Ensure that your profile doesn't get lost in the pile.
Shelley Skuster
March 10, 2018
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to creating your adoption profile book.
From making sure you have enough pictures and triple-checking that you included all the required information, a lot of factors can make it a bit stressful.
Consider sending a personal letter to the expectant parent(s) reviewing your profile. A brief note to introduce yourself not only makes a memorable first impression, but it can also make your profile stand out among the selection. A personal touch goes a long way.
2. Choose a Layout That Fits Your Personality
Websites like Shutterfly, Picasa and Blurb.com have a variety of layouts to choose from when it comes to designing your adoption profile. Find a color scheme, pattern and photo layout that reflects your family’s personality best.
3. Make it Interesting
Don’t be afraid to include a few funny quirks, pictures from a memorable vacation or details about your hobbies. To make sure your adoption profile is interesting, have a trusted friend or family member review it. Encourage them to give open and honest feedback, and if it holds their interest – consider it a success!
4. Follow the Agency’s Criteria
It’s surprising how easy it is for some folks to overlook basic agency requirements. Many agencies have specific criteria for page count, book sizes and amount of photographs. To ensure your profile is included for consideration, make sure you read the fine print for what’s allowed. After all, your adoption profile can’t stand out unless it meets the requirements to be shown in the first place!
5. Be Honest
Be honest with your family values, traditions and beliefs so the expectant parents can get a real glimpse into your home and lifestyle. Remember, your profile book doesn’t have to be picture-perfect; rather it should be a perfect representation of who you are.
6. Revise, Revise, Revise!
The last thing you want in your profile book is spelling errors and photos that crop off an important member of your family. Once you create a draft, go through a round of self-revisions and implement feedback from a trusted family member or friend, revisit your profile to ensure it’s an error-free accurate reflection of who you are.
Shelley Skuster
Shelley is a former award-winning television journalist who traded in suit coats and red lipstick for a messy bun and yoga pants. She's a freelance writer who stays at home with her three daughters who are all ((gasp)) under the age of three and came to her via adoption and birth. She's the woman behind the blog Shelley Writes and she can also be found on facebook and twitter as ShelleySkuster.
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