Key Tips on How to Write a Great Biography

If you are writing a biography it is important that you know how to do it right. Remember that writing a biography entails you to write a third-person account of a person’s life. The person may be someone you know, or somebody famous. What’s important is that you write the biography in the best way possible.

Here are some key tips on how to write a biography.

1. Get the subject’s permission first

If you are going write a biography, it is important that you get permission from the subject first. Remember that you will be writing about his or her life. It would not only be disrespectful to him or her, it may also cause you legal problems in the long run. As a rule, you should set a meeting with the subject, and personally ask him or her for permission. If possible, you should sign a contract that will protect his or her identity and reputation when you do release their biography.

2. Research is key

Once you get permission from the subject, it is now time to do research. Remember that writing a biography takes a great deal of time and work. You will not only need to get permission, you will also need to know as much as you can from your subject. Take the time to interview him or her. Make sure that you have all the details listed down. This includes the subject’s birthday, full name, and key events in his or her life. You should not rush the research process. Remember that you will be showing the biography to the world, so you should be detailed as possible.

3. Have a set outline

Yet another aspect of writing a biography, is to use a set outline. You have all the necessary pieces of information to write your biography, however, if you don’t have the right outline, you will still not be able to write the biography in a cohesive matter. The outline could start at any time of the subject’s life. What’s important is that you include key events in the subject’s life that have helped form the subject as a person.

4. Show key events in the subject’s life through flashbacks

Flashbacks are a very effective way you could share key aspects of your subject’s life. They are easy to fit into your narrative and could be used to share important events to your readers. If you are going to use flashbacks, you should make sure to consult with the subject first. Make sure that the subject gives you permission to use this specific event. You should also make sure that this key event captures the core concept of the biography, and that it does not deviate from it.

5. Share your own perceptions

Although you are writing about someone else’s life, it is also important that you share your own perceptions with the reader. For example, the subject achieved something noteworthy in a specific art form. As the biographer, you could share your perceptions on this achievement, and further expound on this achievement.
 

6. Treat the subject material with respect

As you do your research and write the biography, it is important that you treat the subject material with the respect it deserves. Your subject gave you permission to write about his or her life. It would be a grave disrespect if you make up events or interactions to fit your own narrative.

Conclusion

If you are planning on writing a biography it is important that you know what you are doing. Remember that a biography has to be well-written and planned out, because you are writing a third-person account of a person’s life. If you don’t do it right, you will end up disrespecting the person whose life you are writing about. With these tips, you will be able to write a truly great biography.