5 Bio Hacks (or you probably think your bio’s about you)

December 1, 2018December 1, 2018

When someone requests your bio, what are they really asking for? Here are some ways to avoid professional foibles and embarrassment when it comes to your bio.

Comments (2)

Carolyn F Wyatt
ReplyJune 18, 2019

Thanks so much for your five bio hacks. Hope to be able to procure your article.
Meanwhile, what recommendations do you have for a retired professional like me who has a good education, deep life experience, and a number of accomplishments in areas outside of poetry and writing? I’m considering submitting to contests and self-publishing and I’m going to need a bio.
P.S. You have a very charming video presence. Well done, well don. cw
- Candace Wiley
  ReplyOctober 4, 2019
  
  Hey Carolyn,
  
  Thanks so much! I want to reshoot this video so bad.
  
  Well…that’s a pretty big question.
  
  #1 The standard and most important advice is the read/listen widely and deeply, write copiously, and get feedback. You probably already know that, but you might be surprised by the number of people who want to write but don’t want to read.
  
  #2 Rather than (or in addition to) submitting to contests, try submitting to journals if you haven’t already. Getting published in journals is a great way to build your artistic C.V. (curriculum vita/resume). Contests can be a 1 in 1,000 shot, while journals can be a 20 in 200 shot. Sometimes, you have to play the odds.
  
  #3 Before you self-publish, be sure about what you want to get out of your book. If you want to get the book out to people beyond your circle, you’ll have to work HARD to do it if you self-publish. If you want to get a job teaching, most will look for a standard publisher. If you want something to sell to get your name out there and you’re not concerned with publishing awards, distribution channels, or teaching jobs, self-publishing might be the way to go. It works best in the world of spoken word, because that side of the industry isn’t solely concerned with how you published.
  
  Good luck!

5 Bio Hacks (or you probably think your bio’s about you)

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