Write an author bio from the verified information below. Match the requested platform and reader expectations; do not turn it into a resume or invent awards, readership, expertise, affiliations, book sales, credentials, or personal details. Author facts and approved credentials: [AUTHOR FACTS] Work being introduced: [WORK CONTEXT] Platform, word limit, and audience: [PLATFORM REQUIREMENTS] Voice references or traits: [VOICE GUIDANCE]
Approved links and call to action: [APPROVED LINKS]
Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if the platform, length, work context, or factual basis is missing. Then provide three bio versions within the stated limit: a primary version, a warmer version, and a more authority-led version. Label the word count for each. Also provide a 25-word micro-bio if the primary limit exceeds 25 words.
Open with the strongest relevant identity or body of work, then connect it to why this author is writing this particular work. Select two or three distinguishing facts, not a chronological life history. For fiction, foreground genre, themes, or current title before unrelated career history. For nonfiction, state applicable experience without exaggerating expertise. Include a link or invitation only if it is approved and the platform permits it. Use third person unless I request first person.
Before answering, check that every credential is explicitly supported by my facts, the bio serves the named audience, and the tone does not overclaim or use generic labels such as “thought leader.”Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [AUTHOR FACTS] | Verified career, publishing, education, location, and personal facts the author has approved for public use. | Maya Chen is a Portland-based food writer; formerly edited a regional magazine; wrote essays for three local publications; keeps a small balcony garden. |
| [WORK CONTEXT] | The title, genre or subject, and the work or project the bio accompanies. | The Weeknight Pantry, a practical cookbook focused on 30-minute vegetable dinners. |
| [PLATFORM REQUIREMENTS] | The destination, audience, point of view, word limit, and any house style rules. | Back cover; 75 words maximum; general cookbook buyers; third person. |
| [VOICE GUIDANCE] | A few voice traits or a short approved writing sample description. | Warm, observant, unfussy; avoid foodie jargon. |
| [APPROVED LINKS] | Public links, newsletter names, or calls to action that may appear in the bio. | mayachenwrites.com only; no social links. |
How to use
- List only facts the author is comfortable publishing and can substantiate.
- Name the platform and its exact word count before generating copy.
- Check that the opening relates to the current work, not just the author’s job history.
- Follow up with: “Adapt the primary version to 45 words for an event program, keeping only verified facts.”
Variations
Book jacket bio
Use for a book’s back cover or inside flap.
Write a [WORD LIMIT]-word third-person book-jacket bio for [AUTHOR NAME] and [BOOK TITLE]. Use only [VERIFIED FACTS]. Connect the author’s relevant experience or creative focus to the book’s [GENRE OR SUBJECT], avoiding a resume format and unsupported praise. Provide two versions: one literary and one direct. Include no links unless listed in [APPROVED CTA]. Verify that every credential appears in the source facts.
Contributor profile
Use for a publication byline or contributor page.
Create a [WORD LIMIT]-word contributor bio for [AUTHOR NAME] appearing in [PUBLICATION] beside an article about [ARTICLE TOPIC]. Draw only from [VERIFIED FACTS] and use [POINT OF VIEW]. Lead with subject-matter relevance, then one humanizing detail if supplied. Add [APPROVED LINK] only if allowed. Return a full bio and a 20-word byline. Flag facts that need confirmation.
Speaker introduction
Use when a host needs a bio to read aloud.
Write a 60-80-word spoken introduction for [AUTHOR NAME] at [EVENT]. Use [VERIFIED FACTS], explain the relevance of [TOPIC OR BOOK], and end with a simple welcome. Keep names and titles easy to say aloud. Do not add accomplishments, audience size, or claims of expertise beyond the notes. Provide a phonetic note only for names whose pronunciation I supply in [PRONUNCIATION NOTES].
Tips
- A bio should explain why this person is connected to this work; save unrelated milestones for a longer profile.
- Keep a source-of-truth file for credentials because old bios often preserve outdated roles and awards.
- Use links sparingly on book jackets and publication bylines, where a hard sell can feel out of place.
- Read the bio next to the author’s work; a playful bio can undermine serious reporting, and a formal bio can misrepresent a casual creator.
FAQ
Should an author bio be first or third person?
Third person is standard for books, publications, and event programs. First person works better for personal websites and newsletters when the platform uses it.
Can AI make an author bio sound more impressive?
It can make the writing sharper, but it should not inflate credentials or imply expertise the author cannot support.
How often should I update an author bio?
Review it when a new book, role, award, or publication is released, and remove roles that are no longer current.