Author biography example for manuscript paper printable

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How to Write an Author Bio (w/ Examples, Templates, & Prompts)

When you set up your Amazon book page, how much thought did you give to your author bio?

Did you slap together a few quick lines just to get it over with?

Or maybe you skipped it entirely?

Here’s the truth…

Unless your name is Stephen King, Tim Ferriss, John Grisham, or Seth Godin, most readers won’t buy your book based on name recognition alone.

Your author bio won’t make or break your book the way a great cover, blurb, or set of book reviews can, but it does matter.

I’d like to:
– Tighten it to 60–90 words (or keep it slightly longer if it’s for my website)
– Make sure it fits my intended tone (remind you if needed)
– Adjust anything that feels off, repetitive, or unfocused
– Make sure it flows smoothly when read out loud
– Provide one alternate version (first-person or third-person, depending on what I chose)

These prompts work best when used in sequence, but feel free to jump in whatever stage you're stuck.

And remember… bios are never set in stone.

You can always tweak and refine them as your author journey evolves.

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How to Write a Killer Author Bio (With Template)

An author bio is a short, third-person paragraph that tells readers who you are, what you write, and why you’re worth reading.

Try not to go over 150.

It takes practice to write short and strong, but it’s worth it.

4. Most formatting tools — like Scrivener or Vellum — let you create an “About the Author” page and include it in your print and digital files.

One frustrating part?

If you’ve written multiple books, you’ll have to manually copy and paste your bio into each one.

It should include the following key elements: 

  • Write your full name so that the readers can identify you correctly.

    General fiction (Rebecca Van Laer)

    I’m an alum of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, the Lighthouse Writers Workshop Lit Fest, and the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop.

    But once they’re there, it’s your description, reviews, and author bio that help seal the deal.

    A strong bio builds trust. Though this area of work was far different from what I pursued in my undergrad, which was a degree in life sciences, I am midway through my PhD course right now.” 

    This is an example of how an academic biography should not appear.

    I just want you to know this guide isn’t based on guesswork or hearsay. Further establish your authority

Here you want to double down, and highlight qualifications that explain why you're uniquely positioned to tell this story. Aim for 60 to 90 words. She lives and continues to cook non-stop in Los Angeles, with her corgi, Butters.

  • Audience: who is going to read your bio?

    A clean, professional headshot (smiling or serious, depending on your genre) helps build trust.

    Skip the selfie. Originally from Johannesburg, Gina has lived in New York and Los Angeles, and now lives in Toronto with her husband and son.

    This doesn’t follow our template step by step, but it still hits the same key notes — background, credentials, publication, and a personal touch — and achieves the same goal: a compelling, well-rounded introduction.

    4.

    End with a simple call to action

    Invite readers to check out your website, sign up for your email list, or connect with you on social media.

    Even a simple “Learn more at yoursite.com” works just fine.

    4. What began as a grad school hobby is now a top food blog, with millions of readers coming to her site for easy weeknight recipes and simplified gourmet meals.

    Once you've hooked readers with the essentials and some social proof, you can expand on your qualifications.

    2. Give readers a small glimpse of who you are.

    That might be a single line about where you live and what you love… or a quirky hobby that makes you memorable.

    Think of it as flavor. It’s where readers, media contacts, or event organizers go when they want to learn more about you, so give them something worth reading.

    Here are 8 tips to help you write an effective author website bio:

    1. Tailor it to your genre and tone.

      There, I joined NYU and pursued research.

      author biography example for manuscript paper printable

      For instance:

      Non-fiction: 

      Jane is a historian at Yale University who has spent over a decade researching World War 2.

      Fiction: 

      Jane has traveled extensively through Eastern Europe, walking the paths of her characters and immersing herself in the region's history.

      Here are some more examples from published authors: 

      Children’s book (Laura Gehl):

      I have a B.A.

      in psychology from Yale University and a Ph.D.