Biographer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era that craves personal narratives and compelling stories, the role of biographers has taken center stage.

Society is continuously fascinated by insightful accounts, and with each revelation, the demand for skilled individuals who can articulate, explore, and preserve these narratives grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a biographer?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring writer aiming to comprehend the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the craft of biographical writing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive biographer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Biographer Duties and Responsibilities

Biographers are professionals who write detailed and factual accounts of other people’s lives.

They must conduct extensive research and interviews to gather information about the person they are writing about.

Biographers typically work as freelancers, but they may also be employed by publishing companies or organizations.

The duties and responsibilities of a Biographer include:

• Choosing or being assigned a subject for a biography
• Conducting extensive research to gather all available information about the subject
• Interviewing the subject, if possible, as well as their friends, family, and colleagues to gain a comprehensive understanding of their life
• Organizing and documenting all collected information in a clear and systematic manner
• Writing a detailed and factual account of the subject’s life, ensuring that the writing is engaging and accurate
• Revising and editing the biography based on feedback from editors or the subject themselves
• Working with publishers to prepare the biography for publication
• Ensuring all legal and ethical guidelines are followed, particularly when dealing with sensitive or private information
• Promoting the biography through various media outlets and book signings

 

Biographer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a skilled Biographer to research, document, and write compelling life histories.

The ideal candidate will have a knack for thorough research, exceptional analytical skills, and a unique storytelling style.

The Biographer’s role will involve gathering information about individuals through various sources, organizing the facts, and using them to create an engaging narrative.

The goal is to write captivating and accurate biographies that will engage readers and honor the subject’s legacy.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct extensive research to gather factual information about the subject of the biography
• Interview the subject (if possible) and people who know them well
• Analyze and interpret information to portray the subject accurately
• Create a coherent and compelling narrative from the collected information
• Follow ethical guidelines and protect confidential information
• Proofread and edit your work to ensure it is free from errors
• Adhere to publishing deadlines and guidelines
• Collaborate with the publishing team to design and format the biography
• Promote the biography through various channels

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a biographer or relevant role in writing, journalism, or history
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong interviewing skills
• Outstanding writing skills with the ability to craft an engaging narrative
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to respect confidentiality and ethical guidelines
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, History, English, or related field

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity for career advancement
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Biographer
• Work Environment: This job is typically performed in a quiet, private space. Travel may be required for research purposes or interviews.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Managing Editor or Publisher.
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience, qualifications, and the complexity of the project.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: This can be a full-time, part-time, or freelance position.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, writing samples, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Biographer Do?

A Biographer is a writer who specializes in writing biographies, which are detailed accounts or descriptions of an individual’s life.

Biographers conduct intensive research in order to collect all the necessary information about the person they are writing about.

This includes interviewing the person directly, if they are alive, or speaking to close relatives, friends, colleagues, and other acquaintances.

They may also delve into various archives and libraries to find letters, diaries, news reports, and other documents related to the individual.

Using this information, they create a comprehensive and factual account of the person’s life, often focusing on their achievements, personality traits, experiences, and the significant events that shaped their life.

Biographers strive to present a fair and balanced portrayal of the person, ensuring that they capture both their strengths and weaknesses.

The final piece of work may be published as a book, article, or online content.

Biographers often work closely with publishers and editors throughout the writing process, and they might also need to work with lawyers to ensure that the biography does not infringe on any legal rights.

In addition to writing, biographers often have to promote their books through book signings, interviews, and other public appearances.

They may also be required to respond to feedback and criticism from readers and critics.

 

Biographer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient biographer should have the skills and qualifications that align with the nature of the job, such as:

• Exceptional research skills to gather and analyze detailed and accurate information about the subject from various sources.
• Excellent writing and storytelling abilities to create an engaging narrative about the subject’s life.
• Strong interviewing skills to obtain necessary information from the subject and those who know them.
• Critical thinking skills to interpret and understand the significance of events in the subject’s life.
• Attention to detail to ensure all facts and details are correct and presented in a well-structured manner.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build a strong rapport with the subject and understand their perspective.
• Patience and persistence as biographical work can be time-consuming and requires sifting through large amounts of information.
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive and personal information.

