Author Spotlight Template: Prepare Your Story for Features
An author spotlight works best when it gives readers a reason to care about the person behind a book. A biography alone is rarely enough. Preparing a clear story angle, accurate book facts and a small set of approved assets makes it easier for an editor, interviewer or collaborator to understand what you can contribute.
Download the editable worksheet
Download the featured authors worksheet (Excel) →
Open the Excel file in your spreadsheet application or import it into Google Sheets and review the formulas after conversion. Save a separate copy for your project. Fill in the pale-yellow cells and use the Review status dropdown. Ready items and Items to review update from those choices; Not applicable removes an item from the remaining review count. Your edits stay in your file and do not sync to Author Rise.
1. Choose one story angle
Start with a specific question your experience can illuminate. You might explain how you researched an unfamiliar setting, why a character changed during revision, or what you learned from publishing your first book. Choose something useful to the intended audience, rather than a broad claim that your book is for everyone. Write the angle in one sentence before drafting the rest.
2. Prepare two versions of your introduction
Use the worksheet to draft a short bio and a longer introduction. Lead with information relevant to this particular feature. Include your book, genre and relevant experience, then remove claims you cannot support. Working word targets help you draft; the publication's current submission requirements take priority.
3. Gather accurate facts and permitted assets
Check the title, author name, release date and format against your approved materials. Keep an author portrait, cover image and credit instructions together. Supply links that an editor can open without requesting access to a private account. Record what you have permission to share, especially when a photographer or designer supplied the work.
4. Offer a useful reader destination
Choose one next step: read a sample, visit a book page, or learn about a related topic. Check the destination on a device where you are not signed in. A feature should help the reader understand your work before asking them to buy anything.
5. Submit a relevant pitch and record the response
Read the recipient's requirements and explain why your angle suits their audience. Keep the pitch concise and offer further materials rather than sending large unsolicited attachments. Mark items Ready only after checking them. A prepared spotlight is a submission resource, not a promise of publication or a reserved feature.
A practical starting point
Pitch starter: I write [genre or subject] for [reader]. My experience with [specific situation] could support a feature about [useful angle]. I can provide a short bio, approved images and three conversation topics if this fits your readers.
Adapt this example to your own work and the recipient's requirements. Complete the first three relevant worksheet fields, then choose one action you can take today.
Continue with related Author Rise resources
Further reading and useful tools
Find a connection and keep your working files
Explore the Author Rise Directory → to review the directory and its current contact options. Agree availability, deliverables and any fees directly with the person you choose. Example listings are illustrative; browser-created profiles are not shared member listings.
Download all ten community worksheets (ZIP) → or return to the Author Rise Community.