@BisbanoWrites

I love cats, chocolate, and coffee. Does this information belong in my bio? Does a publisher need to recognize that I flew over 2500 hours in a C-130 Aircraft while serving in the Navy?

Some agents and publishers love cats, but if your book is not about a feline, leave Morris out of your proposal. Only include your love of animals and specifics about jobs if they pertain to your manuscript.

So, what do agents and publishers want?

Education

Include high school, college, and any online courses. Did you attend an intense class at a conference? Make sure it’s in your bio. If you graduated top of your class, the agent and publisher want to know.

Achievements

The Author bio states facts. Be genuine. If you won awards, list them, you are not bragging. I read one proposal that mentioned a tri-state, third-grade school award for best story. As a junior agent, this award showed me that the author began writing early and has a recognizable talent.

Publishing History

Local newspapers, blogs, magazines, books, and newsletters all count. List the name of the article or book, publisher, and date. Self-publishing counts. List award winning and best sellers first.

Ministry

Your ministry involvement may enhance the chances of getting a contract if the ministry is large and/or part of the manuscript. Some ministries endorse books.

Current Head Shot

Use a recent photo. If you don’t have one, pay a professional, or ask someone who knows how to take a good photo. Your photo should be updated every two years. Look natural in you photo. No glamor shots, ladies, unless you wear jewels and pancake makeup daily.

If eyeglasses are a usual fixture on your nose, you’ll want them for your portrait. The opposite is true. I’m guilty of wearing my glasses in my head shots when I only need them for reading. I went unrecognized by a few people at the conference because they only knew me from my headshot.

Wear a solid color or small pattern that compliments your skin tone and eyes. Do not wear anything with words or logos unless you own the company or in a leadership role for that company.

Reveal your best side and smile! You know if you show your teeth or not when you smile. 

Additional Information

Write your author bio in the third person. Use your name and a pronoun interchangeably.

The agent and publisher want to know you are the best person to write the book. The authors status is quoted as one of the main factors that influence book buying. If you can establish yourself as an authority on your book topic, readers are more motivated to buy it. Did you have a unique experience? There is nothing new under the sun, but if you have a different take on a situation or a unique perspective about Scripture, the agent and publisher want to know.

Mention pertinent names without boasting. For example: endorsements from a best-selling author, pastor of a mega church or a leader of a ministry. Do you personally know a celebrity who will promote your book? The agents and publishers need to know.

List websites and email address.

Are you married with children? Briefly mention it on this page.

Agents or publishers look at hundreds of proposals—this is your place to shine.

Don’t Miss the Rest of the Series on Book Proposal Basics:

Part 1: Title Page, Table of Contents, and Sell Sheet

Part 2: The Author Page

Part 3: Chapter Outline or Book Synopsis

Part 4: Market Analysis

Part 5: Marketing Plan

Part 6: Three Chapters

Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services.

As managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah-nominated Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.