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50 Inspiring Autobiography Title Ideas

Hey there, looking to get started on your autobiography but stuck on what to call it? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Choosing the perfect name for your life story can be tough, but it’s also a fun and important decision. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to brainstorm some awesome autobiography name ideas!

Table of Contents

Choosing a memorable autobiography name, reflecting your personal journey in the title, incorporating key themes and milestones, using humor or wit to engage readers, seeking feedback and suggestions from others, in conclusion.

When it comes to choosing a memorable name for your autobiography, there are a few things to consider. The title of your life story should be captivating, intriguing, and reflective of the journey you’ve been through. It’s the first thing people will see when they come across your book, so it’s important to make it memorable.

One approach to creating an autobiography name is to brainstorm keywords or phrases that encapsulate the essence of your story. Think about the major themes, events, or turning points in your life, and try to distill them into a few impactful words. Consider using **metaphors or symbolism** to convey deeper meanings and emotions. It’s also helpful to evoke a sense of curiosity or mystery with the title, sparking interest in potential readers.

Another strategy is to draw inspiration from literature, poetry, or famous quotes that resonate with your life experiences. **Quoting a meaningful line** from a favorite book or poem can add a layer of depth and resonance to your autobiography title. Additionally, incorporating personal mottos or mantras that have guided you through life can lend authenticity and significance to the name of your book.

For **creativity and impact**, consider experimenting with wordplay, alliteration, or unconventional phrasing. A catchy, unique title can make your autobiography stand out and pique curiosity. Remember to also consider the marketability and resonance of the title, as it will play a major role in attracting potential readers. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can create a memorable autobiography name that truly captures the essence of your life story.

Are you ready to share your personal journey with the world? Choosing the perfect title for your autobiography is crucial in capturing the essence of your story. Your title should reflect the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped you into the person you are today. Here are some tips and ideas for creating an impactful and meaningful title that truly represents your personal journey:

### Tips for When brainstorming ideas for your autobiography title, consider the following tips to ensure it resonates with your readers:

– **Think about the central theme**: What is the main message or theme of your life story? Is it resilience, love, overcoming adversity, or personal growth? – **Use imagery**: Incorporate vivid imagery that reflects key moments or symbols from your life that have had a significant impact on your journey. – **Highlight your unique perspective**: What sets your story apart from others? Emphasize what makes your experiences and insights distinctive and valuable.

### Autobiography Title Ideas Here are some creative and inspiring title ideas to spark your imagination and help you craft the perfect name for your autobiography:

| Title Ideas | Description | |—————————-|————————————————–| | Unbreakable Spirit | A powerful and evocative title reflecting resilience and strength. | | From Struggle to Strength | Capture the essence of overcoming obstacles and personal growth. | | In My Own Words | Emphasize the personal and intimate nature of your story. | | The Road Less Traveled | Highlight the unique and unconventional path of your journey. |

Find a title that resonates with you and captures the heart of your personal narrative. Taking the time to reflect and choose the perfect name for your autobiography will ensure that your story is told in a compelling and authentic way.

When it comes to choosing a name for your autobiography, it’s important to incorporate key themes and milestones from your life. These elements help to tell your unique story and make your book memorable to readers. Whether you’re focusing on a specific event, a personal journey, or an overarching theme, the title of your autobiography should encapsulate the essence of your life story.

One approach to brainstorming autobiography name ideas is to reflect on significant milestones and themes in your life. Consider the following prompts to help spark inspiration for your autobiography title: – What are the defining moments or turning points in your life? – What themes or patterns have been recurring throughout your journey? – What unique experiences or challenges have shaped your perspective and identity?

By incorporating these key themes and milestones into your autobiography title, you can create a compelling and meaningful representation of your life story. Remember to choose a title that resonates with you and accurately captures the essence of your unique narrative. Embrace creativity and authenticity as you explore different autobiography name ideas that reflect the depth and richness of your personal journey.

