Writing a Bio - Press Kit

There are two types of biographies included in a press kit - a short biography like those found on your books and the long biography that includes everything from publications to your background and even awards. With the literary journals I have knowledge in, they allow 50-150 words for a biography. Typically, it is 50 words or less. When you think about that, it seems like a small amount of words to convey who you are as a person and a writer. That, unfortunately, is battle we have to fight each time we submit something.

Since this preparation is for your press kit, it isn't necessary to think of the long term; however, I am a practical woman. I like to prepare as much as I can in advance and help myself have a smoother time in the future. Think of it as writing a blurb about yourself. Frustrating, but necessary.

With the short biography, I suggest you write something like this:

Jane Doe lives in Appalachia with her husband, two children, and a cat. She has published many fictions including Just The Tow of Us (2017), Shame on Me (2018), and numerous poems in Notable Literary Magazine. 

This example has only 36 words. You can see how fast it adds up. I tend to want to add all my publications; however, it is unnecessary to include them all. So, I have shortened mine to include the last three publications. You can certainly include the most noteworthy of your publications.

The long biography is a catch all. This is the place to sell yourself. You can include every publication, every award, and every important aspect of your childhood you deem fit to include.

In short, these are the topics you should include:

• Where you were born
• Snippets from your childhood pertaining to writing
• Influences that led you to writing
• Your early works
• Your family life
• Information on your publications

If you need inspiration, don't be afraid to look at biographies online of writers you like to read.