how to write biography example pdf

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How to Write a Biography

Last Updated: April 13, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,854,194 times.

Writing a biography can be a fun challenge, where you are sharing the story of someone’s life with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write one as a personal project. Once you have identified the subject of the biography, do your research so you know as much about them as possible. Then, dive into the writing of the biography and revising it until it is at its finest.

Researching Your Subject

• If the subject does not give you permission to write the biography, you may want to choose a different subject. If you decide to publish the biography without the subject’s permission, you may be susceptible to legal action by the subject.
• If the subject is no longer alive, you obviously do not need to ask permission to write about them.

• You may create research questions to help focus your research of the subject, such as, What do I find interesting about the subject? Why is this subject important to readers? What can I say that is new about the subject? What would I like to learn more about?

• For in person interviews, record them with a tape recorder or a voice recorder on your computer or phone.
• You may need to interview the subject and others several times to get the material you need.

• You may also want to visit areas where the subject made a major decision or breakthrough in their life. Being physically in the area can give you a sense of how the subject might have felt and help you write their experiences more effectively.

• When researching the time period ask yourself: What were the social norms of that time? What was going on economically and politically? How did the social and political climate affect the subject?

• You may also include historical events or moments that affected the subject on the timeline. For example, maybe there was a conflict or civil war that happened during the person’s life that affected their life.

Writing the Biography

• You may end up focusing on particular areas of the person’s life. If you do this, work through a particular period in the person’s life chronologically.

• For example, you may have a thesis statement about focusing on how the person impacted the civil rights movement in America in the 1970s. You can then make sure all your content relates back to this thesis.

• Flashbacks should feel as detailed and real as present day scenes. Use your research notes and interviews with the subject to get a good sense of their past for the flashbacks.
• For example, you may jump from the person’s death in the present to a flashback to their favorite childhood memory.

• For example, you may focus on the person’s accomplishments in the civil rights movement. You may write a whole section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometown.

• For example, you may notice that the person’s life is patterned with moments of adversity, where the person worked hard and fought against larger forces. You can then use the theme of overcoming adversity in the biography.

• For example, you may note how you see parallels in the person’s life during the civil rights movement with your own interests in social justice. You may also commend the person for their hard work and positive impact on society.

Polishing the Biography

• Revise the biography based on feedback from others. Do not be afraid to cut or edit down the biography to suit the needs of your readers.

• Having a biography riddled with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can turn off your readers and result in a poor grade if you are handing in the text for a class.

• If the biography is for a class, use MLA , APA , or Chicago Style citations based on the preferences of your instructor.

Biography Help

Community Q&A

• Be careful when publishing private or embarrassing information, especially if the person is not a celebrity. You may violate their "Right of Privacy" or equivalent. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 5
• Have the sources to back up your statements about the subject's life. Untruthful written statements can lead to litigation. If it is your opinion, be clear that it is such and not fact (although you can support your opinion with facts). Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 15

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-bio
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/3-tips-for-writing-successful-flashbacks
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.plagiarism.org/article/how-do-i-cite-sources

About This Article

Before you write a biography, gather as much information about the subject that you can from sources like newspaper articles, interviews, photos, existing biographies, and anything else you can find. Write the story of that person’s life, including as much supporting detail as you can, including information about the place and time where the person lived. Focus on major events and milestones in their life, including historical events, marriage, children, and events which would shape their path later in life. For tips from our reviewer on proofreading the biography and citing your sources, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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38+ Biography Templates with Images – Download in Word & PDF

Experts in various fields are often more than capable of excelling in the arts and sciences, business and sports. However, for some individuals, no matter how affluent they are in their area of expertise, they have a tough time talking about themselves. This makes writing an author’s biography strangely difficult for some people. In today’s world, a biography may be written by another person, or by the individual themselves, such as when an individual need to self-promote themselves on a Kickstarter, website, or self-promote their book. Whatever the reason, biography templates are used for that purpose. These templates can be used for personal or professional endeavors, from authors, business people, athletes and those in the arts and sciences.

Biography templates are an absolute must for any author. Writers need to connect to their fan base, they need to intrigue people, they must present an interesting image of themselves in the world to assist people in becoming familiar with their works. These templates will usually include, but not be limited to: Author’s name, interests, any awards, released and/or upcoming books, collaborations, publishers, where they live and work, along with a website url. Biography templates guide you in knowing what to leave in and what to leave out of the biography.

