How to Write and Publish a Biography

So you're considering writing a biography, someone's life's story. Though this can be exciting, there are also pitfalls to be avoided. Here are some tips to make writing a biography a positive experience.

Don't worry about a publisher at this point. In fact, your subject may be more interested in just having the life story down in print than in actual publication. The person may even prefer self-publication.

Expectations

Your role at this point for writing a biography is to sit down and discuss exactly what each expects out of the collaboration. What does the person want out of this biography? Is this for pay or as a freebee? Biographies take time. Does the individual understand the time and effort involved for both of you and the costs involved?

Get a handle on how much time it will take write the biography and figure your times and costs accordingly? That could be a problem since writing a biography can take years of work. It is best to know what each side expects out of writing a biography.

Is the subject looking at regular publication for the biography or self-publication? Know whether or not you have a subject who expects you to write and sell a best seller. Are expectations based in reality? Can't emphasis this enough. Get everything in writing. (Trust me on this. Been there...done that.)

Writing

The Writers Market usually has lots of resources to check, as well as web sites to go to for information on writing a life story.

Think in terms of how you would like your story told and go from there as you write the biography. What are the most important elements of this life story? The most exciting? What would make a reader want to read this biography?

Basic Points to Cover when writing a biography

Talk about the biography and know what everyone expects in terms of scheduling, time and costs.

What rights will you have to the story, what rights will the subject wish to keep?

Get everything in writing--for both your sakes. Is the family supportive of the effort of writing a biography? (I had a wife try to sink a biography of her husband's life.)