Author biography assignments

An author bio is a brief passage that introduces a writer and sums up their work, their authorly credentials, and anything else their readers might need to know about them.

While author bios may seem like an afterthought, or something to fill up the backmatter of your book, it’s actually an unassuming but valuable piece of copy. If done well, an author bio can give you credibility and introduce your readers to your other works.

It can also be used in other promotional or publishing materials, as former Penguin Random House marketer Rachel Cone-Gorham explains:

“An author bio is something that will let readers get a sense of who you are, and is an important part for pitching media and book proposals.” 

For this reason, it’s important to get your bio right.

Here is a 4-step process for writing your author bio:

1. Start with the facts readers need to know

Start your bio with an opening byline that quickly summarizes your prof