It has come to our attention that some of our writers are struggling with understanding what is expected when writing a publication history or biography about themselves. This is a loaded question is it not? You must wonder if you have been placed under a microscope. You may wonder if you are risking denial if you do not nail this public exploitation of yourself.
Yourself. You. It is all about you. Feeling nervous? That’s okay. It is perfectly natural for writers to be introverted and struggle with boasting about ourselves in public. Some of us may feel that we are been haughty or even lying. This is not the case and let me explain to you why this is not a big deal and why it is a big deal.
I would like to begin by assuring our readers that your publication history or biography does not determine if we publish your work. We are not interested publishing someone based on their credentials. This is not a job interview. As writer’s we live in a different world than the rest and it is not about selling ourselves based on what we have done; it is about selling ourselves within the content of our work.
Your publication history/biography is not a big deal. It does not determine whether or not you get published.
However, your publication history/biography is a big deal for other reasons. We publish writer’s work who are either from the Sudbury area or have connections to it. Your publication history and/or biography tells us just that – how are you connected to our community? What do you want people to know about you?
Now, let’s dig in to what we want from you. If you do not send us a publication history or brief biography, it will not stop us from publishing your work. However, if you do, please consider these things:
- Do not exceed more than two sentences.
- If you have been published before and you want the public to know, please tell us when and where.
- You should tell us where you are from or how you are connected to the Sudbury area.
- Add anything else that tells us about who you are.
- Keep it professional.
- Speak about yourself in the third-person.
- Do not lie. Publications will be verified.
Let me give you some examples. Please note, you may use these as an outline, but do not copyright. All names and events below are fictitious.
- Jane Smith grew up in Naughton, ON and enjoys snowmobiling outdoors. Jane has various publications and has been seen in Sulphur in 2010 for her work, “Time’s Enemy.”
- Theodore Beaudin is a children’s writer from Sudbury and has been a Miner with Vale since 2003. During his down time, Theodore enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
- Carol Young is a third year student with Laurentian University. Carol is working toward a career in Psychology.
I hope this helps you navigate the world of literary submissions a little bit better. We are excited to see your work!
Warm Regards,
Laurie Morin
Managing Editor