Writing | Business

Your Biography Is A Powerful Tool For Success

Be More Visible to Your Readers.

Every new writer goes through stages in their writing practice.

I remember my first tentative steps into the world of writing. It was exciting and a bit scary at first. It took a bit of time and practice to gain enough confidence to put my writing out there for everyone to read.

Even if you’ve been writing for a while, there may still be a part of you that wants to stay safe. You don’t want to get too big, too quickly.

So many of us are afraid to be revealed.

We’ve been keeping our thoughts and ideas to ourselves for so long we aren’t sure how to bring them to an audience.

• We are worried our words aren’t worth reading.
• We don’t know how they will be received.
• We’re afraid no one will be interested in what we have to say.
• We might have posted something in the past and someone reacted badly.

So we hide, stay small, and don’t reveal ourselves.

Now, don’t get me wrong. If you are writing for yourself and you’re not interested in anyone else seeing it, that’s fine with me. Fill your boots.

Though in my experience, most writers would like someone to read what they have to say.

Many writers begin by using a Pen Name.

That’s the name a writer uses when they publish their works. Often the chosen nom de plume was a male name, especially in the 19th century when women writers weren’t taken seriously.

The Nom de Plume is a well-established tradition.

Also called the literary double, it has been used as a way to protect the writer from criticism or for political reasons. It allowed others to break away from their past history.

It was one way for women writers to be taken seriously. The Bronte sisters used pen names to avoid gender discrimination.

Some writers who are well-established have used a different name to separate their endeavors. J.K. Rowlings published her second book series under the name Robert Galbraith because she wanted her writing to stand on its own, and not be influenced by the success of her Harry Potter novels.

Write under whatever name you choose. That’s up to you, but consider writing a biography as one way to become more visible to your readers.

As you become a stronger writer, people want to know your story.

They want to get to know you, who you are, and where you come from. Readers are more engaged if they feel they are connected.

Readers love it when you reveal a piece of your heart.

It can be a struggle for a writer to adapt to their own success. Growing pains occur, as what began as short posts expand into a larger body of work.

You develop a style of writing and find your voice.

Every business goes through many stages, from inception to success. It can be a struggle for the owner to adapt as things change over time.

To be successful, writers need to be visible.

When you apply for a job, you submit a resume. When you invite someone to read your work, a biography helps.

• They are a fantastic marketing tool for success and marketing is essential to any writer.
• You will be prepared for future opportunities if you have written a bio.
• Successful writers include a bio when they publish their books.
• Editors use a writer's bio to make publishing decisions.
• Writers use it when they submit an article for publication.
• They can be used as the basis of a short introduction letter.
• Add your writer bio to the end of your articles and link to it as a reference in your profile.
• Use it on social media such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Bio’s can be short or long, formal, or creative. It’s up to you.

You can write several and change them over time as your writing changes.

It’s helpful to write multiple versions, for private and public purposes.

You might be the most talented writer on the planet, but if you’re not visible, you won’t be successful.

Deciding to become more visible is the first step.

Your attitude about the value of your work is part of the problem. Attitude drives behavior, and that impacts everything you do.

If you change your attitude, it changes how you do things, and that can change the outcome of your writing business.

“It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” Cheri Huber.

A Formal Bio is More Like a Resume.

Current position, employment history, personal philosophy, and a few personal details make up the traditional biography. It’s more formal and is often used when you are applying for a job.

Use a formal bio when you want to establish credibility in your field. Including your credentials allows the reader to take your opinion more seriously as they can see you have the background.

You can use your current resume and make some edits to focus on your writing skills and experience.

An Informal Bio is a Chance to Make Connections.

What is important to you?

Your personal philosophy might be an intriguing way to begin.

This is an opportunity to use a story to show your creativity. Using images and sound files are options that might highlight other skills you have.

Vulnerability goes a long way to making a connection.

When you are vulnerable, you are more visible.

A personal touch doesn’t have to be too revealing. Only tell us what you’re comfortable sharing. Anything you share will help readers relate to you.

Add as much information as you’d like to allow us to gain some insights. You might change these details, depending on how you use the bio in the future.

This is your chance to toot your own horn.

Recognize your accomplishments

You don’t have to make a formal resume like a list of your employment history or past writing experience. Accomplishments may be personal and recognizing them in your bio helps tell readers what is important to you.

You might have overcome a challenge, raised a family, left a personal situation, or changed your career. Any accomplishments that you are willing to share could be included in your bio.

You may link to articles, books, awards, memberships, and other services that you might provide.

Here’s a link to my informal bio. It’s personal and a bit magical.

I would like to encourage you to write a bio and publish it on Medium.

We’d like to get to know you better, and it’s a great success tool.

Add your social media links to connect with your readers. Details can enable others to find you, connect, and collaborate. Networking is another successful marketing tool.

You never know who will see your bio in the vast virtual world. You are creating the opportunity to meet new people from unexpected places.

When you write one, tag me.

Get our free newsletter, it’s a 3-minute read that cultivates calm and creates community.

✔️ Get The Multiplier Effect Checklist as a Free signup bonus.