To become a biographer, one must have strong writing and research skills, as well as the ability to find ways to publish their work if biographies are to be a career. There are a variety of approaches to developing research and writing skills, as well as numerous methods for getting material published, none of which are always successful. Understanding that people will be writing about others, not their own lives, is one step toward becoming a biographer (autobiography). Still, writers should be passionate about their subjects and able to write about them in novel ways.
Most people who want to be biographers have honed their research and writing skills. Some people do this without a formal education, but the majority have at least a bachelor’s degree. The topics of interest may influence the major chosen in college. A history major might be appropriate for people who want to write about historical figures. Biographers who want to work on more general biography topics should pursue degrees in literature, communications, or journalism. Mastering the art of interviewing may be as important as learning how to research when writing biographies about contemporary subjects, so journalism or communications degrees may be desirable.
When people believe they have received sufficient education to work as biographers, they can begin by selecting a subject to research and write about. Before making a final decision, take a look at what has already been written about the person and see if the material can be approached in a new way that will pique people’s interest. People begin researching, interviewing if necessary, and writing once a subject has been chosen.
A publishable biography can take several years to complete, and most people have to work at the same time. Having a writing job is a good idea, and government grants are sometimes available if a creative work is deemed important, though this is rare. When people are unable to obtain a grant, working in the writing world, such as as a journalist, can be beneficial because it establishes credibility and allows them to make valuable contacts.
A person becomes a biographer after finishing a book, but publication is an important goal. Getting published is difficult, but it is usually made easier with the help of an agent. Agents can submit books to publishers for consideration, which could lead to publication. Some agents and publishers insist on having books professionally edited first, which can be costly.
Publishing a biography in ebook or online form is a less formal approach that may not make much money. There are also vanity publishers, but they require upfront payment and require an author to sell any books he publishes. Although this is a more difficult path to take, it is generally preferable to try to become a biographer by having books published by a legitimate source.