Every writer begins by writing the same types of things. Most start out writing their diaries as children, and may move on to short stories or poems. However, when they decide that this is something that they want to do for a living, there are many different directions they can go. Some like to stay with fiction, and they find much contentment with that choice. Others like to tell stories, but they think that truth is far more interesting than any fiction you can read. These are the ones that might want to write the life stories of others. If you think that writing a biography for someone is what you might like to do, there are some things you should know.
Not only do you have to find a person who has the time to spare when you are writing someones biography, they also have to have something interesting to say. This person does not have to be famous to have a good story, but someone who has had some public interaction is going to sell much better. If your publisher does not think your biography writing will sell, often they are correct despite the fact the biography may be well written and accurate.
If you are not concerned with sales, and you are writing a biography just because it is something you think you have to do, you can find any story or life that you find interesting. Fact is important in all types of nonfiction writing, and even some things in fiction must be based on fact. This is the same with writing a biography. This means you have to pay special attention to the details, and you have to keep meticulous notes about what someone is telling you. Go over the facts with the subject at a later date to make sure you have everything correct. It is a very important piece of biography writing. Integrity needs to be kept intact by staying with the facts. Back up your notes for future reference on at least two mediums.
