by Barbara Whitlock

Created on: November 07, 2007   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Stand by your words with a professional bio page. This article shows you how to present yourself in ways that impress others that you are an authoritative writer. Learn what to do and what to avoid to get noticed as an Internet writer.

How can you stand by your words? This article will show you how to present yourself professionally on the web and the benefits for putting your name, credentails and face out there. Ultimately, a writer must stand by his words. We all scope out a writer's photo and bio on the jacket of a good book. Helium's About Me page is your book jacket.

When readers like your articles, they will click on your byline to find out more about you. Don't miss the chance to be noticed. You'll stand out by making your About Me page complete, engaging and professional.

A complete About Me page includes a real name, a portrait (of you, not your dog) and an engaging, professional description of yourself as a writer.

REAL NAMES

Real names are vital. Cutesy names diminish a writer's credibility; no one takes a writer with a silly byline seriously. While many writers are used to having online chat nicknames, we want to recognize that Helium is not a hang-out for chatters. It is a site for writers.

Many of our Marketplace publishers are requesting real-sounding names. They will not give byline credit to a writer with a silly pen name.

If you're a journalist just starting out, you want to get your name out there in a professional way. Remember, employers and editors know how to Google. Make sure you come up in search results in the best possible light.

Be real and sound professional. Members worried about exposure can choose a related name or something else that sounds real. Mark Twain worked just fine for Samuel Clemens.

REAL PHOTOS

Real faces engage. Blank fields and silly graphics do not. Advertisers know the pull of a human face. It's real that people are looking for. Again, think of that book jacket.

SERIOUS WRITER BIOS

Describing yourself on your bio page may seem personal, but keep your eye on what would make you appear professional as a writer. Write your bio for the publisher you hope will discover your work.

Sell yourself as a writer first, and use your professional and personal information to support your writer persona. Perhaps you are a grandma, a master quilter and a gardener. While these roles are primary in your life, you want to order them behind your pitch as a writer. Compare these two versions:

Mommy here: My three children

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