A biography is the story of someone’s life and often highlights their work, achievements, and what contribution they have made to the world. A biography may cover a person’s whole life or only a short period, from a week to a few years. Popular subjects for biographers include historical figures, actors, artists, writers, and political figures.
The Certificate of Biographical Writing is an online professional development program that will teach you how to research, write, edit and publish a biographical piece for publication.
In this biography writing course, you will learn about different types of research and information gathering techniques and how to apply the art of fiction to the craft of biography.
You will also learn how to create a biographical timeline, analyse the life of your subject, decide on content, style and structure, and understand the publishing process, copyright and libel laws. In the final lesson, you will bring together everything you have learnt, undertake research and conduct a draft biographical piece of between 2000 and 4000 words.
On completion of this course, you will bring together everything that you have learned to undertake research and construct the first draft of a biography.
Course Structure
Unit - Biographical Writing
Unit 1 – Scope and nature of biographical writing
- The difference between a biography and autobiography
- Famous autobiographies
- Famous biographies
- Unauthorised biographies
- Using ghostwriters in biographies
- Choosing your subject
- What do biographies cover?
- Timelines
- Fiction vs non fiction
- Uses for biographies
- Biography vs. Memoir
- Sequels
Unit 2 – Researching a biography
- Types of evidence
- Primary and secondary evidence
- Using evidence
- Fair use
- Sources for biographies – where to find evidence
- Primary sources
- Locating primary evidence for living or recently-deceased subjects
- Newspapers and publications
- Locating primary evidence for all subjects
- Diaries and other papers
- Research papers and interviews
- Conducting an interview
- Secondary sources
- Reference books
- Biographies, libraries and archives
- Diaries, calendars, annual reports
- How to deal with conflicting sources and information
- Citations and referencing
- The law – defamation
- Slander and libel
Unit 3 – Developing context
- Types of biographies
- Using themes
- Determining your theme
- Mapping links
- Keywords and concepts
- Developing the theme
- Themes and structure
- Using context
- General planning: will this subject work for me?
- Unauthorised versus authorised biographies
- General planning: what are my rights?
- Rights: awareness of right-sharing
- Other ‘rights’
- Protecting your copyright
Unit 4 – Short biographies
- Examples of short biographies
- Case study: the importance of the author bio
- Principles of the short biography
- Distilling information
- Preparing to write from life experience
Unit 5 – Comprehensive biographies
- What makes a comprehensive biography comprehensive?
- Writing a great biography
- Further tips for writing a biography
- Some essential writing skills
- Voice in writing
Unit 6 – Plan the writing of a biography
- Developing an outline
- The short outline
- The detail-heavy outline
- Keeping track of evidence
- Outlining the biography
- Defining a theme, writing to a central theme
- Word budget
- Organising chapter content
- The writing structure
- The writing process
- A writing routine
Unit 7 – Editing publishing and marketing a biography
- Editing
- Writing a sales package
- The publishing process
- Publishing processes for Ebooks
- Self-publishing your work
- Distributing and selling your work
- Grants for writing
- Obtaining a contract
Unit 8 – Project – Writing a biographical story
- Select a type of biography
- Identify your purpose
- Identify your theme
- Begin your research
- Defining elements of the work
- Plot your narrative arc
- Develop your outline
- Return to research
- Writing
- Revise
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I enjoyed the activities and gained some valuable practical experience.
G. Ewart, Kirwan, QLD | Certificate of Biographical Writing
I felt that the course was rewarding and fulfilled my needs and was a joy to complete.
Nicole | Gilead, NSW | Certificate of Biographical Writing
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
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Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Aspiring biographers
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