Scroll through any dating app and you'll notice the same few lines again and again. Loves travel. Coffee enthusiast. Looking for my partner in crime. There's nothing wrong with any of them. They just don't give anyone much to talk about.
So should you mention that you wrote a book? In most cases, yes. Here's why it works and how to do it well.
Why a book stands out
- It's specific. Specific details are more memorable than general ones, and a book is about as specific as it gets.
- It's a built-in opener. "What's your book about?" is one of the easiest first messages anyone can send.
- It shows depth. A book suggests you have interests you care about enough to commit to.
- It shows follow-through. Finishing something big is attractive in a partner.
How to mention it without bragging
The key is curiosity, not credentials. Compare these two lines:
"Published author."
"I wrote a mystery set in the town where I grew up. Ask me which character is secretly based on my aunt."
The second one is warm, specific and practically asks for a reply.
A few more ideas
- "Wrote a book about the lessons I learned opening my first restaurant. The chapter on disasters is the best one."
- "Author of a family history my grandmother made me promise to finish. Mission accomplished."
- "I wrote a fantasy novel. Yes, there's a map. No, I won't apologize."
Show, don't just tell
A photo of you holding your book, or signing a copy, does more than any line of text. It's a natural, confident photo that doesn't feel posed.
Be ready for the question
If you mention a book, people will ask about it. Have a short, enthusiastic answer ready: what it's about, why you wrote it, and your favorite part. That's the conversation you want to be having anyway.
Be honest about how you made it
If you used AI tools to help write your book, own it. Talking openly about your process, and about the ideas and decisions that were yours, comes across far better than being evasive.
Beyond dating
The same principle works on Instagram, LinkedIn and anywhere you have a bio. A book is the most interesting line in your profile, and it's one very few people can claim.
Write about something you genuinely love, whether that's your career, your passion or a story you've always wanted to tell. It's the book you'll enjoy talking about, and the one that says the most about who you are.
