragraphs, giving a bit of information on all your most important work but ignoring the little bits and pieces you've done--perhaps include a line or two about those like, "I worked in a variety of jobs in the service industry, specialising in catering".

I wouldn't bother with a separate CV and biography--they're kind of the same.

And yes, I would include a bit of information about your education: if you have a first degree and MA then mention those, but individual GCSEs aren't worth discussing (although I'm sure you worked very hard for them!).

Just so you know, my CV changes every time I pitch anything major. I rewrite it to focus on what makes me good for the job in hand, to show why I'm the best writer for the job. It's not that tricky once you get the hang of it.

J Forias · Feb 7, 2010

Old Hack said:
I'd write a single page, single-spaced but with a clear line of space between paragraphs, giving a bit of information on all your most important work but ignoring the little bits and pieces you've done--perhaps include a line or two about those like, "I worked in a variety of jobs in the service industry, specialising in catering".

I wouldn't bother with a separate CV and biography--they're kind of the same.

And yes, I would include a bit of information about your education: if you have a first degree and MA then mention those, but individual GCSEs aren't worth discussing (although I'm sure you worked very hard for them!).

Just so you know, my CV changes every time I pitch anything major. I rewrite it to focus on what makes me good for the job in hand, to show why I'm the best writer for the job. It's not that tricky once you get the hang of it.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much for your help.

CVs and Biographies

J Forias

Member

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

J Forias

Member