Your Work is Valid: On Writing Your Own Bio

Imposter syndrome tells you you’re not good enough. Help quiet that voice of doubt and motivate yourself to keep moving forward.

Writing a bio isn’t easy. In a very limited number of words, you’re expected to sum up your life and accomplishments as applicable to the place where this bio will reside. Whether you’re describing yourself for an application, a business website, a submission of art, or something else, these sentences present who you are to someone who may have never met you. Creating and honing your bio starts with a reflection on where you’ve been and where you want to go, but it also requires you to understand the value of those things.

Where I’ve been lately

During a recent conversation, I had an experience I never expected. A friend had introduced me to the editor of a small publisher with the comment that we would have things to talk about, and perhaps he could be of help — like him, I am setting up an independent publishing press in addition to maintaining a day job. With a networking call scheduled one weekday evening, I had looked at their website and read some of their blog posts in preparation, and thought, “Wow, this guy’s legit. Way beyond me.”