Writing a nonfiction biography

What approach should you take in terms of organizing it?

Writing a nonfiction biography: Set the scene · Bring

The conventional chronology, from beginning to end. This is the most common approach. Each chapter can use a similar approach, too. The comparative biography This type of biography looks at two people whose lives were intertwined or can be placed in comparison. Laying out your chapters Most nonfiction books have 6 to 12 chapters. Each chapter may be 5, to 10, words.

In my view, 8 to 10 chapters is the sweet spot. Aim for a total word count of 60, towords. Want to write a great book? Need some expert guidance? Book a Coaching Call Today. And they might check your facts, too. In addition to structural editing, you may want to have someone copy-edit and proofread your work. Emmy Award winning TV writer with over twenty years of experience.

Loves funny stories about music, sports, and fascinating people. I'm a skilled editor who loves memoir so much I got a PhD in it. I'm interested in your story and want to help you share it with the world. Browse more profiles on Reedsy. Importantly, make sure to include a bibliography with a list of all the interviews, documents, and sources used in the writing process.

Once the text is nicely polished and typeset in your writing applicationsyou can prepare for the publication process. A look under the hood of the most popular AI-powered book-writing software for fiction authors. Your complete guide to falling action: what it is, how to use it, and of course plenty of examples. Discover the six essential elements that make up every great story, and learn how you can incorporate them in your writing.

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How to write a biography: 1. Seek permission when possible 2. Research your subject thoroughly 3. Do interviews and visit locations 4. Organize your findings 5. Identify a central thesis 6. Write it using narrative elements 7. Get feedback and polish the text. Download now. Discover the perfect biography for you. Takes 30 seconds! Start quiz.

Enroll now. January 21, General topics Write the first comment 10 min read. About Albert. Understanding the Art and Science of Biographical Writing Writing a compelling biography requires more than simply recounting key dates and events. Balancing Objectivity and Narrative The core challenge of biographical writing lies in staying true to the facts while crafting an absorbing story.

Choosing a Focus and Structure Strong biographies often center on a clear theme or angle that helps frame the larger story. Weaving in the Details The most memorable biographies make historical figures feel real and relatable through vivid details, meaningful anecdotes, and carefully chosen dialogue. Maintaining Accuracy and Credibility Thorough fact-checking forms the foundation of excellent biographical writing.

Mastering the Research Process: From Archives to Interviews Good research forms the foundation of any compelling biography. The Power of Digital Resources Physical archives are just the beginning. Organizing Your Research Materials As your research grows, staying organized becomes writing a nonfiction biography. Building a Foundation of Trust Through Meticulous Fact-Checking Careful research and verification form the core of any reputable biography.

Establishing a Verification System Think of fact-checking like building a solid foundation. Documenting Your Verification Process Just as scientists record their methods, keep detailed notes about your fact-checking process. Beyond Chronological Storytelling While many biographies follow a straightforward timeline from birth to death, other approaches can create a more dynamic reading experience.

Creating Compelling Chapter Transitions No matter which structure you choose, smooth transitions between sections are crucial for maintaining flow.

Writing a nonfiction biography: Another way to include

Weaving Narrative Threads Think of your biography as a tapestry made up of many connected threads — career achievements, personal relationships, core beliefs, and historical context all intertwined. Balancing the Big Picture With Intimate Details Strong biographies capture both major life events and small personal moments that reveal character. Maintaining Tension and Narrative Arcs Like any good story, a biography needs narrative momentum.

Developing Your Unique Biographical Voice The most compelling biographies create an emotional bridge between reader and subject. Balancing Engagement with Integrity While keeping readers invested is essential, accuracy always comes first. Practicing and Refining Your Craft Like any skill, finding your voice takes practice. Understanding the Biography Market Biography readers have diverse interests and expectations.

While this path offers prestige and professional support, the selection process is highly selective and can take many months. Hybrid Publishing: This middle-ground option blends traditional and self-publishing elements. You work with a publishing services company while retaining more control and higher royalties than traditional publishing offers.

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Create account. The Yearbook. Close Quickly select the book you want to buy or give away! Write the book because the story matters to you and the thought of telling it excites you, not because you care about becoming rich as a result. A lot. If you have any hopes of selling your manuscript to a traditional publisher—or selling your self-published book, it has to interest would-be readers, too.

Ask yourself: will I still be interested in this a year or two from now? Reading a few short articles—Wikipedia- or encyclopedia-style articles, obituaries, feature articles, or academic articles, for example—should help you form a short profile of your subject. What did the subject accomplish? What setbacks did the subject have? What moments of triumph and tragedy did the subject experience?

What would have been different had this person not done what they did? Who might read this book? Who, exactlyam I writing for? You need to gain a solid understanding of the time and place in which the subject lived. How did the subject influence events? How did the subject influence others? Hint: Reading reviews of previously published books can be very helpful!

How might my book differ from other biographies about this person? How does my book challenge or add to what others have written or said? Is this person more relevant because of societal changes or current events?

Writing a nonfiction biography: To write a nonfiction

Is there a relevant anniversary coming up— in a year or two —when my book is likely to be published? You might lump a and b together. Better yet, write them side-by-side in two columns.