When it comes to choosing a name for your autobiography, it’s essential to create a title that is engaging, memorable, and reflective of your personality and experiences. One way to capture readers’ attention is to use humor or wit in your autobiography title. Incorporating humor into the title can make it more relatable and appealing to a wider audience, while adding wit can add a clever and thought-provoking element.

Here are some ideas for autobiography names that use humor or wit to engage readers:

• “Laughing Through the Tears: My Life Story” – This title combines humor and emotion, drawing readers in with the promise of both lighthearted moments and poignant reflections.
• “The Chronicles of Awkwardness: A Memoir” – Using humor to acknowledge the inherent awkwardness of life can resonate with readers who can relate to the challenges and humorous moments that come with navigating through life.
• “Sarcastic and Sassy: My Journey to Self-Discovery” – This title employs wit and humor to convey a bold and confident narrative, appealing to readers who appreciate a sharp sense of humor.

Are you in the process of writing your autobiography and in need of a catchy and captivating name? Naming your autobiography is a crucial step in the publishing process. A well-thought-out title can pique the interest of potential readers and encapsulate the essence of your life story. If you’re currently brainstorming autobiography name ideas, we’re here to help.

can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives that you may not have considered. It’s always beneficial to gather input from a diverse group of people to ensure that your autobiography name resonates with a wide audience. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, feedback from others can make a significant impact on the success of your book. Here are some suggestions for soliciting feedback and suggestions for your autobiography name:

– Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who know you well – Join writing groups or forums and participate in discussions about autobiography titles – Utilize social media platforms to conduct polls and gather opinions from a broader audience – Attend book clubs or literary events to engage with avid readers and gather feedback By , you can gain valuable insights that will help you choose a compelling and memorable name for your autobiography. Your book deserves a title that truly captures the essence of your life story, and the input of others can help you achieve that goal. So, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for feedback – the perfect autobiography name may be just a suggestion away.

Q: I’m struggling to come up with a catchy title for my autobiography. Any tips? A: Yes, think about the main theme or message of your autobiography and try to capture that in a few words.

Q: Can I use a quote as the title of my autobiography? A: Of course! A meaningful quote can make a great title for your autobiography and give it a personal touch.

Q: How long should my autobiography title be? A: It should be relatively short and punchy, ideally no more than a few words or a brief phrase.

Q: What if I can’t think of anything good? A: Don’t stress too much about it – sometimes a simple, straightforward title can be just as effective as a clever or creative one.

Q: Should I include my name in the title? A: It’s up to you! Including your name can make the autobiography feel more personal, but it’s not necessary.

Q: Can I ask friends and family for title ideas? A: Absolutely! Getting input from others can help you brainstorm and come up with something that truly resonates with you.

Q: Are there any common themes or phrases used in autobiography titles? A: Yes, many autobiographies use phrases like “My Story” or “Life and Times of [Name]” but feel free to get creative and come up with something unique to you.

So if you’re considering writing your own autobiography, choosing the perfect title is an important first step. Whether you decide to go with a catchy phrase or a meaningful quote, make sure it reflects the essence of your life story. Hopefully, the ideas we’ve shared here have sparked some inspiration for your own memoir title. Happy writing!

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Constructing the memoir of your life can be a truly grueling process. The most crucial element to consider, of course, is the enticing title. The stakes are incredibly high  — with the wrong label, your entire life could be inaccurately represented. For widespread applicability, I have laid out options for some niche lifestyles.

For the foodie:

• BuzzFeed, what kind of cheese am I?
• What to expect when you’re expecting a food baby
• DTF: Down to feast?
• I’m eating fries in my parked car
• I’m just here for the cake
• I almost just ate something healthy
• The art of consuming Domino’s pizza
• And then they gave me an oatmeal raisin cookie…
• Boba for the soul
• Coffee and carbs: A delicacy like no other
• How did I get food on my forehead, again?
• I put too much Kraft parmesan on my spaghetti
• Are you going to finish that?

