I came across an interesting post the other day by Michael Margolis called The Resume Is Dead, The Bio Is King.
In the story’s lead-in, the writer states:
If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or creative – you probably haven’t been asked for your resume in a long time. Instead, people Google you – and quickly assess your talents based on your website, portfolio, and social media profiles. Do they resonate with what you’re sharing? Do they identify with your story? Are you even giving them a story to wrap their head around?
Margolis also gives a list of questions that can help you to formulate your bio in story format.
How many bios/taglines do you need? Probably more kinds than you think.
Blog: I’ll admit that the bio, or “About Me” is the first thing I look for on a blog—before anything else. That’s because blogging is about developing relationships and I want to know just some really basic information first. What do you write? What’s your name (and a pen name is okay—lots of anonymity online)? A picture can help readers identify with you, or, barring that, a book cover or an avatar that you feel expresses a little about who you are. It’s nice to also see one additional bit of information about the writer—are they a parent? Devoted dog owner? Avid filmgoer? Wine aficionado?
Email signature: I’ve mentioned before that this is a great way to tell your friends and family you’re a writer. Your email signature could have your blog link under it, and a link to a book or article that you’ve written. I have a different one for my personal email than I do for my writing-related account.
Twitter bio: Obviously, this one is tricky because of the space limitation. I play with my bio on Twitter from time to time. You can see it above. I’m basically saying what I write (and the name of the different series), giving my purpose on Twitter (tweeting interesting writing links), and then providing my blog address for anyone who’s interested.
Short bio: There are many times that I need a short bio. There are book catalogs for different organizations that ask for short bios and short book descriptions. Panels and conferences want a short bio. If I’ve written an article for a print magazine (which sometimes I still do, to keep my hand in it), they always want just a line. So it’s good to think up a very abbreviated way to tell who you are and where folks can find out more about you.
An adaptable base bio—a basic bio that can be adapted. Mine is a few paragraphs that I can take bits and pieces from, depending on the situation. I have one that’s sort of cute and funny when I’m writing humorous guest posts or if I’m talking about fun topics on a panel. I have one that’s very businesslike and professional sounding if I’m speaking in a more formal setting or on a more serious topic.
Facebook: Facebook just turns your basic info into a bio for you. Mine says where I work (which are the publishing houses I write for), where I went to school, and where I live. I’ve been meaning to dabble with my FB bio a bit—it would be easy to change your occupation to “writes traditional mysteries,” etc., if you wanted to showcase that info on your FB profile page instead of what your day job is.
Guest post bio/tagline: If you’re guest posting, there’s probably something that you’re trying to accomplish. Wanting to expand your blog readership? Promote a new book? For my upcoming blog tour, I mention my new release first (with a buy link hyperlinked to the book’s name….this is the main purpose for my tour), and the name I’m writing the series under (Riley Adams). Then I mention the other series I write. Then I mention my blog, the Writer’s Knowledge Base, and my Twitter handle (and I hyperlink those things, so they’re live links). Then I figure everyone has all the basics—and can click links to find out the rest. (And it’s shorter than it sounds…I think short works better.)
Have you got different bios for different occasions or different social media? Have any tips for writing bios or thoughts on what information you’re hoping to discover when you’re reading someone’s?
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I’m like you, Elizabeth. I’ve got a whole “bio” document that contains all the different bios I’ve used, for all different purposes and venues. Most are variations on a few standard bios: a business-like one, a humorous one, etc. For my own purposes, I always put a wordcount next to the bio, because there is often a requested limit (for conference programs, etc).
I have a few bios, but I see a need coming to write more. Thanks for the link and the tips.
Elizabeth – You’re so right that having some “bio” files is a good idea. I’ve found it really useful for presentations, too. When I’m introduced, people want a word or two about who I am. It looks good in conference blurbs, too. I’ve also found that it’s good to have a variety of bios with emphasis on different things, depending on whom the audience is.
Yeah, I have a whole Word folder chocked full of bios for all occasions, lol. I like the ‘base’ bio where you have certain constants, but flesh in the rest to fit the target.
