Biography

Writing

What is a biography?
A biography is an account of milestones and events that make up a person’s life. These events are usually tied to events of historical importance. The biographer’s task is to weave the complex proceedings of someone’s life into a coherent, easy-to-follow story that keeps the reader intrigued from start to finish.

Here is a list of important facts that should be included in your biography:

What challenges should I be prepared for?
The biographer’s interpretation of events will inevitably creep into the writing. It is impossible to ever completely understand the personal life of another individual. There is the risk of emphasising, diminishing, ignoring, or distorting events and actions. This risk is minimised when your research is properly executed and plenty of thought is put into what situations should be mentioned in the biography. Your job as a writer of biography is to keep your personal thoughts and feelings to a minimum.

However, it is important to include some reflection, to keep the story interesting. A listing of facts will not make an interesting biography. Execute simple storytelling to make sure your information flows and doesn’t sound too much like a textbook.

How do I make my biography stand out?
Begin each section with an interesting statement to catch readers’ attention and make them excited to read about the next stage in your subject’s life. This statement could be a little-known fact or an exciting scene. But be sure the opening is relevant and leads to an important detail. Otherwise, you risk your reader feeling that the writing is gratuitous and sensationalistic.

In biography, like most nonfiction, your book is more interesting when it’s linked to a larger issue that relates to more than just your subject. For example, if the individual you’re writing about grew up during the Great Depression, you can use his life to exemplify what many went through during that time. This opens your pool of potential readers from people simply interested in the person you’re writing about to all people interested in the time period in which your subject lived.

Marketing

Biographies usually attract a niche market. Before starting any type of marketing, it’s important to figure out who will be interested in your subject and why. Be sure to think outside of the box when considering a possible target market. Then tailor your marketing plan to attract those individuals.

Create Marketing Materials
One of the most important elements of your marketing campaign will be your author Web site. The Web site does not have to be extravagant, but should contain information potential customers need to learn about your book, hear what others are saying about the book, and purchase it. Your Web site is an excellent place to post reviews, information about upcoming author events, and offer visitors free content that relates to your subject and the situations surrounding his or her story.

Author business cards or book-specific bookmarks (including your ISBN, Web site address, and other important book information) are also excellent ways of reaching your market. Local bookstores will probably be willing to place your bookmarks or business cards close to the register for patrons to pick up. Also, contact book fairs or conventions where individuals may be interested in your subject about getting your promotional items placed in gift bags. These materials act as a reminder of your book to potential readers.

Build Relationships
Make a list of privately owned bookstores in your area. Owners usually love to get to know writers, and can be your greatest ally when it comes to selling your book. If the store holds book signings or other author-based events, be sure to become a familiar face during them. Look for connections in areas that are related to your subject in some way, if possible (such as your subject’s hometown or alma mater).

Building relationships with bookstore chains can be more difficult. Self-published authors should contact the Small Press Department at the chain to find out how to get the book considered for placement in the store. You will most likely be asked to send your book and a detailed marketing plan, so be prepared before you call.

Most areas have book groups that are open to hearing from authors about new books to read. Contact groups to suggest that your book be added as one of the selections, and then try to attend the discussion of your book. Creating a list of questions to guide the conversation can be especially helpful to you.

Make all trips that you take marketing opportunities. Bring some business cards or bookmarks when you visit friends or family members elsewhere. This gives your book more exposure than it would get in a local market.

Remember to network. Hang out where other writers do, and build strong relationships. These alliances can help you market your book. Other writers may have thought of things that you wouldn’t have on your own, and vice versa. Stick with your fellow writers to make your book successful.

Get Press
Start building a list of magazines, newspapers, and Web sites that might review your book. Reviews keep buzz about your book from dying down and offer third-party validation. Ask authors of the reviews to write a tag line for you to use in your promotional items.

helpful in getting your name and book title out to the public. Remember, many authors request reviews and features. Be prepared to offer the reviewer reasons why your book is interesting and why you are worth reviewing or featuring.