Too long winded.
I often wondered if it wouldn't be wise to work in an excerpt of the book you most want to promote. I can't do this right now because most of my stuff is erotica, but when I publish my romance in a couple of weeks I'm considering this. A passage that leaves them hanging.Caddy said:It doesn't make me want to read your books. Someone on here posted a thread a few months back...and it was about finding your "why". Had that video for finding your "why", too. He went on to explain that the bio is wasted by most of us, boring people with our background, hobbies, martial status, etc. How does that show them if you write what they want to read?
Bottom line: People want to know if you're the type of author they want to read. He challenged us to create a bio that did these things:
1. Tell them why you write
2. Tell them your style of writing, what they can expect from your writing
3. Tell them what kind of reader you write for.
None of us can write for everyone. People are interested in knowing if you write for them and how you tell it. Period. If they want to know I have 2 parrots, am married to my high school sweetheart and paint they'll connect with me on social media. When they are in Amazon, they are looking for a new book and/or a new author. Tell them if it should be you.
I followed his advice. I know my bio will turn some off, but will motivate others to look at my work. My sales have improved since doing this, and also a "From the Author" and better keywording.
ETA: Here is the link: http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topic,192784.0.html
I too liked the quirk until the info-dump kicked in here: 'he was pretty good at music...'TromboneAl said:I'm really asking whether it's too cutesy and long.
To the OP:Caddy said:It doesn't make me want to read your books. Someone on here posted a thread a few months back...and it was about finding your "why". Had that video for finding your "why", too. He went on to explain that the bio is wasted by most of us, boring people with our background, hobbies, martial status, etc. How does that show them if you write what they want to read?
Bottom line: People want to know if you're the type of author they want to read. He challenged us to create a bio that did these things:
1. Tell them why you write
2. Tell them your style of writing, what they can expect from your writing
3. Tell them what kind of reader you write for.
None of us can write for everyone. People are interested in knowing if you write for them and how you tell it. Period. If they want to know I have 2 parrots, am married to my high school sweetheart and paint they'll connect with me on social media. When they are in Amazon, they are looking for a new book and/or a new author. Tell them if it should be you.
I followed his advice. I know my bio will turn some off, but will motivate others to look at my work. My sales have improved since doing this, and also a "From the Author" and better keywording.
ETA: Here is the link: http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topic,192784.0.html
That's probably quite true OP, because I like Douglas Adams which is probably why I liked the quirk in your bio, but I've just noticed most of your books are non-fiction. So I think perhaps the readers would be confused if your books don't have the same kind of writing. I don't know if they do or don't, but not sure a reader looking for 'how to' non-fic would transition to purchasing.bethrevis said:The first sentence immediately reminded me of Douglas Adams--
I strongly disagree. Who cares where you live or if you have dogs? Tell me why I should read your books.bethrevis said:Far too long. The first sentence immediately reminded me of Douglas Adams--which may be what you're going for, but it also sounds more like imitation than flattery. Your bio should be far, far, FAR shorter--mine's three sentences long, I think? Let your books sell your books, not your bio. The needed information is:
- name
- books
- genre
- one or two unique details, such as where you live, if you have dogs, etc.
Cool!To Caddy: Still in my reading list!![]()
Eh, I think sparing a few words to give some personality is fine, but each their own.Caddy said:I strongly disagree. Who cares where you live or if you have dogs? Tell me why I should read your books.