Author Bio Template

Four lengths cover almost every venue an author bio needs to fit.

Book-jacket bio (30–60 words)

[NAME] is the author of [PRIOR NOTABLE WORK OR DEBUT], which [SPECIFIC RECEPTION OR TAGLINE]. [She/He/They] [LIVES IN PLACE / HABIT / FAMILY DETAIL]. More at [URL].

Example:

Sarah Mendel is the author of three novels, including The Quiet Inheritance, which was named one of the year's best books by NPR. She lives in Portland with her family and a difficult dog. More at sarahmendel.com.

Retailer page bio (80–120 words)

[NAME] is the author of [CURRENT BOOK], [BRIEF PREMISE]. [Her/His/Their] previous books, [TITLES], [SPECIFIC RECEPTION]. [Her/His/Their] work returns repeatedly to [SPECIFIC THEMES OR SUBJECTS]. [She/He/They] lives in [CITY].

Example:

Sarah Mendel is the author of The Quiet Inheritance, a novel about three sisters and the family business they cannot agree on what to do with. Her previous novels, Slow Water and The Map of Our House, were named to the New York Times Notable list. Her work returns repeatedly to questions of inheritance, place, and the small daily compromises of family life. She lives in Portland with her family.

Press kit bio (200–300 words, third person)

[NAME] is the author of [CURRENT BOOK TITLE] ([PUBLISHER], [YEAR]), [PREMISE IN ONE SENTENCE]. [She/He/They] [PRIOR BOOKS WITH PUBLISHERS AND RECEPTION]. [She/He/They] holds [DEGREE] from [SCHOOL], and [her/his/their] work has been published in [TWO NAMED PUBLICATIONS]. [She/He/They] has been a [RESIDENCY OR FELLOWSHIP] fellow and the recipient of [SPECIFIC NAMED AWARD]. [She/He/They] lives in [CITY]. Press contact: [NAME], [EMAIL].

Byline (one or two sentences)

[NAME] is the author of [CURRENT BOOK] ([PUBLISHER], [YEAR]). [She/He/They] lives in [CITY].

Or slightly more personal:

[NAME] writes [GENRE] about [RECURRING SUBJECT]. [Her/His/Their] latest, [TITLE], is [PUBLISH STATUS].

Common mistakes

1. Including every book. Pick the most relevant to the venue. Save the rest for the author page.
2. Adjectives instead of facts. "Award-winning" → name the award. "Critically acclaimed" → name the reviewer. "Bestselling" → name the list, with a year.
3. Long lists of residencies and fellowships. Name the two most recognized.
4. Stuffing four social handles. One URL is confident; four is anxious.

Or auto-fill them

Biography.co's Author Bio Generator writes all four versions in a single pass — in a quiet, literary tone. It uses only the books, themes, awards, and background you provide.