Why Your Bio Isn’t About You
by: Nichole Parks
It’s not personal. It’s business.
Think about it. A bio highlights your credibility—or should—so the reader or agent knows you know what you’re talking about. And although it’s not the time or place to share your life story, your bio shouldn’t be the CliffNotes version of your resume either.
Borrring.
From this day forward, I’d like you to treat the bio as a marketing tool.
What do I mean by that? I mean: the bio is the place to show off your likability, not just your credentials.
During my college paper days, one of the columnist changed his bio weekly. Often it dovetailed with his latest topic. And let me tell you. I looked forward to reading that punchy, little paragraph more than the column itself.
Now, don’t worry. I’m not advocating anything that drastic.
The thing is, if you engage your audience through your bio, you’re not just building a brand. . . You’re building a tribe. You’re growing a following. People aren’t just looking for a message any longer. They’re looking for a leader.
They’re looking for you.
In order to best reach them, I’d like you to consider three elements before writing your next bio. Ready?
1. Know thy message
Actually, know thy messages. You should have two. The primary message is your brand/genre. Depending on your genre and voice, this will shape the tone of your bio. The secondary message is whatever topic you’re teaching on.
For example, I’m a romance writer blogging about how to make sections of a book proposal into marketing copy.
So mine reads something like this:
Nichole Parks (not to be mistaken for Nicholas Sparks) prefers long scrolls through Pinterest to long walks on the beach. Typical marketing coordinator. Even though she’s flirted with most aspects of publishing, short and condensed proposals make her the happiest girl in the world. What can she say? The heart wants what it wants. And hers loves to KISS (Keep it simple, sweetie).
2. Know thy audience.
This is the part where you connect with the reader on a personal level. You share X, Y, or Z in common. It’s not always hobbies for favorites.
Come August, I’ll be teaching a workshop at Taylor University’s Writers Conference. Of course, one of the conference’s goals is to recruit new students.
Despite the fact that my workshop is on publicity, the most important information for my audience is not that I’m a romance-lovin’ marketing coordinator. But a) that Nichole Parks is an alumni of the Professional Writing Department, and b) she has a job in the area of her degree.
3. Keep It Simple, Sweetie.
Try not to cram all your accolades in at once. Instead, prioritize your message and let your voice flow.
So often you’ll hear “show don’t tell” when it comes to fiction. Well, I hope you show your readers just how amazing you are and what a friend you can be to them.
Because this business—it is personal. Even if it’s not about you.
Taylor University’s Professional Writing Conference link: http://bit.ly/1PzZYvM
Nichole Parks (not to be mistaken for Nicholas Sparks) prefers long scrolls through Pinterest to long walks on the beach. Typical marketing coordinator. Even though she’s flirted with most aspects of publishing, a sweet and condensed proposal makes her the happiest girl in the world. What can she say? The heart wants what it wants. And hers loves to KISS (Keep it simple, sweetie).
Website: https://nicholeparks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNicholeParks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheNicholeParks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicholeparks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TheNicholeParks/
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1 Comment
Once again I love your bio. I look forward to seeing how you enhance it next time.