The WMF Archives

Keeping in spirit with Angie's post yesterday, Beef Up Your Bio, I thought it would be appropriate to cover author bio photos in today's post.

I don't know about you, but I have seen some rather unusual pictures used in author bios. The images you choose are just as important as the words you write in your bio.

It is important to choose a professional picture that tells clients and editors that you're serious about your work. If you choose a picture featuring a cartoon character, one with your boobs hanging out or one from a bar night with the buddies, chances are you may be turned down for a job--thanks to your apparent lack of professionalism. Before I offer my tips on choosing a great bio picture, let's take a look at some examples of types of images you want to avoid.

What's Wrong with the Picture?

Are you asking yourself, "What's wrong with these pictures?"

Well, lets start with the first one on the left. When an editor or client first sees this image, they are probably going to think to themselves, "Well, which one is my author? Is it the man in center on the bottom, or the woman to the left? Who is it?"

If there are multiple people in the image it can be very confusing to determine who exactly is the author. Plus, the image is just not professional at all.

Now I like cartoons as much as the next person but choosing a cartoon character or any other inhuman image (as in the second picture) is just the wrong way to go. Not only do clients and editors like to get a visual of who the writer, but so do the readers.

If a reader sees an image of Gumby they will probably be asking themselves how reliable is information provided by a rubbery green man?

When you choose a picture, make sure it is human. Do not post a picture of your favorite pet, a sun rise, or a mountain. These may be beautiful images, but they are not very professional.

Now I know many people often choose these images because they do not want to post an image of their real identity on the Internet. Well, if this is your reason you can still go to many free online stock images and choose a professional picture from there. Just make sure it is properly credited.

So now that I've told you what to avoid, let me tell you what you should do instead.

Picking the Right Image

When choosing an image for your author bio, pick an image that is clear. Blurry pictures do no one justice. Make sure the image is in focus and is not taken from a long distance. Most importantly, make sure no body parts are chopped off! No one wants to see a headless writer or a writer with half a face.

Make sure your images are tasteful. This includes the pose chosen as well as the clothes that are worn. Dress and act like a professional in a image. Girls, this means cover up! You can still have "the girls" showing if you must--but do it tastefully. Men, keep your shirt on. An editor or client does not care how ripped your abs may be. Make sure the picture does not look sloppy. Pay attention to what is in the background and foreground. Remember that cropping is your friend.

If you are able to afford it, have a professional photographer take your image for your author bio. I realize that in the current economy, this may not be appropriate for everyone--but hey, that's what we're here for--to help you figure these things out. Here is an example of a good author bio picture:

Remember, choosing the right image for your bio is just as important as the words written in the bio. Your author picture is your chance to sell yourself to editors and clients. Image really is everything when it comes to professionalism.

Remember Writing Mommies Readers, the deadline for the Writing Mommies Contest in November 20th so get those entries in! For full information click HERE.

Photo 1: "Party" By Chamelfox May 14, 2005 Stock.xchange

Photo 2: "Best Friends" By Tvvoodoo June 19, 2005 stock.xchange

Photo3: "Rainbow 2" By Bjearwicke July 7, 2007 stock.xchange

Choosing an Author Bio Picture