For the risqué:

• I asked for a water cup and filled it with Coke
• “This is my face. I’m not mad”: The plight of RBF
• Nobody cares
• Is it better to roast or to toast?
• Sugar, spice and everything nice or sarcasm, Pepsi and everything sexy?
• Do I want bangs, or should we just talk about my feelings?
• Sorry, Mom.
• “I’m 29. I can finally play a high schooler on TV. Thank you, Jackson Stewart”: On starting my Disney career later in life
• I did a thing, and I’m not sorry
• Goal Digger
• I turned off my autocorrect, and I only journal in pen: A baddie’s guide to writing
• Trial and lots of error

For the hot mess:

• I never really know what’s going on
• I’m late, and I’m sweating
• Still in bed
• Call me again in 3-5 business days
• Sorry, I couldn’t hear you over my internal monologue
• “I think I just said the funniest thing ever”: The story of my delusional comedy career
• I haven’t changed my sheets in like a year.
• Floor-seat mentality with a nosebleed budget
• I wasn’t gonna cry in Starbucks though, yk?
• Do I look like an Android user?
• Rock my Crocs off
• “Sorry, my Uber is here”: A beginner’s guide to exiting swiftly from awkward situations
• Crap, I really need to finish my memoir

Okay, maybe these titles don’t reflect your life story in their simplicity, but hopefully they made you smile a bit.

For more stream of consciousness musings, contact Alanna Flores at alanna13 ‘at’ stanford.edu.

Alanna Flores '22 is a Managing Editor of The Grind. Contact her at alanna13 'at' stanford.edu.

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How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples

You’re probably thinking: I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Steve Jobs—what could I possibly write in my memoir? I don’t even know how to start an autobiography, let alone write the whole thing.

But don’t worry: essay writing can be easy, and this autobiography example for students is here to show you that memoir writing can be easy and even exciting. Every person, whether famous or not, is unique and has a story worth sharing. All you need to do now is scroll down the page and enjoy this amazing sample autobiography, as well as some related practical hints.

👨‍🎓️ A Student Autobiography Example

📚 more autobiography examples for students.

• 💡 Autobiography Ideas

😕 How to Start an Autobiography

🔗 references.

An autobiography is the story of your own life . Even if you think you don’t have much to include in your memoir, you can still make it quite interesting.

Bill Gates claims that he always tries to find a lazy person to do a difficult job. Why? Because a lazy person will look for an easy way to do it! That’s why we found a lazy but smart student to write a short autobiography example, and now we’ll share the easiest ways to do it with you. Feel free to use it as an autobiography example outline .

Below is a student autobiography sample with subheadings. Remember: it doesn’t have to be exactly as shown in the examples. They’re rather to show you the right path to be moving towards. Also, if something in your writing needs fixing, don’t hesitate to use a phrase reworder .

My Childhood

Not sure how to make an autobiography introduction? Why not start from the very beginning? Writing about your early years is the easiest and most logical start for an autobiography.

I was born on a cold winter night, when even time seemed to stand still, in my native Bennington, Oklahoma. I do not remember much of my early childhood, but my mom said I was a very active, curious, and communicative child. I would ask dozens of questions each minute, even without waiting for the answers. I suppose this is why my parents offered me books and educational movies as early as my third birthday.

In the next part of your autobiography essay, describe yourself in a few words. It does not necessarily need to be too creative. You can take a short learning style quiz and put the information you’ll find out into your autobiography. It will be quite a unique addition. And don’t forget to make a smooth transition from the previous part!

Fortunately, my thirst for knowledge did not come to an end when I was at school. I was passionate about history and science. This passion helped me gain a profound knowledge of these areas, and I was admitted to the college of my dreams. Today, I am a student at a law school, and I feel very happy about it.

An old saying goes, “A life with a goal is a life that is whole.” Be positive and show everyone that your life is whole.

I am certain that my degree will become my ticket to a better tomorrow. I want to become a renowned lawyer in the field of employment legislation. I study hard and devote my free time to reading scholarly reviews and watching interviews with recognized specialists in the field.

My Ups and Downs

This part aims to show that you are capable of analyzing your experiences and learning valuable lessons.

