My Maine Coon- Peach
I love cats, coffee, chocolate, and long walks on the beach, especially if the beach has sea glass. My cat is my best friend and therapist. What does this information have to do with my author bio? NOTHING! All this information is good for a dating website (you won’t find me there, I’m married) or your personal social media page, but not a book proposal bio.
So what do agents and publishers want?
Writing experience
Don’t be shy. If you wrote for the school paper, local newspaper, or college blog, include it in this section. Of course, annotate any books or magazine articles.
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.
Achievements
Note any writing awards, no matter how small. 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.
Current Head Shot
Use a recent photo. If you do not have one, pay a professional, or ask someone who knows how to take a good photo.
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.
Some agents and publishers love cats, but if your book is not about a feline, leave Morris, Tabby, Felix, Sampson, or Peach out of your proposal.
If you have any questions about book proposals, email me at editor@thewriteproposal.com
Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services. Cherrilynn co-hosts Fulfilled Prophecy Friday with well-known prophecy speaker Jake McCandless. Connect with her at www.truthtoshine.blogspot.com
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.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to the Blue Ridge Christian Writers blog. She is published in Heart Reno, Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles, and Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains books.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her sixteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 19 years, Michael, Sr.
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
2 Comments
Hi Cherrilynn … Great article and everything needed for a Book Proposal. I do love being part of the Tuesday Chat with you… But what a title. Any other day it wouldn’t have meant much, but since we just had to put our Kitty down after sixteen years, OUCH!
Anyways, just wanted to comment on a great article.. See you on Tuesday Chat…
Del I am so very sorry about your cat. My heart breaks for you. I’ve had to do the same. It’s the most difficult decision. I’m praying God will comfort you. What was your kitty’s name?
Thank you for the encouragement.
I hope to see you on Writers Chat soon.