We are providing up to 15 different biography templates available for immediate use. All of these biography templates are beautifully done and professionally designed in order to create a perfectly written biography. These templates come with gorgeous page designs and border designs. Using our templates, you’ll have no problem filling in the information you need, as all of our templates have fields for you to insert your information, including the imagery of your choice. Our templates are easy to use, just customize, and either save to file or print. Using our beautifully designed templates will assure that your biographies will appear professional and receive the acknowledgement they deserve.

Biography Templates for Microsoft Word

Personal Biography Template 

Faculty biography template.

Biography Examples

We hope these templates and samples will help you writing your own bio with style and professionalism. Thank you for coming on our site. We hope to see you again.

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A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, documenting their experiences, achievements, and impact on the world. It explores the subject’s personal and professional journeys, offering insights into their character and legacy.

What is Biography? A biography is a written account of another person’s life, detailing their experiences, accomplishments, and the impact they’ve made on the world . It provides an in-depth look at the subject’s life from birth to death, highlighting significant events, personal milestones, challenges they faced, and their contributions to society. Biographies are often based on extensive research and include interviews, historical documents, and other sources to paint a comprehensive picture of the individual’s life. They serve to inform, inspire, and sometimes educate readers about notable figures, offering insights into their personalities, motivations, and the context in which they lived and worked.

Types of Biography

Biographies come in various forms, each offering a unique perspective on an individual’s life. Understanding the types of biographies can help readers choose the one that best suits their interest or research needs. Here are the main types:

1. Autobiography

• Description: Written by the subject themselves, an autobiography is a self-narrated account of one’s life. It provides personal insights and perspectives, offering a detailed look into the author’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
• Focus: Personal journey, challenges, successes, and reflections.
• Description: A memoir is a subset of autobiography but focuses more on specific aspects or periods of the writer’s life rather than a comprehensive life history. It often explores themes, emotions, and personal growth.
• Focus: Emotional journey, significant events, or relationships.

3. Biography

• Description: A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else. It covers various aspects of the subject’s life, including their achievements, personal life, and impact on society.
• Focus: Objective analysis, historical context, and comprehensive life story.

4. Authorized Biography

• Description: Authorized biographies are written with the subject’s permission, cooperation, or endorsement. This access can lead to more detailed and personal insights but may also reflect the subject’s bias or desired legacy.
• Focus: Collaborative storytelling, often with direct input from the subject.

**5. Unauthorized Biography

• Description: Written without the subject’s permission, unauthorized biographies might offer a more critical or controversial perspective. They rely on public records and third-party interviews, which can lead to disputes about accuracy.
• Focus: Independent research, potentially revealing unknown aspects.

6. Academic Biography

• Description: These biographies are written with a focus on scholarly research, often detailing the subject’s contributions to a specific field. They are usually well-documented and cited, aiming for academic audiences.
• Focus: Scholarly analysis, contributions to the field, and historical impact.

7. Collective Biography

• Description: Also known as group biography, it explores the lives of a group of individuals who share a common theme, profession, or period. It provides a broader perspective on the impact of a collective group.
• Focus: Group dynamics, collective contributions, and shared experiences.

8. Fictional Biography

• Description: These are imaginative accounts that blend facts with fiction, often to fill in gaps in historical records or to create a more engaging narrative. While based on real people, these stories are partly or largely fictionalized.
• Focus: Entertainment, speculative history, and narrative creativity.

Format of Biography

A well-structured biography format ensures that the narrative is both engaging and informative, offering readers a comprehensive view of the subject’s life. Here is a structured format that can be adapted to suit different types of biographies:

Title: Should capture the essence of the subject’s life. Subtitle: Optional, providing additional context or focus. Author’s Name: The name of the biographer.

Table of Contents

Lists chapters or sections with page numbers for easy navigation.

Introduction

Introduces the subject of the biography, including their significance and the scope of the biography. Provides a thesis statement or the main theme of the biography.

Birth and Family Background: Details about the subject’s birth, parents, siblings, and early family life. Education: Information on the subject’s education, including significant schools attended, degrees earned, and influential teachers or mentors. Formative Experiences: Early experiences that shaped the subject’s character, interests, and future path.

Early Career: Overview of the subject’s initial jobs or roles and early career milestones. Major Contributions and Achievements: Detailed account of the subject’s key contributions, achievements, and career highlights. Challenges and Setbacks: Challenges faced in their career and how they were overcome.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family: Information on the subject’s personal relationships, marriage(s), children, and close friendships. Interests and Hobbies: The subject’s personal interests, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.

Philanthropy and Activism

If applicable, details on the subject’s involvement in philanthropy, social causes, activism, or community service.

Legacy and Impact

Analysis of the subject’s legacy and impact on their field, community, or the world. Includes public and professional recognition, awards, and honors.