Of course, I understand that life is not just a bed of roses, and challenges and hardships are an integral element of life. Since my parents could not help me cover my college expenses in full, paying off my student loan has become an important challenge for me. I combine a part-time job and full-time study to earn my living and my education. I feel triumphant at the beginning of every month when I receive my salary and plan how I will spend my money.

Autobiography Conclusion

In this part of your autobiographical essay, you want to establish the main lesson to take away from your story. In other words, what’s remarkable about your story?

I have come to believe that two main factors determine success. The first is a person’s determination and will to succeed. Are you ready to make sacrifices to achieve your goal, like working and studying at the same time? Are you prepared to recover after failure and proceed to your goal again? Without strong internal motivation, it is nearly impossible to become successful. Equally important is the support of people around you. Being determined to succeed does not mean alienating everyone and stepping on other people to achieve your goal. On the contrary, success is about recognizing your weaknesses and accepting support from people who genuinely want to help you. For instance, if it were not for my parents’ support of my educational endeavors, I might not be attending law school today.

Would you call this student an inspirational leader like Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King, Jr. ? In all honesty, no. He may be an interesting and nice person, but he hasn’t left such a mark on history as some other people have—at least not yet.

But can you learn something from his story? Most definitely.

The autobiography example above is suitable for both college and high school students.

In case you still lack the inspiration to write your memoir, you can always come to our experts, who will help you structure and write your narrative. Alternatively, you can find some more interesting examples of an autobiography at Phoenix.edu and at Southwestern College website .

And in case you’re still wondering how to write an autobiography, just keep reading!

Short Autobiography Example

As a student, you might need to write a short biography for various reasons, such as when applying for a scholarship, internship, or job. If you’re looking for a short autobiography example, check out the sample below.

I am Aisha Patel, hailing from the city of Mumbai, India. Growing up in a culturally rich environment taught me to appreciate traditions, diversity, inclusion, and community. 

I have always been motivated by my parents, both accomplished physicians. I found myself drawn to the field of medicine at an early age. Since then, I devoted countless hours to volunteering, participating in healthcare camps, and working with NGOs to expand medical access in marginalized communities. I became determined to expand my horizons and receive a world-class medical education. Eventually, I set my sights on studying in the United States. 

I aspire to use the knowledge and skills I acquire to contribute to healthcare practices in India and globally. I plan to address pressing societal health challenges with empathy and expertise.

Autobiography of Myself as a Student

Writing an autobiography focusing on academic interests creates a platform for self-reflection. This activity can help you understand how your academic pursuits have shaped your identity and aspirations.

The following example will provide valuable insights into the content of a well-crafted autobiography:

My name is Sam Davis, and I am a dedicated student from Boston. My academic journey has been shaped by my passion for history. Since childhood, I have been deeply interested in people’s experiences throughout the centuries. This fascination is what inspired my academic pursuits. 

I have always been on top of my class in history courses. I enjoyed diving deep into the different eras and learning about various cultures and events. In addition to excellent grades, my commitment has been recognized through multiple honors and awards. In particular, I have been included on the Dean’s List and received accolades for my research papers. 

My primary academic interest is studying American history and evolution since the nation’s founding. I enjoy exploring the social and political forces that have shaped the United States. I am also keenly interested in ancient civilizations and the parallels between them and the contemporary world. 

Outside the classroom, I actively participate in historical reenactments and volunteer at local museums. Helping preserve and share our collective heritage is one of my primary goals. Such experiences allow me to bring history to life and engage with others who share my passion. 

I am eager to continue my scholarly pursuits and contribute to our understanding of the past. I believe we can learn many important and exciting lessons by making meaningful connections between history and the present.

💡 Autobiography Ideas for Students

Are you looking for inspiration to write your autobiography? Here are some thought-provoking autobiography essay topics that will help you reflect on your personal growth, academic journey, and unique experiences.

