My publisher asked me to write a Author's Bio. I didn't know I even had a life, so doing a biography took research. Here's what I've gathered...
Does anybody even care about an author's photo besides the author?
Part I - The Author's Photo
Part II - How to write the Bio (Next Week)
Part III - What can we learn from the Bio's of Famous Authors? (The week after...)Does anybody even care about an author's photo besides the author?
Does an author's photo sell a book?
I have never bought a book because of the author's photo. Well, that's not true. I bought Jon Stewart's book because he's so cute and so is the man sitting on the left.Sometimes I like to know what an author looks like. Why? Perhaps I want to know whose brain I'm delving into.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Most authors are not bad looking even though they tend to be reclusive?
- Most authors know what mascara and silk ties are because we are capable of doing research?
What could our pictures look like?
- Black-and-white (artsy and classic)
- Color (fun and contemporary)
- Head on hand - like you're thoughtful, not like you've fell asleep on your keyboard after drinking too much wine.
- Arms folded - casual, like your sure of yourself, not because you're angry your editor sent you new revisions to do.
- Smiling - zygomatically, not in a way that says you-better-buy-this-book-or- I'm-coming-after-you!
- Serious
- Leaning or not leaning? To be or not to be? However, lean on something.
- And, if you are leaning, do you lean on a tree or a barn or a fence? Think about it.
- Oh, unless you want to add a pet (a dog if you're a mystery writer, a cat if you're a romance writer, a camel if you're a travel writer, a Wookiee if you're a sci-fi writer).
What can you do to prepare for your author's photo?
1) Arrange a studio or photographer to take your photo. (Difficulty level: Easy)2) Find something nice to wear - something without coffee stains and not made out of spandex and/or elastics. (Difficulty level: Hard)
3) Put on make-up before leaving the house. (Difficulty level: Extreme Mental Exhaustion - Tip: You may want to arrange for a makeover at Sears before your photo shoot.)
Now, here is my Author's photo. People say I look a lot like Keeley Hawes. Don't be jealous.
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| Oh, and yeah, I said it was me but it really is Keeley Hawes. I only wish I was this beautiful. |
Do you have a photo? Are you happy with it? Any suggestions for us sweat-pant-wearing folks?
Picture source: This is London
Sources: http://open.salon.com
I love your photo. Perfect. This is great research. I'm hoping to have good news soon which will require a bio. Trust me; I had the same thought you did. I have a lift worth writing a few sentences about? Really?
ReplyDeleteOh, and sweat pants--what else do we wear sitting at a laptop all day writing? I can't stand wearing jeans to sit all day. Sometimes my hubs comes home and thinks I haven't even showered. I usually have; I just don't look like it.
Clarissa - Wow!! That is a terrific picture!!! Such wonderful composition, and you are beautiful! I really like your ideas for doing the author bio and picture, too. Those are all really important. I think it's important to see oneself as a professional if one's a writer, and that is all part of it.
ReplyDeleteHah! Maybe I'll even get up the courage to do a close-up head shot of my own... ;-).
OMG Clarissa, now it's not because I generally love you, but you look absolutely stunning and drop dead gorgeous. THat pic will make your books bestsellers by itself :) I rarely see such charismatic pics of writers, yours is amazing, I love the setting and the outfit as well, besides the mesmerizing look on your face :0
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent group of posts! I'm looking forward to them.
ReplyDeleteI do have a few questions...
Mascara? What is that? Can I switch to the silk tie instead?
If I do a head shot, can I still wear sweats?
Where can I find a Wookie to pose with?
Um, guys, that's not me. That is Keeley Hawes. I wish I could only be that beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCD
now, for fooling with us, Clarissa, you MUST publish your real photo. We're not taking NO for answer in this case :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I somehow thought you looked like Keeley Hawes so was surprised to read the fine print that it wasn't your photo! However, I think your photo will be just as pretty.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't bought a book because of an author's photo. But I've never read a book without checking out the photo. Don't know really why except that the photo somehow connects to the writing (in my pea brain), ie, a real person with real life experience wrote this. I know, I know, silly.
Loved your dry wit, the Jon Stewart quip!! LOL!
ROFL Now I know that no-one ever reads the small print!! (umm .. unless of course you added the small print afterwards...?)
ReplyDeleteAnyway ... Silk ties I can do (UK style that is!) but mascara doesn't really suit me! :P
My daughter is a photographer in the third year of her degree in fashion photography ... if any UK authors want an absolutely top notch photo!!
So photographer is easy. Make up is easy (!). Finding something to wear? (I'm a man, how am I supposed to know?)
Oh go on and treat yourself to a professional photographer and all the trimmings!!! I say take a whole portfolio and let people vote!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
Take care
x
I'd like to use the pic on my blog. I love that pic. I can't believe I took it myself. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well for professional stuff because of the dark background. Boo! What are the chances of taking two good photos in one lifetime?
ReplyDeleteVery witty and informative post. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Boonie
I need a new photo, but I absolutely hate having it done. I usually end up looking like something you'd hate to meet in a dark alley.
