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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1387
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 07:59 pm: | 
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Hi Yall,
I need help with this. Who'd think it would be so difficult to write about yourself?
Solomon Jones, Yukio, Anyone?????? |
Snakegirl
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Snakegirl
Post Number: 103
Registered: 05-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 08:36 pm: |
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Well, what kind of bio is it?
Is it the author's bio for the back of your book?
Then it should be one paragraph. Very simple and to the point.
ie.
Josette Purdue is the author of four novels and was a Tunkston Fellow at Cambridge. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Mount Vernon, Pennyslvania.
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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1390
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 08:57 pm: |
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no, they want a Full author bio... |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1391
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 09:08 pm: |
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snakegirl,
I appreciate your input, but if it were as easy as that, I wouldn't need help |
Babygirl
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Babygirl
Post Number: 305
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 10:08 pm: |
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Just hit the highlights that you are most proud of: education, writing accomplishments, and end with family/personal. It really doesn't have to be more that three, maybe four paragraphs long, and the reality is it might not be that long.
Approach it like a writing exercise - if you had to deliver a brief eulogy about what you'd done up to this point in time in your life, that you want the whole world to know about, what would you say. Then say/write it. Just don't over think it. That's when it becomes difficult.
Good luck! |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 6109
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 10:20 pm: |
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A_womon,
Perhaps the person(s) who have asked you to provide a bio can provide you an example of what's required. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1392
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 11:17 am: |
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Hey all,
Thanks for the input. "Don't overthink it.."
That was the key. I sat down last night and it all just started to flow, so hopefully it will be acceptable.
abm, your suggestion is what I did, went online and dug up some author bios... thanks!
Thanks again! |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 231
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 11:29 am: |
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Try to stay focused on writing accomplishments in your bio. After that should come professional and school accomplishments, then personal info. When I read a bio I want to know if the writer has credentials, schooling and maybe something personal in common with me. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 4939
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 11:36 am: |
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To me, a long biography on the back of a book is a red flag. It reeks of an author who is more interested in extolling their accomplishments rather than one who lets the quality of the book speak for itself. |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 232
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
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I agree. 2 or 3 short lines at the most should do it. Most established authors just mention how many books they've written, awards they've won, or bestseller lists they've appeared on. The rest of us have to keep it simple but still be thinking of the buying audience. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 2581
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 12:30 pm: |
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Keep it short. Cover publications, awards, jobs pertinent to writing. |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 233
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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Cynique,
I feel the same way about long acknowledgements and thank yous within a book, especially novels. You don't need to know about all the people I want to thank. Just let the work speak for itself. I LOVE when novels do not have thank you sections. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1393
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 12:48 pm: |
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Thanks, Emanuel,
Hey what's the name of your website, if you don't mind me asking. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1394
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 12:54 pm: |
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Emanuel,
I think the public thank-you's are for just that--to publicly thank all of the people who put in long hours and worked very hard helping you get your book out. What's wrong with that?
Besides that, it is a great place for an aspiring writer to get the name of an agent/publisher that is interested in the type of material they have chosen to write, as all agents do not accept all genres of books.
As for long bios--some work and some don't. Most of the time a new author must write a full bio so that the agent/publisher can pare it down to what most people read on the back of books. They generally don't print the entire bio on the back or inside cover, but since the agent/publisher doesn't know you, they need to get a feel for who you are.
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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1395
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 01:00 pm: |
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also, the publishing world is always looking for fresh talent, if they didn't they wouldn't be in the business long as ALL writers just like All people age and die.
My opinion is this, if you get a rejection letter and the person who sent it is kind enough to tell you why they didn't like your work and what they felt was lacking, then a person should take that as constructive criticism feedback and work on thier book some more.
I figure a reputable publisher/agent (assuming that writers are submitting to reputable agents/publishers) has been in the business long enough to know what makes a strong story for the most part the reason writers keep getting rejected is that they think their work doesn't need fixing--so they don't do rewrites and just keep sending the same thing out.
now having said that--have the powers that be made mistakes and rejected a book that went on to be a best seller? ABSOLUTELY! But in my research I have found that is not the rule, but the exception... |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 234
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 01:14 pm: |
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My site is www.emanuelcarpenter.com. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1397
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 01:42 pm: |
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thanks Chris,
Hey Chris, are you sour on Door of Kush? Just asking--they are NOT who I'm working with at all! Just wanted to know if they treated you right. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1398
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 02:31 pm: |
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nice website emanuel! did you always want to self publish or did you try to shop your books around to traditional publishers first? |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 235
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 02:37 pm: |
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Thanks for the compliment. I have a helluva web designer. She did the book cover too.
I think any author who knows the biz wants to be traditionally published. As for me, I grew impatient after only 7 rejection letters and self-published. I figured I'd take the Zane route by proving my worth first then approaching traditional publishers at a later time. So far, I've gotten great reviews and have managed to make a profit off my self-publishing endeavors. I hope to get published traditionally next go round. I have a couple or three literary agents interested in the next book. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1399
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 02:41 pm: |
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congrats! I hope you can keep an open mind about rewrites--just don't say no right away if you're asked to do one it could be beneficial... |
Emanuel
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 236
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 03:57 pm: |
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Yup. I'm open to re-writes. I've learned to be more patient this time around. I'm working with a professional editor in Cleveland so that the manuscript is tight before submission too. I hope to have it completed and begin submitting next summer. At that rate, if accepted, you might not see a book from me until 2008 or 2009. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 4950
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 12:44 pm: |
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Any "serious" writer is open to re-write. That's what editors are for; to format your book into its most profit-friendly mode. On the other hand, it's generally assumed that writers are the only ones who represent a style, but readers also come in different styles. People who resist re-writing are usually self-published and write for themselves, and for an audience who is compatible with their approach. Needless to say, it shouldn't be hard to figure out what kind of a writer I am. LOL |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1400
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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emanuel,
Yep, Im feeling that! That's the downside to going the traditional route, it may be a year or so past the date the publisher's accepts your project before you see it on a bookshelf anywhere. |
Zane
Newbie Poster
Username: Zane
Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
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I am a traditional publisher--Simon and Schuster--and I have 48 books slated for 2007 and 11 already placed into 2008 through October. The book industry works way ahead but it is really a must to do it properly and make the most out of presales, catalogs and sales conferences. They can make all the difference. My book Caramel Flava was officially released yesterday and it already made the New York Times List for this Sunday because of presales.
As for a bio, it seems you are talking about one that the publisher can use to get you interviews or attention from certain groups. Do not panic and just write as much as you want. They can cut it down. I have a short bio and a long one. All of my authors actually have to fill out questionnaires for Simon and Schuster so that we can figure out the best way to market their books.
Blessings,
Zane
P.S. Remember that bios can and will always be updated. I updated mine yesterday. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 4977
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 11:31 pm: |
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Jeeze. A book could be outdated and obsolete by the time it comes out. |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1401
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 12:42 pm: |
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Thanks Zane! |
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