Well, it looks like I need to rewrite my own bio! I recently chatted (okay, e-mailed) with my friend Michael Kornfeld, an award-winning public relations strategist and writer, whose clients include a number of singer-songwriters. A past president of both the New York chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and Public Relations Professionals of Long Island, he is a frequent speaker on PR and communications topics. Mike also is editor and publisher of AcousticMusicScene.com and vice president of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) board of directors. Here’s what Michael had to say about how to make sure your bio is as good as it can be: Q: Why is writing a good bio so important for singer-songwriters?
A: Good bios are a way for singer-songwriters to introduce themselves to the media, concert presenters and venue bookers, songwriting competition judges, potential fans, and other target audiences. Although well-crafted and well-delivered songs are vital, a well-written bio that captures people’s attention also is critical to making a good first impression. A well-written bio might prompt someone to check out your music and affect the way s/he listens to it. Many singer-songwriters write and perform creative and interesting songs. Those whose bios are as creative and interesting as their music are more apt to achieve success.
Q: What are the biggest challenges of writing a bio, especially if you’re writing it about yourself?
A: Being objective about one’s music and career and avoiding hyperbole can be challenging, as can writing about yourself in the third-person. A lot of people view bios as resumes and seek to be overly comprehensive and include irrelevant information. Bios don’t have to be extensive and replete with detail. Singer-songwriters should avoid that temptation, while sharing interesting and relevant tidbits about themselves, their inspirations or muses, their creative processes, and their music.
Q: What are the qualities, do you think, of a really good bio?
A: I’m not sure there is a hard-and-fast definition of what constitutes a really good bio, although I know one when I see it. I suppose a bio that sings with the same voice as your music might stand out. A good bio conveys who you are and does so in a clear, concise, compelling, creative and interesting way. It is written in such a way that someone doesn’t have to delve too deeply into it to understand who you are and what you’re about.
Q: What are the things that you think singer-songwriters do wrong when they’re writing their bios?
A: Too many artist bios are written in the first person; use boring language; are replete with errors (punctuation, grammar and spelling), hyperbole and clichés; and are excessively wordy. Singer-songwriters should think objectively when writing their bios, use meaningful subjective descriptions sparingly and only in the form of attributable quotes from others. Don’t just write that you are “unique;” convey what it is that distinguishes you from others. Brand yourself as an individual – don’t compare yourself to others. Bios should be clear, concise, compelling and creative. Rather than writing “sounds like,” consider including a line like “recommended if you like.” A lot of artist bios highlight who they have opened for; that’s irrelevant. Instead, they should address their influences and inspirations. Allow yourself to be imaginative in your approach, without being overly clever or cute.
Q: Top words to stay away from when writing a bio?
A: With few exceptions, bios should be written in the third-person and in a narrative style. Avoid hyperbole. Be leery of using any phrase that starts with the word “most” in describing yourself, be it skilled, unique, creative, gifted, or unusual. The same applies to the use of the word “best,” It’s okay, however, if someone of note uses “most” or “best” in describing you or your songs as part of a quote, although, in and of itself, that may not really convey much about you. Highlight your achievements and honors in your bio. Avoid vague clichés and flowery prose. Such words and phrases convey nothing and can be used to describe lots of people. (For example: unique style, true professional, a real talent, amazingly gifted, masterful guitarist). Be sparing in the use of adjectives and adverbs.
Q: Once you’ve written your bio, what are the different ways you can use it in publicity and in marketing yourself?
A: Bios can be used for a variety of purposes and, as I said previously, should be customizable. They can be used on your own website and those of venues and festivals at which you are performing; in social media profiles; in news releases prepared by you, your publicist and venues; in applying for festivals and other engagements; in connection with entering songwriting contests; as part of one-sheets and electronic press kits (EPKs); and in fliers distributed by presenting organizations and venues. Keep in mind, one size does not fit all. Prepare bios of varying lengths that can be posted on your website and used by various people for varied purposes. Think in terms of three different-sized bios – perhaps 50-60 words, 125-150 words and 200-250 words — and prepare the longest version first.
Other bio-writing tips from Michael:
1. Don’t allow your bio to become stale. Refresh and keep it up-to-date with new achievements, awards, albums, career milestones, and – possibly — meaningful quotes.
2. Get some feedback. If you opt to write your own bio, have your friends or others whose opinions you value review it and make suggestions.
3. Shake things up for social media. Different considerations may apply when it comes to preparing bios for use in social media. On social media sites, it is particularly important to convey your personality within your bio if possible. You may also want to consider search engine optimization (SEO) and use keywords to draw your target audience(s).
