Keep length in mind. Short autobiographies, such as those that appear on book jackets or accompanying the publication of an individual story or poem, are often three to five sentences long. Longer autobiographies can appear in a variety of other publications, such as brochures or award announcements. Take care to adhere to any target word counts that are provided by the publication.
Writing in the third person, open the first sentence with your name and one or two details about your genre. For example, you might write, "John Doe is a fiction author in New York whose writing includes elements of horror within a literary aesthetic." Your opening statement should provide an overview of the type of work you produce.
Mention your education. A degree in bioengineering is just as pertinent to your autobiography as a degree in English literature. If you are a college student or a busy parent, what is it that informs you as a writer? Or mention any relevant experience instead. You may write something like, "Jim's extensive work with disadvantaged populations led to the development of his first novel."
Include information on why you write. You may mention how long you have been writing, what first inspired you to write, themes that fuel your writing or what direction you hope to take with your writing. An example might be, "Through her writing, Mary Beth finds an outlet for creative expression. She continually seeks unique ways to tell stories."
Include awards and publications, both past and forthcoming. If your publication history is lengthy, you may need to shorten the list to the most recent publications or to those you are proudest of. Mention awards you have won and include honorable mentions and nominations for prizes.
Close by mentioning your membership in any writing groups or writing associations. Optionally, you may wish to include a web address where interested readers can obtain more information, such as upcoming readings and press releases (if applicable).