GlassFire Magazine
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Yes, GlassFire volume 2, issue 3 is finally done! We apologize for the delay; we thought doing the anthology and the magazine at the same time wouldn’t be that difficult…yeah, we were wrong. But this issue is done at last!
For this issue, we thought we’d talk about something many writers don’t like to write: their author biography. Some authors just don’t like writing about themselves, but when it comes to crafting that perfect four or five line bio, it’s especially difficult. After all, it has to be short, compelling, and perfectly sum up your entire being in a few sentences. No problem, right?
Even worse, some publications want certain things in your bio or request bios written in a specific way. Some want you to say something about the piece they are publishing. Others want to know what inspired you to write or some other standard question. Still others want only serious bios. While you may have a standard few lines to submit, you may have to alter them to fit the publication at times.
If you get stumped while writing your bio, here are a few of our suggestions to help you figure out exactly what to include and what to leave out:
Read back issues of the publication (or any publication, really) and see what others have said in their bios. This sounds obvious, but it’s a really good place to start.
Ask the publisher exactly what kind of biography they want or will accept so you don’t waste time writing something that’s not going to be useful.
Think about whether you want to write a standard bio that you’ll use for every publication or if you want to write a specific bio for each piece or publication. The latter leads to more writing, but it might actually be easier to write a short bio that focuses on one of your stories instead of one about you in general.
It’s OK to be funny or sarcastic in a bio unless the publication specifically states otherwise. A witty bio can make for just as interesting a read as the piece it accompanies.
Here are some things you might want to include in your bio:
The standard info: your name, where you live, what you do for a living.
Where you went to school and what degree(s) you have.
Why you started writing / why you write.
What authors have inspired you.
How many pieces you’ve published or list a few other publications you’ve been in.
Your hobbies, interests, or likes (or even your dislikes).
A fact or two about the piece in the publication – this doesn’t necessarily have to be what it’s about or what inspired it. Say what music you listened to while writing it or how many drafts you’ve gone through.
If the publication allows it and you want to, you can include a link to your website or even an email address.
Also, remember not to over-do your bio. Most publications (us included) will edit or cut down a bio if it seems too long, so don’t be surprised if what you see published isn’t quite what you sent in. Most places also make the bio optional, so don’t feel like you have to include one. In our opinion, though, getting to know a little bit about the writer only adds to our impression of the poem or story.
We will now sidetrack this editorial for a sales pitch – GlassFire Anthology is literally days away from going to the printer, and we’re holding firm to that December 15 release date (actually, we might even have it out a little before then). Go check out the anthology page for a list of authors and to pre-order your copy today!
Until the December issue, keep reading and keep writing!
Matt & Kristina