Later Life and Death

Details about the subject’s later years, retirement, and circumstances of their death (if applicable). Reflections on their life and contributions.

Summarizes the key points of the biography, reinforcing the subject’s impact and legacy. Reflects on the broader implications of the subject’s life and work.

Appendices (If Applicable)

Includes additional information, such as letters, documents, or photographs.

Bibliography/References

Lists sources, interviews, and materials used in researching the biography.

An alphabetical listing of names, places, and subjects mentioned in the biography, with page numbers.

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Different Aspects of Biography

Biographies encompass several dimensions that contribute to their depth and appeal. Understanding these aspects can enhance both the reading and writing of biographies, offering a more comprehensive view of the subject’s life.

Historical Context

This aspect involves placing the subject’s life within the broader historical period in which they lived. It includes the examination of social, political, and cultural events that influenced or were influenced by the subject.

Personal Background

This covers the subject’s family origins, upbringing, education, and early life experiences. It helps to understand the foundation upon which they built their achievements and character.

Career and Achievements

A critical focus is often on the subject’s professional life, including their career path, significant achievements, contributions to their field, and any obstacles they overcame along the way.

Psychological Dimension

Exploring the subject’s personality, motivations, values, and internal struggles offers insights into their actions and decisions. This aspect adds depth, showing the human behind the accomplishments.

Personal Relationships

The examination of key relationships in the subject’s life, including family, friends, mentors, and rivals, reveals how these interactions influenced their journey and development.

Impact and Legacy

Assessing the subject’s long-term impact on their field, community, or the world highlights their lasting legacy. This includes their influence on future generations, societal changes, or advancements in their area of expertise.

Controversies and Challenges

Addressing any controversies, criticisms, or significant challenges faced by the subject provides a balanced view of their life, showcasing resilience, perseverance, or, in some cases, their vulnerabilities.

Cultural and Social Contributions

This aspect looks at the subject’s contributions beyond their professional achievements, including their role in societal movements, cultural shifts, philanthropy, and public service.

How to Write a Biography

A well-written biography allows readers to have insight into the person’s life. Examples of well-written biographies include Steve Jobs a biography written by Walter Isaacson and Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore. If you are still confused about biographies and are still unsure about the whole writing process you may look at the biography examples, samples , and PDFs on the list above.

1.Obtain Permission from the Individual

Begin by obtaining permission from the individual you are writing about. Biographies can be made without the permission of the chosen individual, but having the permission of the individual will help provide more substantial information and gives you access to the thoughts of the chosen individual. Not only that, but their approval will also increase the chances of you being able to interview your chosen individual.

2.Research the Individual

Regardless if you have obtained the permission of the chosen individual, you will need to research the life of your subject. This means you must read articles, reports, and various articles all about the life of your subject. Not only must you read, but you must also interview people associated with and related to your subject’s life. Because of the factual nature of a biography , you must ensure that the data and information you are providing are factual, accurate, and credible.

3.Create a Timeline of Events

After you have completed your research, you will need to create a timeline of the events the subject has lived through. This will help create an outline and a reference that you can in your writing. Not only that but it will also help root out any inconsistencies in the information you have gathered or researched.

4.Write the Biography

Using the timeline, write down the biographical information of the person. Note that this step will be the longest and may take months or even years to accomplish.

5.Write Down Your Thoughts and Opinions.

After you have finished the biography properly, you can write down your thoughts and feelings about the biography to give it a bit of a personal flair and touch. This will help connect you to your target audience. When you have finished with everything, be sure to edit and revise the contents of the biography as you see fit.

What’s the Difference Between Biography and Autobiography?

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life written by someone else, focusing on their achievements and impact. An autobiography is written by the subject themselves, offering a personal insight into their life experiences and perspectives.

What is the Meaning of the Term Biography?

Biography refers to a written account of another person’s life, detailing their experiences, accomplishments, and contributions to society. It aims to provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the subject’s life journey.

What is the Short Meaning of Biography?

A biography is a detailed written account of someone’s life, including their personal history, achievements, and impact on society, authored by another person.

Is a Biography a Life Story?

Yes, a biography is a life story, chronicling the significant events, achievements, and personal aspects of an individual’s life, written by someone other than the subject.

Is a Biography Written in First Person?

No, a biography is typically written in the third person, as it is authored by someone other than the subject, offering an external perspective on the individual’s life and achievements.

Biographies offer invaluable insights into individuals’ lives, showcasing their achievements, challenges, and legacies. They inspire, educate, and connect us to the broader tapestry of human experience and history.

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