ReplyDeleteIn my author photo I'm leaning against a tree. I thought it would be a safe choice - after all it couldn't fall over. And it's probably time for a new one. It's not my favorite task...
ReplyDeleteWhen you have the professional shots taken, you need an agreement in writing from the photographer that you have the right to use the picture in any way you please in any media you please. Some authors haven't done this then were sued when they used the shot.
ReplyDeleteLOL Clarissa. I hate getting my picture done. I try to position myself so I don't look as fat as I am or as old either.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Clarissa, do you mind if I pop back and mention the latest post on my blog which was inspired by this post?
ReplyDeletehttp://dominicdemattos.blogspot.com/2010/11/photography.html
Thanks ever so much :D
What a great topic to tackle! I don't think many writers think about it, but doing a bio is one of the most important things you'll ever put in your book. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLOL! What funny posts! By the sounds of it, you must look very beautiful like Keely Hawes. I'm sure your photo will look smashing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and useful advice. A writer's bio is a tricky thing, let alone worrying about the photo and organising a dog/cat/wookie for the photo shoot - they can be such divas in front of a camera. :-)
ReplyDeleteI chuckled all the way through this, Clarissa! I had my daughter do some pictures a while back, though she has only passed one onto me. They were for the Cozy Mystery, which is gardening theme, so I had flowers as a background--I know--I'm a genius *shifty* but the clothes were absolutely the hardest part. Well, okay... not the clothes... the butt and they way it detests clothes... I'll share my bio-disaster story when you do the writing the bio part...
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of an accompanying wookie for a sci-fi writer's picture. It might help sell more books!
ReplyDeleteI have thought of sending a photo of one of my beautiful, long-haired daughters. Do you think anyone would notice they weren´t quite 49?
ReplyDeleteThank you for a laugh!
People who know me know I don't like my author photo on the first two books; however, I kinda do like the one on the latest one - because it looks more like Me - relaxed in a rocking chair with a glass of wine :-D The other one is too airbrushed - I look like my younger more well-rested cousin once removed *laugh*
ReplyDeleteI have one professional photo of me that I use. Its simple. And its a few years old. I don't go out of my way for an author pic. Been thinking of using a pic of me just waking up, yawning, and holding a steaming cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI think the professional author shots are dull and corny. I know I'm alone out there in this opinion, but I like something that shows some personality in an author photo.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your author photo! :) I always look at the author photo after I've finished reading, and always think "wow, that's not at all how I pictured him/her".
ReplyDeleteFor those of us without a publisher, just curious...how cool is it for you to be able to say "my publisher"? Does it feel real yet?
I should have a shot of me holding my Boxer dog. I'm a mystery writer, as you know!
ReplyDeleteCD
France is so faraway i wish I could come over and make u up, I like dressing people up to the nines.
ReplyDeleteThis post really struck me as odd today because i just got a Nora Roberts book and out of Jealousy I stared at the foto for a really long time and picked it apart(am crazy and imperfect a twofer). I wont buy a book just because the author looks professional and awesome but I am shallow enuff to put a book down if an unknown author does not look fashionably put together in their photo(it's a personal turn off for me)
I actually do like to buy books with attractive looking author pictures. The person does not have be beautiful but the picture needs to be well-done. My favorite authors are usually leaning. it just seems inviting.Not a fan of animals in the picture-too cliché.
ReplyDeleteHaha, enjoyed your post a lot (YES, I DID read the fine print, which was amusing too). I had to laugh at the instructions by the comments too. Well, refresh no longer; here's another one. And along with your humor, you have good info. If I get to the point of needing a photo/bio, I'll have some good pointers!
ReplyDeleteArtzicarol Ramblings
Hey Clarissa, congrats on needing that photo! I feel cheated if the book I buy doesn't have an author pic, although books by American ladies always seem to have flawless good looks and lots of blond, styled hair, while the Brits seem to be dark-haired and outdoorsy-looking - are these stereotypes or what?
ReplyDeleteAs you're a mystery writer, I'm sure you'l need to look a tad mysterious. The Keeley Hawes post looks like a good practise run, but I'd lose the typewriter and maybe take to the woods!
Well it did look like a typewriter or something but now I think it's a bamboo placemat or something!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post and had a good laugh. I thought your photo was great, then read the fine print. I've never heard of Keeley Hawes (excuse the ignorance, maybe it's because I live in NZ) so I was certain it was you.
ReplyDeleteThe author photo would have me worried. Do I die out the grey hairs? Should I wear makeup when normally I never do? Glasses on or off?
But if I get to be published I'm bound to be too excited to care.
Oh, I'm really keen to see your real author photo now :)
That may not be you, but that is kinda how I picture you! Yes honestly.
ReplyDeleteOnly, the clothes are way different from what I would see you in.
I'm coming by to apologise for not being around much (not pulling my Crusader weight!)
ReplyDeleteI quite like to see an author picture although I'm not entirely sure why I like it. As someone who HATES having her photo taken, I quite dread the day when/if I have to produce some shots.
Oh, I fele your pain! It's so hard to write about yourself, not to mention the bl**dy photo! I nearly had a heart attack over mine. But everything came out okay in the end, and I'm sure yours will, too! Good luck!
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