Everyone will die someday, but a well-written biography ensures that a person’s legacy lives on. Whether you’re documenting the life of a historical figure, a family member, or a public personality, knowing what to include when writing a biography is the key to creating a compelling and memorable narrative.
For UK writers, crafting a biography goes beyond just listing facts; it’s about retelling a story that captures the essence of a person’s life, their struggles, triumphs, and impact on the world. The following guide explores the essential elements of biography writing, the right format, and practical tips to help you create a biography that resonates with readers.
What is a Biography?
Before we start listing down what to include when writing a biography or try discussing the format of one, let’s try to understand what it is first. A biography is simply the story of someone’s life, but instead of being fiction, it’s based on real events. It tells you who they were, what they did, and why they mattered.
Next, let us answer a follow-up question people often have about it: What type of writing is a biography? It’s a form of narrative nonfiction, which means it’s a true story told like a storybook—beginning, middle, and end—but everything in it actually happened. The purpose of a biography goes beyond just listing facts. It’s about showing the human behind the name. A good biography informs you about the person’s life, inspires you with their achievements or struggles, and preserves their legacy so that future generations can learn from them. It could be about someone who changed history or just someone whose story deserves to be remembered.
While a biography is a complete account of someone’s life, is it the same as an autobiography or a memoir? Believe it or not, all three are completely different forms of writing. A biography is written by someone else—think of it as a well-researched report backed up by facts, interviews, and historical context. An autobiography, however, is written by the person themselves, which means you’re getting their version of events—great for personal insights, but sometimes a bit biased. A memoir, on the other hand, focuses on specific moments or themes in a person’s life, not the whole story from birth to death. It’s more emotional and reflective.
So, when thinking about what to include when writing a biography, you’re not just listing dates and events. You’re creating a narrative that tells readers who the person was, what they did, and why it matters.
What is the Format of Writing a Biography?
When figuring out what is the format of writing a biography, you need to know how to structure the story so it’s easy to read and keeps people interested. The best way to do this is by breaking it down into clear sections. Here’s how to do it:
1. Introduction
Start by introducing who the person is and why they’re worth reading about. This is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. You don’t need to give everything away but hint at the most interesting parts of their life. Maybe they overcame huge challenges or made a big impact in their field. Whatever it is, make sure your intro makes people want to keep reading.
2. Early Life
This section covers where they came from, their family background, and the experiences that shaped them. You’re looking at their childhood, education, and the things that influenced their character. It’s not just about listing facts; it’s about giving context. Why did they make the choices they did? What events shaped their values? If you get this part right, the rest of the story makes a lot more sense.
3. Key Events
This is the main part of the biography. It’s where you talk about their big achievements, challenges, turning points, and even failures. These are the moments that defined their life. When thinking about what to include when writing a biography, focus on the events that had the most impact—not just on them but also on the people around them. This is where you bring out their character, showing how they reacted to success and failure.
4. Legacy
This section is about the impact they left behind. Did they change the world, influence a generation, or inspire others? Legacy isn’t always about fame or power. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet influence they had on their community or family. This part ties the story together, showing how their life mattered in the bigger picture.
5. Conclusion
Wrap up the story by summarizing their life and the key takeaways. This is where you reflect on who they were as a person and why their story is worth remembering. It’s the moment to leave readers with something to think about, maybe even inspire them.
Pro Tip: “The format of writing a biography should flow chronologically or thematically, depending on the subject’s story.” If you’re writing about a historical figure, go chronological—it keeps the story straightforward. But if you’re writing about someone whose life was defined by specific themes, like overcoming adversity or innovation, a thematic structure works better.
