What is it Called When You Write a Book About Someone Else?

A biography is a nonfiction book written about someone else’s life, answering the common question: “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” Unlike autobiographies or memoirs, biographies are written by an external author using third-person narration and thorough research, including interviews, letters, and historical records. Biographies aim to present a factual, comprehensive view of the subject’s life—highlighting achievements, struggles, and impact. From famous figures like Steve Jobs to personal heroes, biographies preserve legacies and inspire readers. Whether you’re an aspiring biographer or curious reader, understanding this genre opens the door to powerful storytelling.

When you write about someone else’s life, you might ask, “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” The answer is simple: it’s called a biography. A biography is a true story about another person’s life. It covers their achievements, struggles, and legacy. You write it using your own research and perspective.

This article explains what a biography is. It looks at its key features. It also compares it to other genres like memoirs and autobiographies. Finally, it gives practical steps to help you write one. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just curious, you’ll find clear answers and expert tips here.

Defining a Biography

A biography is a detailed, research-based account of another person’s life, written by an author who is not the subject. The term originates from the Greek words bios (life) and graphein (to write), translating to “life writing.”

Unlike an autobiography, where people tell their own stories, a biography is written by someone else. It’s usually told in the third person (“he” or “she”). The author uses primary and secondary sources like interviews, letters, and historical records.

So when you ask, “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?”—the answer is a biography. It’s a way to share another person’s life story through your research and perspective.

For example, writing about a historical figure like Martin Luther King Jr., a cultural icon like Beyoncé, or even a loved one’s unique journey would be considered a biography. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, biographies aim to present a factual and complete picture of a person’s life. They combine storytelling with documented research to bring the subject’s experiences to life.

A Person Who Writes a Biography is Called

A person who writes a biography is called a biographer. This term describes an author who meticulously researches and narrates another person’s life story, combining factual accuracy with compelling storytelling. Biographers often act as historians, journalists, and storytellers, ensuring the subject’s legacy is preserved and shared with authenticity.

Key Characteristics of a Biography

Biographies stand out due to their unique features, which distinguish them from other forms of writing:

• Third-Person Perspective: Biographies are typically written in the third person, offering an objective viewpoint that contextualizes the subject’s life within their time and environment.
• Research-Driven Content: Biographers rely on credible sources—such as archives, interviews, or public records—to ensure accuracy. The Library of Congress emphasizes that thorough research is the backbone of a trustworthy biography.
• Comprehensive Life Coverage: A biography often spans the subject’s entire life or a significant portion, from formative years to major milestones, unlike narrower genres like memoirs.
• Focus on Impact and Context: Biographies highlight the subject’s contributions, challenges, and societal influence, providing readers with insights into their legacy and historical significance.

These traits make biographies authoritative and engaging, directly answering “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” with a clear, research-backed definition.

Why Write a Biography?

Writing a biography serves multiple purposes, benefiting both the author and the audience:

• Preserve Historical and Personal Legacies: Biographies document lives that might otherwise be forgotten, from global leaders to unsung community figures. For example, writing about a local hero can preserve their impact for future generations.
• Educate and Inspire Readers: Biographies offer lessons from others’ experiences, inspiring readers to overcome challenges or pursue their goals. The New York Times notes that biographies are among the most popular nonfiction genres for their ability to humanize history.
• Uncover Hidden Stories: Biographers can shine a light on lesser-known individuals, such as scientists, activists, or family members, whose stories deserve recognition.
• Deepen Historical Understanding: By placing a subject’s life in context, biographies provide insights into cultural, social, or political events, enriching readers’ knowledge.

For those wondering, “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” a biography is not just a book—it’s a bridge to understanding human experiences and history.

Notable Examples of Biographies

To illustrate the power of biographies, here are three acclaimed examples:

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (2010): This biography explores the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells led to medical breakthroughs, while addressing ethical issues and her family’s story. It’s praised for blending science and human narrative.
• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (2011): Based on over 40 interviews with Jobs and extensive research, this biography captures the Apple co-founder’s innovation and complex personality, becoming a bestseller and cultural touchstone.
• Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004): This meticulously researched biography inspired the musical Hamilton, detailing the Founding Father’s life and influence on American history.

These examples showcase how biographies answer “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” by bringing diverse lives to readers with authenticity and impact.

Biography vs. Related Genres

To clarify what a biography entails, let’s compare it to similar genres, addressing common user questions:

Biography vs. Autobiography:

An autobiography is a first-person account written by the subject themselves, focusing on their life story from their own perspective. A biography, however, is written by someone else and answers the question: “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” It takes an external, research-based approach.

Example: “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela is an autobiography; a book about Mandela written by another author would be a biography.

Autobiography vs. Memoir:

Both are first-person narratives, but an autobiography typically covers the author’s entire life, emphasizing chronological order and significant milestones. In contrast, a memoir focuses on a specific period, theme, or experience in the author’s life, offering emotional insight rather than a comprehensive history.

Example: “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank is a memoir focused on a specific period, whereas “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller is an autobiography.

Biography vs. Memoir:

A memoir, like an autobiography, is written by the subject and centers on personal experiences, but it’s more selective in scope. A biography is written in the third person and presents an objective, full-life narrative of someone else based on research.

Example: “Educated” by Tara Westover is a memoir; a third-person book about her life would be a biography.

Biography vs. Historical Fiction:

Historical fiction blends real events and figures with imagined dialogue, characters, or scenarios, prioritizing storytelling. A biography, by contrast, is strictly factual, based on evidence and documentation.

Example: “The Paris Library” is historical fiction; “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson is a biography.

These distinctions ensure readers understand the unique role of a biography in storytelling.

How to Write a Biography: Practical Steps

If you’re inspired to answer “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” by writing a biography, follow these expert-recommended steps on how to write a biography perfectly:

1. Select a Compelling Subject: Choose someone with a noteworthy story, whether a public figure or a personal connection. Ensure there’s sufficient material, such as records or interviews, to support your research.
2. Conduct Rigorous Research: Use primary sources (e.g., diaries, letters, interviews) and secondary sources (e.g., books, articles) to build a factual narrative. The Purdue OWL Writing Lab suggests cross-referencing sources for accuracy.
3. Organize with a Timeline: Create a chronological outline of the subject’s life to structure your book, then decide if you’ll emphasize specific periods or themes for narrative flow.
4. Craft a Balanced Narrative: Highlight the subject’s achievements, struggles, and personality while maintaining objectivity. Avoid bias by presenting multiple perspectives when possible.
5. Engage Your Audience: Use vivid storytelling to make the biography relatable and compelling, as advised by writing guides from The Writer’s Digest.
6. Verify Facts: Fact-check all details to ensure trustworthiness, consulting reputable sources like academic journals or verified archives.

For professional support, consider hiring experienced biography writers to refine your project with expertise.

Why Biographies Matter

Biographies are more than answers to “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?”—they are vital records of human experience. They preserve legacies, educate readers, and provide context for historical and cultural events. According to Publishers Weekly, biographies consistently rank among top nonfiction genres due to their ability to connect readers with real stories of resilience, innovation, and impact.

Whether you’re documenting a global icon or a local figure, a biography offers a platform to share meaningful narratives. It invites readers to learn from others’ lives, fostering empathy and understanding across generations.

Start Your Biography Today

Now that you know the answer to “What is it called when you write a book about someone else?” is a biography, you’re equipped to explore this impactful genre. Begin by researching a fascinating subject, outlining their story, or consulting professional writers to bring your vision to life. Every life holds a story worth telling, start crafting a biography today and contribute to the rich tradition of life writing.