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Do I need an Author Photo?

by mike3188
7 replies
So I finished my book and I do not have an author photo.

This book is to only build my credibility and I do not plan to have it on a bestsellers list.

Do you think I need an author photo?

Would you hold it against me if I had a book without my picture?

I want to publish it today so please respond, thanks
#author #photo
  • Profile picture of the author Suthan M
    You mean a book?

    Well, it is your book -so you can do whatever you want. Including not putting in your picture.

    But.. don't you have a personal mug shot of yourself? A little bit of editing would make it good right :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author mike3188
      Originally Posted by Suthan M View Post

      You mean a book?

      Well, it is your book -so you can do whatever you want. Including not putting in your picture.

      But.. don't you have a personal mug shot of yourself? A little bit of editing would make it good right :-)

      I never like taking pictures so I do not have a photo around the last photo I took was for my HS senior yearbook 2 years ago
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Burton
    Personally, I would recommend the photo. You're trying to build credibility using this book as a vehicle to do so. People feel more comfortable with someone they can see.

    While it isn't critical, I believe it would increase the amount of credibility perceived because of the book.

    Will the book build credibility without the photo? Well, if it's any good it will. Actually, even if it's a terrible book it gives SOME credibility, as not everyone has their own published book. But if you're putting your name on it, and expect it to build credibility, what reasons do you have for NOT including an author's picture?
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan2525
    Originally Posted by mike3188 View Post

    So I finished my book and I do not have an author photo.

    This book is to only build my credibility and I do not plan to have it on a bestsellers list.

    Do you think I need an author photo?

    Would you hold it against me if I had a book without my picture?

    I want to publish it today so please respond, thanks
    Hey Mike,

    First congrats and writing a book. Many people 'Talk'
    about writing a book and you did it. Awesome.

    Second, I would definitely use a picture. People buy from
    people and it's getting more important for people to know
    who they are buying from.

    I personally like to see the Author.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by mike3188 View Post

    Do you think I need an author photo?
    I don't think you necessarily need one, but I think it can't (normally) cost and it might gain.

    Originally Posted by mike3188 View Post

    Would you hold it against me if I had a book without my picture?
    I wouldn't, but you may sell more if you have one.

    The only times I've seen an author photo "look bad" are when the author's presenting himself as an authority on a complicated subject and he looks about 15 years old. That's one of the few good times not to have a photo.

    There are various ways of having pictures without being too recognisable in them, such as pictures of drawings, pictures through colored filters (might not be appropriate for your purpose?) and so on, if that's an issue.

    Much more to gain than to lose, here, overall.

    Good luck with the book sales!
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  • Profile picture of the author mysterrio
    I would always suggest adding a photo...people like photos.
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  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    If the book is crap, do not use your photo. If you think, you have written some good content. Than, by all means, put up your image. Not sure, why its tough task. Even webcams now a days take pics.
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