A proposal package typically consists of three chapters of your manuscript, a synopsis, a cover letter and a bio. This is what literary agents most often request after having read your query, if they're interested in seeing more. While the bio may not seem like a big deal, writers have to know sell themselves along with their manuscripts. By having a good grasp on the basics, you can create an interesting bio for your proposal package.
Instructions
1. Start by writing about your most relevant writing experience. Include information such as previous novels published, writer's groups you belong to, special experience that may qualify you for writing the book you've written and any other similar information.
Write this information in the third person. For example: "Jane Doe has previously self-published one novel called Great American Novel. She is a member of the Writer's Guild of America East and a local writer's group, Creative Pen. Having been a member of an online crime study community, Jane learned a lot about the legal process which she has used to write her manuscript."
2. In the next paragraph, write about your hobbies or likes. Many writers use this space to talk about the books that have inspired them or writers they admire. However, you can feel free to talk about other hobbies you enjoy. For example: "Jane has been an avid reader since third grade, and a few of her favorite books include 'Wuthering Heights,' 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Jane Eyre.' She also enjoys hikes in the mountains near her home in West Virginia."
3. The third paragraph can discuss any other important information you feel should be included, or character traits that are special. Beware of tooting your own horn in this section, but if you truly are amazing in one or more ways, include that information. For example: "Jane writes in a very real, conversational tone. While her lines aren't filled with flowery prose, they convey very human and real ideas and situations."
4. Read the bios on the jackets of your favorite books. This will give you a great idea of proceed in your own bio. Notice how most of the bios are short and sweet, not boring the reader but revealing a small bit of who the writer really is.
