Hype Yourself
Tackle your imposter syndrome in your bio.
Lots of my authors feel intimidated when it is time to write their bio for their book proposal or fiction submission. First-time authors in particular tend to absolutely dread this.
When you’ve just spent hours and hours working on a book, it’s weird to switch gears and talk about yourself. But your credentials, experience, and history is part of what makes your book so unique. Learning to portray yourself in the right light takes some practice, but it is absolutely possible!
Start With an Existing Bio
You almost certainly have had to create a bio for something, whether it was a job application, a byline for a blog you wrote, or on your own website or Facebook page. Copy and paste it onto the bio page.
Change it to the third person. “Mandy Singer is….” instead of “I am…”
Look at that, you have a first draft.
Add to Your Bio
Now, your job is to just add to the existing bio to make it longer. Add in any of the following that apply:
A headshot of yourself
Academic degrees
Your day job or past work experience
A description of other writing you have had published with links
Any unique experience you have that relates to the topic or theme of the book (volunteering, medical history, relationships, hobbies, etc.)
Information about a following/audience you have developed (on social media, through clients, a blog, a podcast, etc.)
A link to your website (yes, you need one)
Impress Them
Go back and pump up everything you just wrote. Instead of telling them you’re a therapist, say that you are a licensed family therapist with 20 years of experience helping men deal with the type of issue the book is about.
Instead of saying you’ve been published in X online magazine, tell them you’ve written frequently about A,B, and C, including for X and Y online magazines.
Instead of saying you are an amateur woodworker, describe yourself as having honed your woodworking skills over the past 15 years.
Focus on What Makes You Unique
Look at that! You’ve got a second draft. Next, pump it up some more.
What is it about you that makes you unique and perfect to write this book? Do you have personal or professional experience related to the topic or theme? Do you work in a job where you have developed expertise about the topic? Have you travelled to the places you’re writing about or lived through experiences similar to those in the book? Have you written things that are related to this book or somehow connected to it? Have you participated in trainings, certifications, classes, workshops, creative retreats, mentorships, or other situations that fed this book or your knowledge and skill pertaining to the book?
Set yourself as one of a kind, someone with unique experiences, skills, or perspectives. Be memorable.
What’s Your Calling?
Now, think about why you are so compelled to write this book. Why is it calling to you? Why do you need to get this out to the world? Give a peek into your motivation for writing this book and where that came from. Talk a bit about why you are so passionate about this book and what it says, tells, narrates, explains, offers, shows, teaches, or shares.
You want to be zealot about this book, so paint yourself as someone who is passionate about it.
FAQs
I have never published anything. Am I screwed?
No! Every single published writer was once a person who had never published before. If you have no writing credits, focus on the other parts of the bio.
I’m not an expert. Can I still write a nonfiction book?
Yes! But I take issue with you saying you aren’t an expert. Maybe you don’t have a degree in the field you’re writing about or have never had a job that relates to it, but you clearly know something about this topic or you wouldn’t be writing a book about this!
I have one client who has a background in business who noticed a behavioral pattern among clients and has written a book about that trait and how to work for someone who has it. His experience makes him the expert even though no one has ever handed him a degree or published a paper by him about this.
How do I position myself as uniquely qualified to write my fiction book?
Dig deep and find what it is that connects you to your story. Maybe you lived with an abusive parent, and the story involves one. If you have published anything at all, be sure to mention it, even if it’s nonfiction and unrelated. Offer something about yourself that is interesting or quirky to help you stand out.
Just for Fun
Everybody I know is feeling on edge this week. Let’s shake it off for a second.
In My World
I’m working with a client on a nonfiction book proposal about certain members of European royalty. It feels like a definite seller. Last week, I wrapped up ghosting a book about reimagining your career path. I’m looking forward to seeing it in print.
I recently flew to Florida to bring my snowbird mom home. It was her first winter alone in Florida since my dad passed last May. We’re still in the year of firsts, and every one of them is hard.
I decided I couldn’t wait for spring and bought some new houseplants. One promptly wilted while I was away. But the others are looking good!
Obsessed With…
I read I Am Bunny by Alexis Devine on the plane. It’s about a dog who communicates with voice buttons. I follow @CacheCow on Instagram - another dog who does this, so I was already familiar with the concept. I actually have a small set of those buttons that you can record with your own voice, and now I’m determined to try it with our dogs. Wish me luck!
Good Goods
We’re trying to keep spending low given the economic climate at the moment, but I’m ordering another ridiculous GoCat Da Fur Thing Cat Toy. Both of our cats are crazy about it because it has feathers and catnip. The dogs also think it’s pretty great. It entertains 4 animals, so it’s a winner here.