Updated by the HeadshotGenerator.pro team
Author Headshots
Author headshots go on book jackets, author websites, retailer and publisher pages, event listings and press kits. Upload one clear photo and create an author headshot that fits the tone of your books and gives readers a face to remember.
One photo • 2 variations per generation • Packs from $9
Matching Your Photo to Your Genre
Readers form an impression of a book partly from its author photo. A business book benefits from a polished, formal look; a novel or memoir can be softer and more personal.
Think about the shelf your book sits on and how other authors there present themselves, then choose an outfit and background that fit without copying them.
Author Photo Ideas by Book Type
- Business and non-fiction: a formal blazer or button-up on Modern Corporate Office.
- Literary fiction and memoir: a sweater on Bokeh Office for a quieter, thoughtful feel.
- Lifestyle, travel and nature: casual clothing on Outdoor Greenery.
- Children's books: a friendly, bright look with a plain or soft background.
Publisher and Print Requirements
Publishers and printers set their own requirements for jacket photos, often a high-resolution file and a photo credit line. Ask your publisher what they need before you send a file, and tell them how the image was made.
For self-published books, check your print service's image guidance. A plain or softly blurred background is easiest to place on a back cover or inside flap.
Retailer Pages and Author Profiles
Online bookstores and reader communities let authors add a photo to their author profile, where it appears beside every title you publish. These photos are shown small, so a tight crop and a simple background matter more than on a jacket.
Use the same photo across retailers, your newsletter and social accounts so readers connect your books to you. Series authors in particular benefit from a consistent image over many releases; update it only when your appearance changes noticeably, and tell your publisher so their catalogue and press materials match.
Recommended Looks for Author Headshots
After you upload your photo, pick these options in the generator. Each generation gives you 2 variations, and regenerating the same look is free.
Background: Bokeh Office
Outfit: Semi-Formal (Sweater), Grey
A sweater and soft background feel thoughtful and literary.
Background: Outdoor Greenery
Outfit: Casual (Crew Neck Tee), Olive
An outdoor setting and relaxed clothing suit fiction and lifestyle writers.