by Shannon Hilson

Created on: January 29, 2008

When I read something I really like here on Helium, one of the first things I want to do next is find out more about the person who wrote it. I often am very interested in hearing a word or two about how he got into writing, what his other interests are, and what he might be like as a person. I also definitely would like to put a face to the name. It personalizes what I just read for me, and it makes me more likely to read more of the same person's writing, or bookmark his page so that I can easily come back in the future and see what's new. I may even want to write him a quick note just to make sure he knows that someone read and enjoyed his work that day, because I know how important support and feedback is for any writer.

It tends to disappoint me as a reader when I click through to a writer's profile and see nothing at all written there to tell me who this person is, let alone a real photo posted of a real human face for me to identify with. Suddenly the article or poem I enjoyed so much just a minute ago doesn't seem the same anymore, and I will probably leave without even checking out the rest of his articles first.

Since a blank profile page also has a tendency to make me feel alienated and unwelcome, it's much less likely that I will be coming back to check out future writings either. I'm usually left with the overall impression that the person doesn't care enough about his own writing to stand behind it with pride and attach himself to it, or that perhaps he doesn't really take himself seriously as a writer.

It isn't just casual readers that can be left with this impression either. As many Helium members know, there are publishers here that may come across your writing and like what they see. Surely you don't want to give them the impression that this is how you feel about your work. A well written and professional bio section is your opportunity to tell the world, including all the publishers in it, all about you and your writing, and a real photo of you is your chance to help other people connect with you on a personal level.

This makes all the difference in the world in regards to how well readers will also connect with your writing and how likely they are to come back and check in with you again. Part of the appeal of Helium lies in the knowledge that the content here is written by real people sharing real, everyday knowledge and insight. By not taking the time to post a photo and fill out your bio, you could miss your chance to be seen as one of them.

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