 

Biographer Experience Requirements

Biographers often start their careers with a background in writing, journalism, or history.

Many have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or history, which provides them with strong research and writing skills.

Entry-level biographers may start as freelance writers, or they may intern at publishing houses, magazines, or newspapers.

This real-world experience in writing, editing, and research is essential for building the foundation of a successful biography writing career.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may have written or co-written a few biographies, or contributed to research and writing for biographical works.

They may have also developed a portfolio of articles, blogs, or essays that showcase their writing skills and understanding of the biographical genre.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have multiple published works, and have honed their skills in researching, conducting interviews, and telling a compelling life story.

They may have specialized in a particular genre of biography, such as political, historical, or celebrity biographies.

Senior biographers with over 10 years of experience may have a large portfolio of published biographies and often have a strong reputation in the publishing industry.

They might have received critical acclaim for their works, and may have demonstrated their ability to delve deep into the lives of their subjects and tell engaging, well-researched stories.

These experienced biographers may also mentor less experienced writers or lead writing workshops or seminars.

 

Biographer Education and Training Requirements

Biographers typically have a bachelor’s degree in English, history, journalism or a related field.

They need to have strong research, writing, and editing skills.

Often, coursework in these degree programs includes classes on literature, language, ethics, and various periods of history.

Some positions, especially those requiring detailed historical research or specialized subjects, may require Biographers to have a master’s degree or a PhD.

In addition, many aspiring biographers gain experience by working on school newspapers or magazines, internships at publishing houses, or other writing jobs to enhance their portfolio.

While not mandatory, certifications in writing or publishing can showcase a candidate’s dedication and expertise in the field.

Continuing education through workshops, seminars, or classes can also be beneficial for staying updated with writing styles, research techniques, and publishing trends.

It is also beneficial to have a knowledge of copyright laws and legal issues surrounding publication, which may be gained through additional coursework or practical experience.

 

Biographer Salary Expectations

A Biographer earns an average salary of $61,820 (USD) per year.

The income can fluctuate based on the biographer’s experience, the complexity of the subject, and the publishing agreement.

Note that a successful biographer might also earn additional income through book royalties.

 

Biographer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Biographer need?

A Biographer needs strong research skills to gather accurate and detailed information about the person they are writing about.

They should also possess excellent writing skills to effectively articulate the subject’s life story in a compelling way.

Being able to interview people to gather first-hand information and anecdotes is also key.

Additionally, a Biographer needs to be analytical to accurately interpret the events of a person’s life and the societal context in which they lived.

 

Do Biographers need a degree?

While not always necessary, a degree in journalism, literature, history, or a related field can be beneficial for a Biographer.

What’s more important is proven writing experience and a strong portfolio of work.

Some Biographers may also have degrees or backgrounds in the field that the subjects of their biographies are known for, such as politics, sports, or entertainment.

 

What should you look for in a Biographer’s resume?

A Biographer’s resume should highlight their writing and research experience.

Look for published works, especially biographies or articles that demonstrate an ability to delve into a person’s life story.

Experience with conducting interviews and other forms of research is also crucial.

Other valuable skills may include fluency in other languages (for researching foreign subjects) and experience in a specific field relevant to the biography.

 

What qualities make a good Biographer?

A good Biographer is naturally curious, empathetic, and detail-oriented.

They should be able to delve deep into a person’s life, understand their motivations and perspectives, and present their life story in a way that is engaging and compelling to readers.

Patience and persistence are also important, as it can take many years to fully research and write a biography.

 

Is it difficult to become a successful Biographer?

Becoming a successful Biographer can be challenging due to the extensive research and writing involved.

It also requires the ability to establish trust with interview subjects and gain access to personal and sometimes sensitive information.

Success in this field often depends on a Biographer’s ability to create a compelling narrative that captures readers’ interest and provides insightful interpretations of the subject’s life.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve dived into the heart of what it truly means to be a biographer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about writing stories.

It’s about shaping history, one biography at a time.

With our detailed biographer job description template and insightful examples, you’re perfectly equipped to make your mark.

But why pause here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every biography contributes to the grand tapestry of human history.

Let’s weave that history. Together.

How to Become a Biographer (Complete Guide)

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