How to Write a Traditional Bio

So often it seems that some of the most accomplished people seem to have the worst bios. In many cases, they're full of dull and boring information and run on sentences. In short, everything a bio shouldn't be. What a bio should be is a short -- no more than three or four sentences -- creative and insightful paragraph highlighting your best and most relevant attributes. Remember when you write your bio that traditionally they're in the third person. A good way to approach writing a bio is to think of it this way: If you were giving a speech, how would you be introduced?

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper
• Creative mind
• Computer

1. Take inventory. The first step to writing a great bio is to identify and write down the following information: who are you; what do you do?; what is your area of expertise?; who does this help?; what needs do you fulfill for others?; and what interesting bit of information separates you from all the rest?

2. Writing your first draft. Once you have taken a personal inventory, it's time to put your statements into paragraph form. While you shouldn't worry about the order in which you put this information down, it's a good idea to start by addressing who you are. For example: "Jane Smith is a life coach who specializes in helping other women re-enter the work force. Having been a stay-at-home wife and mother for 17 years, she knows personally just how hard the transition can be. Jane's program offers specifically tailored advice and proven strategies to reduce the stress of any woman returning to work or starting a business after an extended hiatus."

3. Write and edit your final draft. Give your bio a good read. Next, set it down, walk away and re-read it in an hour or two. If possible, have a friend of someone you trust give it a read and provide you with feedback. Carefully check the spelling and grammatical accuracy of your bio. This is the time to tweak sentences as necessary and get everything just right. By the end of Step 3 you should have a well-polished, super tight and interesting bio ready to go. Remember, like anything else, the more you practice the better your bio writing skills will become. Don't be afraid to revisit your bio a few months down the line and update as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• There are three parts to the traditional bio format: assembling the information, writing the first draft of your bio and editing and rewriting a final draft of your bio.

• Don't include your whole resume and work experience; don't include your educational background unless it's relevant; and don't include a bunch of awards you've received unless you've won a Nobel Prize, a Hugo an Academy Award, or some other major honor.

References

• Mike Blaney: Tips For Writing Your Professional Bio