Hey you are one early riser, Liz! Most day, I see you’ve been to Free Spirit and left a comment before I’ve even gotten up. And I consider myself a pretty early riser!
Hugs,
Marvin D Wilson
I dread the bio bits… seems every single place/site/event, etc. wants something different. And different word counts. I’ve got a doc full of variations, but it seems I still have to tweak before I can fill someone’s request.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Excellent tips as always, Elizabeth.
My bio definitely needs some work. I started my running blog last September when I was trying to lose weight. I’m also writing my first YA fiction novel – so do I have a running blog or a writing blog? Should I have two blogs? Can I / should I mix them? Mixed bios?
Thanks, loved the post! It gives me something to think about.
Great insight into today’s ever changing world. This totally makes sense. People and companies Google one another for real time information. Nicely done.
This had totally not occurred to me, yet makes total sense. I KNOW you want all those for your book… I look at it as the one line, the 50 word, and the query length blurbs… It is logical, though, for the bio to need similar length stuff. Thanks for this!
Good checklist! Think I have it all covered except Facebook. (And that’s because I’m not there.)
Good advice!
I mainly meet my blogfriends and readers online, but during CrimeFest this weekend I had printed small cards to hand out. Instead of using my own face (which they´d all see anyway), I used the cover of Liquorice Twists as my avatar – people seemed to like that.
Wow, that’s a really good idea Elizabeth, “Fitness Friday!” I will definitely consider that when I start blogging more about my writing progress. Thanks!!!
I have a bunch! I have the big bio and about 30 mini-bios I tweak as needed. A lot depends on space allotted for said bios.
Yikes! I have some work to do! Great points :)
Thanks, Elizabeth. This is good information and inspiration, too. Makes so much sense. Resumes are for corporate life, bios for us! (I wish I could love Facebook. I’m trying, but much prefer Twitter and blogs so far!)
Alan–Good point about the word count next to the bios…I haven’t done that and I frequently do see word count requirements on different bio requests.
The Old Silly–It sure does save time, doesn’t it?
Oh, I get up at 5. :) Not as early as Margot! She gets up at 4…
Carol–Good luck with it!
Margot–Oh definitely–especially as a speaker. And with your academic career, I’m sure you’ve had a saved bio for a while.
Stephen–They sure do. And I keep an eye on my name on Google, too…sometimes I see surprising things there.
Hart–It’s one of those things that I didn’t realize until about a year into the process and I’d already wasted a ton of time rewriting my bio about a million times for different events, social media, etc–finally got the brainstorm to actually put it all on a Word file. :)
Alex–Can’t blame you for that!
Terry–They ALL want something different! It’s a little bit of a pain, but at least I already have them written out.
Elspeth–Thanks!
Lady Gwen–That’s a tough one. I do know some writers who have done a great job incorporating different interests in their writing blog–maybe every Friday could be “Fitness Friday” where you do updates on your progress…that kind of thing. Another idea would be to join a group blog as an alternate–if there’s one that focuses on running. Then you bring your unique perspective to *their* blog, and you don’t have to carry 2 whole blogs all by yourself. I’m on a couple of group blogs and have had fun with it. :)
Diane–30! Wow! But then, you focus on different things, too–you offer consulting, you speak, you write. Makes sense.
Linda–I agree with you on Facebook. I’m trying, though! Once I get ON Facebook, then I have fun. But I don’t look forward to bringing up the website, for some reason. Maybe because it’s not really my “thing!”
Love the book cover, Elizabeth. I just today changed the signature line on my main gmail account. Before, it had 3 links to blog, website, and twitter. I changed it so it lists my three books with a link to my website.
I just have the one on my site/blog. I redid it at the beginning of the year and go in every now and then to tinker with it.
Hello Elizabeth. After reading Harts post today I had to hop over here and see what all the fuss was about. She was right, you have a wonderful blog and I am sticking around to snoop and have fun. Nice to meet you :)