Considering the Author Photograph...

Much care and detail has gone into the overall design and writing of your book, so it only makes sense that the same care is taken when planning out your author photograph. Think about your favorite book- and the feeling you felt when you saw what the author looked like for the first time. It probably was a very intimate experience. The way they present themselves through their photograph is telling you how they want you to view them, and on what level they want to allow you in. If we know that a picture is worth a thousand words, what do you want your photograph to say about you?

Let's say you've written a memoir about your mother's struggle with cancer, and how you had to fight to be able to get her the best treatment possible. This already is a very personal journey, and was probably very difficult to write. It's often said that the eyes are the window to your soul. I would suggest in this instance that the photographer focus on your eyes, and make your photograph a very personal experience for the viewer. Let's say now that you've written a devotional for hunters. This would call for a more informal photograph, and I would definitely take advantage of the great outdoors!

Whatever image is most appropriate for you, make sure that you are making a statement. Your photograph should never appear as a second thought, or look like something Aunt Mary took for you because you ran out of time to book a professional. If you're in doubt of how successful the photograph turned out, I would ask your Tate Publishing designer (they are very good at giving honest advice) or just not use one at all. Leaving your persona to the imagination is much more powerful than putting a poor image out there for your readers to remember forever.