Writing a biography in third person pronouns

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How to write a third person bio

Written by Emily Harstone July 28th, When you read submission guidelines, which vary from literary journal to literary journal, almost all of them will require that you include a brief biographical statement or bio. Usually they require that the bio is in the third person and to be 50 words or less. These bios are tricky to write. It is hard to describe ones life using 50 words or less.

And frankly, you are better off not doing it. The editor of the journal does not care if you have been twice divorced, and neither does the reading public.

Short professional bio examples

I am all for including one or two personal details, but I prefer that they relate indirectly to your writing. Another fact worth considering including is what you actually do for a living. They do something else to pay the bills. Mentioning what that is can easily add complexity to your bio. Although it might affect the way your submission is considered.

For example mentioning that you are a lawyer in your bio would have a different effect than mentioning that you are a stripper. Most writers focus the bulk of their very short bio on writing. This is often a good thing.