by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: January 04, 2009

Often people do not realize the significance of having a bio and photograph on Helium. Believe me, it makes a difference. This article explains why all new members should fill out their bio, and I believe this should form part of the setting up process before any articles are written. It is hoped that this will enable people who are a little shy about posting information about themselves to be less wary and to be proud of being a member of Helium.

*A front page for your work.
*Telling publishers who you are.
*Choosing a pen name instead of a real one.
*Choosing a suitable photograph.
*What your bio says about you.
*Becoming a successful writer.

A front page for your work.

How your bio and photograph act as a front page to your work really does matter. Before having one, I was an anonymous person hiding behind a screen. Since updating my bio and keeping it updated with current writing experience, etc., I have found that I am making myself much more approachable to professionals wanting my work. This also makes you much more approachable to other members, as they can get a feel for whether you are their type of person. Some great friendships can be made between writers, though the most important aspect is professionalism.

Telling a publisher who you are.

A publisher may be able to judge what kind of writing you can produce by looking at your articles, but by goodness, this all changes when you fill out your bio. The reason for this is that publishers can take a look at your writing experience and this tells them how flexible you are with your writing skills and what past experience you have as a writer. This opens doors to possibilities.

Choosing a pen name instead of a real one.

No-one says you have to be who you say you are, and you are not hiding who you are by choosing a suitable pen name. What you are doing is protecting your identity. Some people are happy to use their real names and I have found that Helium is perhaps one of the safer sites because there isn't the amount of abuse which I have experienced on other sites. Problems are soon stemmed in the bud and the use of your name doesn't harm you. Those who write about personal things which they do not want associated with their real name really should choose a pen name from the very start, as this allows them the opportunity to be a writer who is anonymous while giving great information in their articles.

Choosing a suitable photograph.

People seem very nervous about photographs, although if you look at pages like

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