Tips for Great Author Biography Pictures

Alyssa Ast
Every writer knows a great author biography is vital for their success in landing clients and readers. But many often forget about the picture they include on their author biography. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Choosing the wrong picture for your author biography can cause people to get the wrong impression of you. It's important you select an appropriate picture for your author biography that portrays a professional image. When selecting a picture for an author biography there are a few things to keep in mind.

The Correct Clothing

Choosing the correct clothing for an author biography picture is vital for your image as a writer. No client or reader is going to care how great your body is. No client is going to care how ripped your abs are or how tight your shirt fits. Ladies, low cut shirts are inappropriate for author biography images and men, keep the shirt on. Make sure the clothing you select for the image is of a professional manor and not the clothes you rolled out of bed in.

The Background

The background of the image is just as important as the clothing you wear. Always pay attention to what is in the background of your image. No one wants to see a messy desk or a pile of laundry behind you. It's best to use a blank background, such as a wall, when taking an author biography picture. If taking the shot outside, make sure the scenery is pleasant. No one cares for trashcans and trampolines in the background.

Other Tips

Hair needs to be kept in mind as well when taking an author biography picture. For both genders, comb your hair! Avoid any outlandish hair styles that may add as a distraction to the image. Purple spikes and fro's may look great but it may send employers and readers the wrong image. Don't forget about the facial hair either.

Make up is also important. When doing your make up for an author biography picture, it's best to keep it simple and natural. Avoid the dark colors that make you look like a raccoon. The same goes for the bright colors, like yellow eye shadow. When is doubt, don't wear it. Stick to simple when it comes to author biography pictures.

When working in a professional community, you must remain professional at all times. This includes your appearance. Even though it's not something we like to admit it is human nature to judge. For that reason you need to keep your author biography picture as professional as possible.

Published by Alyssa Ast

Alyssa Ast is a freelance writer, journalist, and author of The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe. Alyssa is the co-founder of the WM Network, which includes the WM Freelance Writer's Connection.  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.