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.)
Interview. Ask open-ended questions and encourage the subject to talk. Tape everything both to make sure you quote accurately and for legal reasons. As the subject opens up, you can gently direct your questions to pertinent information.
Don’t try to do everything at once. A life story takes time to unfold. Give the subject time to think and remember. Quit when the subject tires. Between “takes” you can work through the information you’ve received, including transcribing the tape, which gives you direction for the next session.
Work out an outline that makes sense. This may or may not be chronological, but it should best way to present this particular life story. What parts should be included, what excluded from the biography?
Begin to draft the life story.
Once you have a solid outline, and a solid start on the story, and you have enough information to complete the project, start thinking in terms of publication.
If it is with a regular publisher, you’ll have to work up a proposal. Lots of books have this information…again check the latest Writer’s Market, writer’s groups, and other books.
Have an “out” for both parties if the collaboration on the biography does not work out. What rights do each of you retain? How much should you be paid if the job isn’t finished for one reason or another? Will the subject allow you to spin off shorter versions for publications such as Cup of Comfort or Chicken Soup collections? Who keeps the rights/money from these spin-offs or will you share?
Be professional, be honest, be caring and do your best when writing a biography.
There is nothing quite like having a part in putting to paper someone’s life story. Writing a biography is exciting, and, who knows, you may also make a lifelong friend as well as have a solid writing credit when you’re finished.