• Personal experience adopting a cat from Humane Society .
• My first travel to Dresden.
• Describe your personal leadership experience.  
• Discuss your experience of resolving a problem in your neighborhood .
• How Italian culture influenced my life .
• How refraining from coffee for two weeks changed my everyday life.  
• Tell how you implement the concept of life-wide learning in your life.  
• Why I decided to take up wrestling and how it changed my life.
• Narrate your personal experience of a healthy lifestyle .
• My first memories of riding a bicycle .
• How the quarantine time helped me to focus and myself and grow.  
• My health vision and strategy to improve health behavior.
• Discuss how a psychology course changed your vision of the world. 
• How parenting style affected my childhood.
• Personal experience of working with self-initiated expatriates.
• My first day at college .
• Why I love poetry.  
• Describe your experience in Shotokan Karate and your favorite technique.
• The role non-verbal communication plays in my everyday life.
• Lessons I learned from my first semester. 
• My reminiscence of the tragedy on September 11th.
• Give details about a childhood experience that changed your life .
• My understanding of the concept home .
• Personal experience of mysophobia and the lessons I’ve learned.
• Represent your favorite meeting place .
• A defining event from my childhood.
• Describe your experience of relocation to another country.
• Why I started practicing art and dance movement therapy.  
• The impact mindfulness practicing had on my life.
• My experience of winning the fight by losing it.
• Why people like having lunch at a restaurant : my experience.
• Describe the last conflict , its reasons, and how you resolved it.
• Tell about your dream car .
• Starting college as a major life event.
• Describe your dream home .
• My experience as a manager in an organization .
• Narrate how peculiarities of your culture influence your behavior.
• Tell about the significant event that influenced your life.
• Personal experience of challenging gender norms.
• Discuss your personal relationship with alcohol abuse .
• Represent your plans and career goals .
• Describe a high school experience that influenced your personality.
• How I managed to apply international marketing courses in daily life.  
• Write about the teachers who made a difference in your life.
• Experience of working as a head nurse.
• My history of important habit development.
• Discuss the challenges in friendship you’ve experienced and how you managed to cope with them.  
• Significance of music in my life.  
• Describe what you are responsible for in your life.
• Give details about the most memorable holiday you had in your childhood.  

What does every autobiography include? A theme. Essentially, the theme is the main “lesson” from the autobiography—the critical point that all of your life events come together to demonstrate.

How do you go about creating a theme?

You can do it by:

• Discussing a string of events or one event in particular (or even just one day in your life)
• Introducing a role model or an authority figure
• Talking about your childhood dreams and memories

To make the task easier for you, we’ve put together a list of prompts you can use to signal your theme to the reader.

Simply complete these phrases, develop the ideas, and add specific details to your student autobiography examples and ta-da! Your A-level autobiography is ready!

A Student’s Autobiography: Starting Phrases

Use one of these phrases as the first sentence of your autobiography:

• I was born in…
• I was an active (or quiet, knowledge-loving, shy, curious, etc.) child.
• My childhood dream was…
• My earliest memory is…
• I am grateful to my parents (or teachers, friends, etc.) because…
• My role model was…
• My lifetime dream is…
• The most memorable day of my life was…
• One phrase that I will never forget is…
• If only one of my dreams could come true, I would wish for…
• My main belief in life is…
• I am driven by my desire/passion/wish to…
• The main lesson that my parents taught me was…
• The childhood hobby that most shaped my personality is…
• One event that influenced who I am today is…
• My motto in life is…
• My favorite book/movie/author is…
• When I was growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a…
• One thing I wish I knew five (or ten, twenty, etc.) years ago is that…
• My favorite childhood picture is…

Feel free to use this example of an autobiography for students and follow the simple steps described above to complete an A-level memoir with ease.

✏️ Student Autobiography FAQ

Writing an essay for a scholarship, be sure to include relevant information about yourself. Prove that you are a perfect candidate. Customize your life story in a way that showcases your strengths and positive qualities. Any other application will require a similar approach.

It’s a source of background information about the author that he or she chooses to reveal. An autobiographical essay is to include key facts about the author in chronological order. These facts usually are name, birth date, education, occupation, etc.

