@CindyDevoted

One of the most important things a writer must learn is to write an effective bio. From the simple one-line by-line to a full length professional bio, it is what specifically identifies us. Unfortunately, unlike the one-size-fits-all clothing we find in the store, you cannot expect one bio to suit all your needs or situations.

Just as there are sizes of shoes, there are variants of bios. Learning when and where to use the appropriate one will make your submitted work much easier.

The simple bio is one to two lines usually found at the bottom of an article in a newspaper or magazine. It should contain very basic information such as author name, city and state, and one identifying qualification. For example:

Jane Doe is an author and speaker who resides in Rogan, Utah.

Many times publishers will ask for a bio with a specific word count, but equally as often, they won’t. Do your homework. Look at the publication you are submitting to and follow suit.

The friendly bio is one we find attached to blogs, interviews, and relaxed articles. Again, look at the publication you are submitting to and determine what is appropriate. The friendly bio, shows the more relaxed side of an author. It will have the author name, a few specific noted accomplishments, and a few personal aspects of the author that allows the reader to know them on a more personal basis. For example:

Jane Doe is an author and speaker. She serves as a women’s ministry leader and as a teen girl mentor. Jane is published in a number of magazines including Focus Your Life and Mentoring Made New. She is a mother of three and lives in Rogan, Utah with her husband. Jane’s guilty pleasure is woodworking and caring for her four dogs.

The professional bio states a more in-depth view of who you are professionally. It’s important to list key accomplishments and not every award or nod you have ever received. Equally the same with work accomplishments. Listing every magazine where you are published is not necessary, rather choose key publications using inclusive phrases such as “published in numerous magazines such as…” Noting your schooling is important as well. This gives the reader a deeper look at your educational expertise. Be concise and don’t ramble. The object of your professional bio is to give a well-rounded picture of you, your accomplishments, and education. It’s not the time to share you have 5 dogs and two cats. Here’s an example:

Jane Doe is an author and speaker for international women’s conferences. As a women’s ministry leader she has spoken alongside renowned speakers such as Beth Moore and Lisa Harper. Jane is the winner of the International Women’s Speaker Award and she has served on the boards of Making Women of God and Families First. She serves as a mentor to young adult women and works to develop conferences to guide and direct them. Jane is published in numerous magazines such as Focus Your Life and Mentoring Made New, as well as Woman to Woman. She is the author of five non-fiction books, including her most recent, Guide Them to Success. She manages the very popular website, Women Today and Tomorrow.

Jane is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, and Northeast Bible Seminary. She received her doctorate of Family Services and Wellness from the University of Florida.  Jane serves as adjunct professor.

These are examples of necessary bios you can use as a guide to fashion your own. Your bio should showcase your abilities and accomplishments without sounding cliché or cocky. Strike a happy balance in noting your accomplishments so they do not become overwhelming. Keep in mind your bio is something that must be continually updated as your career progresses. Never overstate your accomplishments. Readers prefer honesty over done bios. Remember, bios are always written in 3^rdperson. Again, do your homework before you submit your bio to be sure you have matched the appropriate bio with the submission.

Craft your bio carefully. Read and re-read your bio, catching any mistakes. Your bio is important to make you shine as a writer. Spend the necessary time to make it the best it can be.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.  @cindydevoted