What to Include When Writing a Biography
Once you’ve figured out the structure, the next step is knowing what to include when writing a biography, it’s not just about listing dates or achievements; it’s about painting a picture that makes the subject feel real to the reader. You want to capture their personality, struggles, and the impact they had on the world around them. Here are the key elements you should focus on:
1. Personal Details
Start with the basics—birthdate, birthplace, family background, and education. These details aren’t just for context; they lay the foundation for understanding who the person was and where they came from. It shows the environment that shaped them, giving readers insight into their early influences. But keep it relevant. Only include details that help the reader understand the person better. If their upbringing or education influenced their career or character, then it’s worth mentioning.
2. Career and Achievements
This is where you get into the meat of the story—what they did and why it mattered. Whether they were a groundbreaking scientist, a passionate artist, or a community leader, you want to highlight their key milestones and accomplishments. But don’t just list them like a CV. Show the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, and the impact they had. When deciding what to include when writing a biography, focus on the moments that defined their career or changed their life’s direction. This isn’t just about success; it’s about showing growth, ambition, and perseverance.
3. Challenges and Struggles
Every compelling story has conflict, and real life is no different. Sharing the challenges and struggles the person faced makes the narrative relatable. It shows that they were human, just like the rest of us, and their journey wasn’t always smooth. Maybe they overcame prejudice, personal loss, or failure. Including these moments adds depth to the story, showing resilience and the strength of character. This is where the narrative becomes more than just an account of achievements; it becomes an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity.
4. Quotes and Anecdotes
To make the subject come to life, include personal stories or quotes. These are the little gems that humanize them, letting readers hear their voices or see their personalities. A witty remark, a heartfelt confession, or even a funny incident can make the story more relatable and engaging. It breaks the monotony of facts and dates, offering a glimpse into the person’s character. When using quotes, make sure they’re authentic and add value to the narrative.
5. Historical Context
No one’s life happens in a vacuum. To fully understand a person’s story, you need to place it within the context of their time. What was happening in the world when they were growing up? Did political events, cultural movements, or social norms influence their choices or achievements? Including historical context gives readers a richer understanding of how the person interacted with the world around them. It also makes the biography more educational, showing not just who the person was but also the impact they had on their era.
When you’re deciding on what to include when writing a biography, always ask yourself: Does this detail help the reader understand the person better? If the answer is yes, then it deserves a place in the story. A biography isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a narrative that reveals the subject’s character and impact.
Now that you know what to include, it’s time to move on to the next crucial step—getting started.
What is the First Step to Writing a Biography?
After understanding what to include when writing a biography, the next logical question is, where do you begin? Here’s how to get started:
1. Research and Gather the Facts
The first step to writing a biography is thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth. You need to gather as much information as possible to create an authentic portrayal of the person’s life. This involves more than just a quick internet search. Dig deep into books, articles, archives, and historical documents. Conduct interviews with people who knew the subject personally or were influenced by them. If possible, visit places significant to their story to understand the context better. This level of detailed research allows you to capture the nuances of their experiences and present a well-rounded narrative. But remember, always cross-check your sources for accuracy. Nothing damages a biography’s credibility faster than misinformation.
2. Organize Your Findings
Research can quickly become overwhelming if not organized properly. Keep track of your sources and categorize the information into relevant sections, such as Early Life, Career, Achievements, Challenges, and Legacy. This not only keeps you organized but also makes it easier to write each section without missing critical details. Using digital tools like note-taking apps or spreadsheets can be extremely helpful for managing a large amount of information.
3. Outline and Build the Framework
Once you’ve gathered your research, the next step is outlining. Using the format of writing a biography as your guide, structure the story logically. Start with the Introduction, move to Early Life, then Key Events, Legacy, and finally the Conclusion. This keeps the narrative flowing smoothly and helps you stay on track. Outlining also allows you to spot any gaps in your research early on so you can fill them before you start writing. It’s your roadmap, ensuring that each part of the story is told in the right sequence without losing the reader’s interest.
4. Choose a Perspective
The perspective and tone you choose will shape how readers connect with the story. Decide whether to write from a third-person perspective, which is more traditional and objective, or a first-person perspective, which is more intimate and personal. Consider your audience: if you’re writing for a younger audience, a more conversational tone might be appropriate, whereas a formal tone might be better suited for academic or historical biographies. The perspective also sets the voice of the narrative, making it more relatable or more authoritative, depending on your approach.