For a good college application, make sure to put an emphasis on the positive sides of your personal history. They should be relevant for the admission commission. Focus on academic achievements, relevant certifications, courses, etc.

Some people believe that an autobiography is one of the easiest essays to write. The author definitely knows the subject thoroughly. When writing about yourself, start with an introduction : your name, birth date, education, current position.

• What Is an Autobiography? ThoughtCo
• Beginning the Academic Essay: Harvard College Writing Center
• What Are the Differences Between an Autobiographical Narrative & a Biography? Seattle PI
• 500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing: The New York Times
• Autobiography: Merced College
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10 memoir title ideas and why they work so well

Sometimes, memoir titles come to you in a flash of inspiration, sometimes they need to be painfully extracted, one tortuous word after another. Sometimes, titles come before books. Sometimes, they only make themselves known to you after you’ve finished writing.

In this article, we’re going to review a range of memoir titles, and give you some prompts for coming up with memoir title ideas for your own books.

Good memoir titles should entice or intrigue the reader, evoke a sense or spirit of the book, and give readers a hint as to the tone of the story they’re going to read. A good memoir title can help sell a book, a bad one can sink it.

So how do you come up with a good memoir title for your book?

Good memoir titles come in many shapes and sizes

From snappy single-word memoir titles, to fragments of phrases, and snippets of conversation, there is no one-size-fits-all. There are occasional trends towards certain types of title – single-word titles ( Becoming, Arranged, Ghosted, Educated ) have been big, but the autobiography and memoir market has space for all kinds of titles. So don’t worry about trying to fit your title into a particular style.

To help you think up the best and most appropriate title for your memoir, here are some good memoir titles, grouped into types, drawn from books published in the last few years.

Single word memoir titles

There’s a trend for single word memoir titles, like Educated (Tara Westover), Toast (Nigel Slater), Redeemable (Erwin Jones), Stumped (Richard Harrison) and the most famous one-word memoir title of recent times, Becoming by Michelle Obama.

If you’re considering single word memoir titles, consider using active verbs like fighting, running, winning to give that sense of action and forward motion.

The ‘I told you I could eat a frog’ type memoir titles

Fragments of speech drawn from your manuscript can make for interesting titles.

One of my favourite examples of this approach is No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy (Mark Hodkinson). It’s a very elegant example of how a few carefully chosen words can really sum up the ethos, feel, and intentions of a whole book.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson is the question her mother asked her when she learnt that her daughter was a lesbian. Again, that one line of speech sums up so much about that book. Just like fiction, memoirs often hinge on a point of conflict, and that question provides conflict in spades.

The familiar expression (or variation on a familiar expression) memoir titles

A popular device is to take a well-worn expression or saying as inspiration. Often, these kinds of titles subvert our expectations.

Just Ignore Him by Alan Davies suggests how a seemingly innocuous phrase can have a darker subtext.

Must Try Harder by Paula McGuire takes that old remark, beloved of school teachers, and uses it as a springboard for a book about how she fought against mediocrity.

Puntastic memoir titles

Me:Moir (by Vic Reeves, born James Moir) could just be the best title for a memoir of all time.

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher is a nice play on wishful thinking.

The confrontational title

A shocking or confrontational title will make potential readers notice your book.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy is an arresting, confrontational, title that pulls no punches. The title leaves readers in no doubt that this is going to be an uncompromising memoir, and coupled with the cover image, a blackly comical one.

Positive and aspirational memoir titles

Many writers use their memoirs to show how they’ve overcome some trial or adversity, and in doing so, write with one eye on helping their readers. If you’re writing an unashamedly positive book, then you need an equally positive or aspirational title to go with it.

Some good examples:

Find A Way by Diana Nyad

Forward by Abby Wambach

Yes Please by Amy Poelher

And how about A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee’s Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival  by Melissa Fleming. It’s a biography, not a memoir, but how beautiful is that title?

