Do you find it intimidating or overwhelming when asked to write a brief bio and/or a description of your book or a presentation you plan? Join the club, as they say. For some reason, this is a real problem for many writers and authors. We can speak (or write) volumes, but ask us to put something in a nutshell and we freeze up.
Yet, if you have a book to promote or you write articles for publication, you are often put on the spot to encapsulate your project or your qualifications. When you offer to speak on behalf of your book, you may be asked to summarize your presentation for the program and publicity purposes.
So what can I suggest to those of you who get writers block at the thought of writing a bio or a summary of your book or program? First, take a deep breath. Breath in and out…slowly now. Relax. Do a few head rolls and arm shakes.
Okay now, before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, think, not of yourself, your book, how you will come across, how you want to come across…think of your audience. What do the potential readers of your article, attendees at your presentation, etc. want to know about you, your book or the presentation?
Well, as for a bio, they want to know who you are and why they would want to read or hear what you have to say. So your bio should ooze credibility in your field.
For a book or presentation description, people want to know what’s in it for them. What can you offer of value to them.
So you see, it isn’t about you at all. Now do you feel better?