5. Determine the Scope and Focus
Before you start writing, decide on the scope and focus of the biography. Are you covering the person’s entire life or just a significant period? Will you emphasize their professional achievements, personal struggles, or both? Narrowing down the scope keeps the story focused and prevents it from becoming too long or losing its direction. This decision should be guided by the subject’s most impactful moments and the message you want to convey to your readers.
6. Establish a Timeline
Creating a timeline of significant events in the person’s life helps maintain chronological order and ensures that you don’t miss any crucial moments. This is especially helpful if you’re writing about someone with a complex life story filled with achievements, challenges, and turning points. A timeline also aids in maintaining consistency and avoiding contradictions, which enhances the credibility of the narrative.
7. Verify and Fact-Check
Accuracy is vital in biography writing. Before you start drafting, double-check all facts, dates, and sources. This is especially important if you’re writing about historical figures or using information from interviews. Fact-checking protects your credibility and ensures that readers can trust your narrative. This step also involves getting permission for quotes or anecdotes, especially when writing about living subjects.
8. Plan for Revisions
A biography isn’t finished after the first draft. Plan for multiple rounds of revisions to refine the narrative, correct errors, and enhance readability. This involves editing for grammar, structure, and flow, as well as verifying facts one more time. If possible, get feedback from others familiar with the subject to ensure accuracy and engagement.
Taking these steps makes the writing process much more manageable and ensures that your biography is well-researched, accurately presented, and engaging. If you want a more detailed guide on getting started, check out the comprehensive guide we made specifically on what the first step to writing a biography is. It’s packed with practical advice and insider tips to help you get your biography off the ground with confidence.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Biography
Just knowing the first steps to writing a biography isn’t enough. It’s time to focus on how to make it compelling. A compelling biography keeps readers hooked, making them feel connected to the subject even if they’ve never heard of it before. Here’s how to do it:
1. Be Objective
One of the biggest challenges in biography writing is maintaining objectivity. It’s tempting to portray the subject in an overly positive or negative light, but that makes the story feel biased and unrealistic. Present the facts without pushing an agenda. Show the good, the bad, and the complex. Readers appreciate honesty and will connect more with a story that shows the subject’s strengths as well as their flaws. By being objective, you build credibility and trust with your readers.
2. Engage the Reader
A biography isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a narrative. To keep readers engaged, use vivid storytelling techniques. This doesn’t mean making things up but rather presenting the facts in a way that’s interesting and relatable. Paint a picture of scenes, describe emotions, and use dialogue when appropriate. Bring historical events to life by showing how they impacted the subject personally. Remember, people are drawn to stories, not just information. The goal is to make readers feel like they’re experiencing the events alongside the subject.
3. Stay Organized
Even the most fascinating life story can become confusing if it’s not well-organized. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the format of writing a biography to maintain clarity. Whether you’re writing chronologically or thematically, keep the narrative flowing smoothly. Use clear transitions between sections, and don’t jump back and forth in time unless it’s done deliberately for storytelling purposes. An organized narrative keeps readers engaged and helps them follow the story without getting lost.
4. Edit Thoroughly
No first draft is perfect. Editing is where the magic happens. Go through your draft multiple times to polish the narrative, correct grammar and spelling errors, and tighten up the flow. Look out for inconsistencies, redundant information, and awkward phrasing. It’s also a good idea to get feedback from someone else—preferably someone familiar with the subject matter—to catch mistakes you might have missed. If you’re struggling with editing, consider hiring professional help or using editing tools to ensure your biography is error-free and engaging.