Intriguing memoir titles…

It’s hard to beat Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad by Daniel Finkelstein as a title that conjures up so many questions that you want to dip in and find out the answers straightaway.

Clickbait memoir titles

Stephen Moffatt, the writer of the BBCs Sherlock and Doctor Who talked about slutty episode titles that drew viewers in. It can be a good approach to memoirs too.

I’m going to nominate a book I worked on called Sex, Suicide and Serotonin (Debbie Hampton) in this category, for obvious reasons.

The defining moment

Some stories are all leading up to one event, or inspired by the ramification of an event. In those cases, it makes sense to use that event as the basis of your title. Some books that do that include:

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Play on the contrasts

You can sum up the whole expanse of your memoir’s emotional or topical range by bringing out the extremes in your title. The expression ‘rags to riches’ is the obvious example of that kind of thinking.

Some memoirs that play with contrasts in their title are:

A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz

Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz

Memoir titles: the suffix and sub-title

Very often memoir writers will add the explanatory suffix – a memoir – to make it clear what a reader is going to get.

As well as the suffix, some memoirists add a sub-title to give extra context and meaning to the title. If you’ve chosen a subtly engaging memoir title, then your sub-title can give a bit more context.

Let’s say you’re going to call your memoir, Drowning Not Waving , you could add in an explanatory sub-title: Reflections of a Frazzled Father !

Or perhaps you want to write a book about surviving a difficult childhood. You don’t want to write a conventional ‘misery memoir’ but your publisher thinks that being known as a misery memoir might make your book more marketable. You can use your sub-title to hit that part of the market without compromising your intentions. For example: Unbroken: Not Just Another Misery Memoir .

Love, Interrupted by Simon Thomas features the sub-title: Navigating Grief One Day at a Time . The job of the sub-title in this case is to give potential readers a sense of what the book is about. Anyone hoping for a memoir going into detail on his days on Blue Peter or as a Sky Sports presenter will appreciate straightaway that this is a very different kind of book.

Another benefit of the memoir sub-title is that it gives you some key words to play with, which is useful for anyone trying to promote and market a book.

Memoir title ideas often come late in into the writing process

If the perfect memoir title hasn’t come to you before or during the writing process, don’t panic.

It makes sense that it should be easier to think up a title after you’ve finished writing your manuscript. At the start of the process, you have the freedom of knowing your book can be anything. But that freedom can be more of a distraction. Generally, when you work out a structure and start to shape the book, you’ll impose limitations on it, which will help you see the core of the book more clearly. And the clearer your vision gets, the easier it will be to come up with interesting and appropriate memoir title ideas.  

You may also find that if you started out with an idea of what you wanted your memoir title to be, it doesn’t actually fit the book you’ve written. So don’t be afraid of abandoning a title if it doesn’t work for you anymore.

Some prompts to help you come up with more memoir title ideas

Some writers rely on ‘free writing’ – they start with a blank page and write whatever comes into their head when they think about their life story. If that doesn’t give them ready-made titles, it can spark ideas that lead to titles.

If you’re still struggling to come up with a good memoir title, here are a few more ideas:

• As you were writing, did any themes loom larger for you than others? Any turns of phrase that kept cropping up?
• What do people always say about you? Are there any particular words or phrases they use to describe you? Could one of those work as your title?
• Could you go with a comic contrast, e.g. Punctual (for somebody who is known for being late).
• Are there are any things that people have said to you – or about you – that have really inspired you, challenged you, infuriated you, or spurred you on?

Too many memoir title ideas?

If you end up with too many good ideas for your memoir title, test your title ideas out with your friends and family. Is there a consensus on which titles work better than others? Do you find that, as you suggest the ideas, you start to feel more passionate about one of them?

If you still can’t decide, do a mock up of your cover, with the different title options. Sometimes, seeing an idea on the page can really help clarify your thoughts.

And don’t forget to Google your preferred title, to make sure it’s not already out there. Having a book with the same title as one that’s already been published isn’t very helpful when it comes to publicising and promoting your book, and selling it.

Let’s write the memoir, then worry about what to call it!

