The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

How To Write Your Author Bio (And Why it Matters)

A well-crafted author bio is an essential component of your book’s marketing strategy. It establishes credibility, fosters a connection with readers, and provides social proof of your expertise. Below, we will explore key strategies for writing an impactful author bio, along with examples of good and bad bios to illustrate best practices.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Author Bio

  1. Keep It Concise and Relevant

Your author bio should be succinct while highlighting the most relevant credentials, accomplishments, and expertise. Readers don’t need to know everything about you—just the details that establish your authority and make them interested in your work.

  1. Avoid Overselling or Underselling Yourself

Some bios come off as overly promotional, while others fail to emphasize an author’s expertise. Striking the right balance is crucial.

  1. Use Third-Person Perspective

Most professional bios are written in the third person. This adds credibility and makes the bio sound more authoritative.

  1. Get Help from Friends if Needed

Writing about yourself can be difficult. If you struggle with your bio, ask a trusted friend to help craft it. They can provide an objective view of your accomplishments without making it sound boastful.

Examples of Author Bios

High-Status and Short: Lynn Vincent

This bio is a great example of the “less is more” approach.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Heaven Is for Real and Same Kind of Different As Me. The author or coauthor of ten books, Lynn has sold 12 million copies since 2006. She worked for eleven years as a writer and editor at the national news biweekly WORLD magazine and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

High-Status but Underselling: Michael Lewis

Despite being a well-known author, Michael Lewis keeps his bio understated.

Michael Lewis, the author of Boomerang, Liar’s Poker, The New New Thing, Moneyball, The Blind Side, Panic, Home Game, and The Big Short, among other works, lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife, Tabitha Soren, and their three children.

Bad Bio: Amanda Ripley (Overselling and Vague)

This bio tries to pack too much information, making it both overwhelming and ineffective.

Amanda Ripley is a literary journalist whose stories on human behavior and public policy have appeared in Time, The Atlantic, and Slate, and helped Time win two National Magazine Awards. To discuss her work, she has appeared on ABC, NBC, CNN, FOX News, and NPR. Ripley’s first book, The Unthinkable, was published in fifteen countries and turned into a PBS documentary.

Good Bio: Amanda Ripley (Balanced and Credible)

A more refined version that establishes authority while remaining engaging.

Amanda Ripley is an investigative journalist for Time, The Atlantic, and other magazines. She is the author, most recently, of The Smartest Kids in the World—and How They Got That Way. Her first book, The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why, was published in 15 countries and turned into a PBS documentary. Her work has helped Time win two National Magazine Awards.

Good Doctor Bio: Dr. Benjamin Carson

Dr. Carson’s bio focuses only on credentials relevant to his readers.

Dr. Benjamin Carson is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Oncology, and Pediatrics, and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He is also the author of four bestselling books—Gifted Hands, Think Big, The Big Picture, and Take the Risk. He serves on the boards of the Kellogg Company, Costco, and the Academy of Achievement, among others

 

Final Thoughts

Your author bio should be crafted with care, as it plays a significant role in positioning you as an authority in your field. Whether you need a short, high-status bio or a more detailed one, ensure it highlights your expertise without overselling. If in doubt, seek feedback from friends or industry professionals. A well-written bio not only enhances your credibility but also strengthens your book’s marketability.

Ready to take the next step?

Get a free online copy of The Scribe Method here.

Prefer a hard copy? Buy it now.