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Biographer

Biographers research and write about individuals' lives, often ghostwriting for public figures while also publishing their own works.

How do I become a biographer

Get qualified to work as a biographer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

There are no clear salary figures for Biographers in Australia at this time. They earn money by charging clients professional writing fees and may also receive ongoing royalties from book sales. Some Biographers take on freelance writing assignments for magazines, newspapers, literary journals, and online publications.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

There are approximately 3,300 dedicated book authors working in Australia right now. Some of these are Biographers.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Biographers need exceptional writing skills and the ability to undertake accurate research. You could launch your career with the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing but you would be better served with a Bachelor’s degree. Some excellent choices include the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing), Bachelor of Creative Writing, or Master of Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing. All of these qualifications will develop your skills in non-fiction writing, editing, and publishing.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

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Biographer careers

Biographers are professional writers who research and write the true story of someone’s life. They are often hired by actors, celebrities, and public figures to ghostwrite the biography of their life, but they also write and publish independently about people who they find interesting or inspiring.

As a biographer you could be reading transcripts of letters written by your subject, interviewing the former wife of a celebrity you are writing about, creating an outline for an upcoming biography, meeting with a client to discuss the payment terms and publishing rights of a future biography, writing a chapter of your latest book, finalising a manuscript to review with a client, or attending a book launch and signing event with your publisher.