The importance of a photo.

For many aspiring writers, the idea of an author photo is an abstract concept.  Why worry about a photo when the manuscript is still being considered for a sale?  Or when the manuscript is still being written?

I understand the initial disconnect, but an author's platform is, essentially, the person's public impression.  Platform is what (and who) you bring to the table.  Expertise, connections, experience, qualifications, history--it's the fill in the blank ending to "Oh Shonna, she's the author who writes about_____."  As a platform is being constructed, savvy authors include images in this process.

If a book or article is published, most likely it will include an author photo.  Quirky or serious, readers want a face with a name.  And considering that this image will be a permanent glimpse, I advocate taking care to find a photograph that resonates and represents you well.  This is the image that will accompany signage, book jackets, websites, and press releases. 

Advice: Spend some time getting the right author photo(s).

(If you live in the southern Maine area, I highly recommend Rob and Shelbylyn Subia at Port City Photography.)