5. Consider Biography Writing Services
Let’s face it—writing a biography can be overwhelming, especially if you’re tackling a complex life story. If you’re struggling, consider hiring biography writing services to bring your subject’s story to life. Professional writers can help with research, organization, and crafting a compelling narrative, making the process much more manageable. It’s a practical option for those who want a polished, well-written biography without the stress of doing it all themselves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most well-intentioned writers can fall into traps that make their biography confusing, dull, or biased. Knowing what to avoid can save you from the frustration of rewriting and help you create a narrative that resonates. Here are the common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Overloading with Unnecessary Details
It’s easy to get carried away with facts, especially after doing extensive research. But including too many details can overwhelm readers and dilute the story. When deciding what to include when writing a biography, focus on moments that shaped the person’s life or influenced their decisions. Avoid listing every event or trivial fact unless it contributes to the narrative. The goal is to inform, not to bore. Keep the story moving and relevant.
2. Ignoring the Subject’s Flaws
No one’s perfect, and pretending otherwise makes the story less believable. One of the most common mistakes in biography writing is portraying the subject as flawless or heroic without acknowledging their human side. Readers appreciate honesty, and showing the subject’s weaknesses or mistakes makes them more relatable. However, avoid sensationalism or judgment. Present the facts objectively and let readers draw their own conclusions. Balance is key.
3. Failing to Fact-Check
Nothing ruins a biography’s credibility faster than inaccuracies. Failing to fact-check not only misleads readers but also damages your reputation as a writer. Always verify dates, events, and quotes from multiple credible sources. If you’re unsure about a piece of information, either double-check or leave it out. Remember, accuracy is crucial, especially when writing about historical figures or controversial subjects.
4. Losing Focus and Structure
Without a clear structure, even the most interesting life story can become a confusing mess. Stick to the format of writing a biography to maintain a logical flow. Whether you’re using a chronological or thematic approach, keep the narrative organized and easy to follow. Avoid jumping back and forth in time unless it’s for a specific storytelling purpose. The clear organization keeps readers engaged and helps them understand the subject’s journey.
5. Over-Editorializing
A biography should present the facts and let readers form their own opinions. Avoid inserting your personal views or judgments. It’s fine to interpret events or explain their significance, but do so without bias. Your role as a biographer is to tell the story as truthfully and objectively as possible. If you want to express your perspective, consider writing a memoir or an opinion piece instead.
Final Note
Writing a biography is more than just recounting events—it’s about preserving a legacy and telling a story that inspires, informs, and connects with readers. By understanding what to include when writing a biography, from personal details and key achievements to historical context and anecdotes, you can create a narrative that truly honours your subject. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, these tips and insights will help you craft a biography that stands the test of time. So, pick up your pen open your laptop, and start telling the stories that deserve to be remembered.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best way to start a biography?
A: The best way to start a biography is with a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be an interesting anecdote, a significant achievement, or a pivotal moment in the subject’s life. Introduce the subject and explain why their story is worth telling. For example, you might begin with a dramatic event or a quote that encapsulates their personality or impact.
Q2: How long should a biography be?
A: The length of a biography depends on its purpose and audience. A short biography for a website or professional profile might be just a few paragraphs, while a full-length book could span hundreds of pages. Generally, the aim is to provide enough detail to cover the subject’s life comprehensively without overwhelming the reader.
Q3: Can I write a biography about a living person?
A: Yes, you can write a biography about a living person, but it’s important to obtain their consent, especially if you’re including personal or sensitive information. Be respectful and factual, and consider how your portrayal might affect their life and reputation.
Q4: What’s the difference between a biography and an autobiography?
A: A biography is written by someone else about a person’s life, while an autobiography is written by the subject themselves. Biographies often provide a more objective perspective, whereas autobiographies offer a firsthand account of the subject’s experiences and thoughts.
Q5: How do I choose what to include in a biography?
A: Focus on key events, achievements, and personal details that define the subject’s life and legacy. Include information that provides context, such as historical events or cultural influences, and use anecdotes or quotes to make the narrative engaging. Avoid unnecessary details that don’t contribute to the overall story.