“About the Author” Examples You Should Definitely Check Out

Congratulations, you’ve written your book!

Now it’s time to take a step back from the story and write about yourself. Yes, that’s right. Every book, be it fiction or non-fiction, usually includes an author bio.

And if you have a website, a social media account, or if you’re sending out a book press release, all the more reasons to craft a compelling, unique bio that shows the world who you are.

There are two things your readers know about you from the get-go – that you love writing and that your name is [insert]. Chances are, you’re also a huge bookworm.

But the “about the author” section goes in more depth. It reveals some personal information, your past successes, and even fun anecdotes. It demonstrates what you’re all about beyond this one book.

Let’s have a look at which “about the author” examples you can learn from and what tips you should keep in mind when crafting your “hi, this is me!” section.

Why Is an Author Bio So Important?

Unless you’re already a famous celebrity or a well-established author, most readers won’t know who you are when buying your book. Therefore, “about the author” is your chance at an excellent first impression.

Of course, the actual content of your book usually counts for more than a small section at the back that says you love dogs – but it’s precisely this section that pulls your story out of the fictional world and into the real one.

Knowing who wrote the words you’re reading can make a huge impact on the reading experience because it creates more of a personal bond between the author and the reader.

If you’re a non-fiction author, your bio is all the more important because you should ideally have a certain authority on the topic you’re tackling in your work.

For example, as far as mental health is concerned, an expert with a Ph.D. in psychology will garner more respect – and therefore more potential sales – than a lawyer who feels a bit stressed from time to time. This impacts not only your reach but also your publishing chances if you’re going down the traditional route.

Best Tips for Writing Your “About the Author” Section

First things first – are you a fiction or a non-fiction author?

If it’s the latter, aim to:

Include all relevant credentials that explain why people should listen to you when it comes to this subject
Provide a little bit of backstory that shows how you got where you are (this makes your book more personal)

Remember: Don’t be afraid to use humour and wit to your advantage – it’s what often keeps people reading!

While fiction authors get a little bit of a break – your fictional story is what matters most – your bio should still be the best it can possibly be. After all, who you are as a writer and a person is what often gets people to follow you on social media and keep up with your latest books.

Include some personal information, talk about your hobbies, or mention what inspired you to write your story down. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of this in the next section.

Last but not least, remember that each “about the author” section should be between 50 and 150 words.

“About the Author” Examples to Follow

Let’s start with three fiction authors:

Lucy Foley, The Guest List

“Lucy Foley is the No.1 Sunday Times and the Irish Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party. The idea for her latest book was sparked by a trip to Connemara, where half of Lucy’s family hail from, on the west coast of Ireland. Struck by the rugged beauty of the islands off its shores – the perfect setting for a wedding, yet dangerously cut-off – Lucy began to plot a new murder mystery. An island with no escape, people reuniting, emotions running high. And so The Guest List came to life.

Previously a fiction editor in the publishing industry, Lucy now writes full-time. Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and her journalism has appeared in publications such as Sunday Times Style, Grazia, ES Magazine, Vogue US, Elle, Tatler, and Marie Claire.”