Biography example
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How to Write a Biography: A 7-Step Guide [+Template]
From time to time, nonfiction authors become so captivated by a particular figure from either the present or the past, that they feel compelled to write an entire book about their life. Whether casting them as heroes or villains, there is an interesting quality in their humanity that compels these authors to revisit their life paths and write their story.
However, portraying someone’s life on paper in a comprehensive and engaging way requires solid preparation. If you’re looking to write a biography yourself, in this post we’ll share a step-by-step blueprint that you can follow.
How to write a biography:
FREE RESOURCE
Biography Outline Template
Craft a satisfying story arc for your biography with our free template.
1. Seek permission when possible
While you technically don’t need permission to write about public figures (or deceased ones), that doesn't guarantee their legal team won't pursue legal action against you. Author Kitty Kelley was sued by Frank Sinatra before she even started to write His Way
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How to Write a Biography: A Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a biography can be a rewarding endeavor, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you’ve never written one before.
Whether you’re capturing the life story of a famous person, a family member, or even yourself, creating a compelling biography involves a mix of thorough research, narrative skill, and a personal touch.
So, how exactly do you write a successful biography?
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials to help you craft a biography that’s both informative and engaging, as well as our top tips for how to make it truly shine.
What Is a Biography?
A biography is a detailed account of someone’s life.
A well-written biography needs to be objective and accurate. At the same time, it needs to depict more than just the basic facts like birth, education, work, relationships, and death—it should also portray the subject’s personal experience of those events.
So, in addition to being a good researcher, a good biographer also needs to be a good storyteller. You should provide insights into the subject’s personality, mot
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8 Steps to Writing a Great Biography
People are naturally curious beings. And they love to read about the lives of others, and what makes them tick. It is for that very reason that biographies remain a very popular genre of nonfiction.
But what is it that makes the difference between a mediocre biography and a truly good one?
What is a biography?
Before we dive too far into what makes a good biography, let’s first take a look at exactly what a biography is.
By definition, a biography is simply an account of someone’s life, written by someone else. Pretty easy, right?
Not so fast. Anyone can write a story about someone else’s life. But not just anyone can make it a story worth reading.
To start with the basics, any good biography should contain the following key elements:
- A third-person account of the person’s life
- Descriptions of the person’s life or significant events in their life
- Factual (and not fabricated) information
- Inclusion of historical information about the time period
- Personal information that describes who the person is at the core, and why they are w
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