If you’re confident you’ve got a life story you want to tell, I’m confident we’ll find the perfect memoir title for it. Get in touch via my contact form if you’re looking for a ghostwriter to write your memoir – and we’ll give it the title that fits.

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From process to publishing options, via pricing, I’ve compiled a few FAQs for you. For anything else, please feel free to get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat.

How to Create Killer Autobiography Titles: Tips and Examples

Writing an autobiography can be a great journey of self-discovery and even a kind of therapy. But how do you boil down years of experiences and pages and pages of text into a single, captivating title that will draw in your reading audience and somehow seem to summarize the “plot” of your life? This question can be a deeply challenging one for many authors.. Let’s start by answering two questions.

Q: Why is it so important to take the time to come up with interesting autobiographical titles?

A: The answer is simple. A good title gives the reader an idea of what your story is about and prepares them for the journey. Dedicate time to coming up with a list of appealing titles, and see how well they seem to fit with the story that you’re trying to tell.

Q: Do you need to have a title before you start writing?

A: It’s up to you. Some writers prefer to create a title for their autobiographies well before penning the first pages of their first drafts. Having the title creates a framework for their writing.. But this isn’t everybody’s way of doing things. Many authors prefer to write and let the title emerge from the writing. In short, whether you start out with a title or pick one after you’ve written the last words on the last page is completely up to you.

If you think that now is the best time to think about autobiography title ideas, here’s some advice and helpful tips to help you choose the best one.

Develop Autobiography Ideas

This section will be helpful for those authors who are only at the beginning of the writing process. However, if you have already written something, answering these questions will still help you improve your writing and perhaps help you look at your draft with fresh eyes.

• Come up with the main theme . As you are going to share the story, it should have a core theme that will tie the scenes and memories from your life into a meaningful whole.
• Think about your future reader. Now you might consider your prospective audience. Perhaps you’ll want to consider the values and interests of that audience. Knowing your future readers could help you promote your book, define your style, find appropriate examples from your life, and help your writing to keep a consistent tone and focus.
• Define the reason. First of all, to find the core idea of your autobiography, ask yourself why you are writing an autobiography in the first place. What is it that you want people to know? 

So, WHY? Here are some autobiography topics to look at:

• Share an inspiring or unusual story that happened in your life.
• Promote your values, beliefs, and principles.
• Tell the story of your career path in a particular company or business you have worked for.
• Praise your parents, friends, beloved, or any other person that has significantly influenced your life.
• Spread valuable lessons that you have learned.
• Glorify God and tell your own story about your relationship with God.
• Show off your cultural background, traditions, and events that have influenced your cultural identity.
• Simply record your life story and understand its place in the universe.
• Relate your biggest mistake and how it influenced your life.

Grab Readers’ Attention with Catchy Autobiographical Titles

Let’s face the fact that the first thing your prospective reader will see is the book title and cover. That’s why it’s important to hook readers’ attention with something touching, intriguing, comical, or breathtaking. Here are some of the most engaging autobiographical topics that are more likely to be appreciated by readers.

Self-criticism . The power to draw conclusions and admit mistakes is a sign of a strong personality. Your reflections on your faults can  make for an attractive and spicy autobiographical title. Include this in your title to make it more appealing to the reader.

E.g. “Self-Made Man: One Woman’s Journey into Manhood and Back Again” by Norah Vincent 

Controversial notes. If you have done something that is unusual, that isn’t the norm for your community, or that is generally surprising and unique , it could also help you produce a fascinating title. 

E.g. “The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible” by A.J. Jacobs 

Brief ideas. The more clever and direct the words you choose, the more appealing the title will be. Try to pack the main idea of your autobiography into one or two words.

E.g. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah, “Educated” by Tara Westover 

Evocative emotions . If your personality is unknown to the reader, you have a gap to fill. Add vivid descriptions and evocative mental images to immediately involve the reader in the journey you’re about to take them on.

E.g. “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” by James McBride

Match Title for Autobiography about Yourself with Overall Tone

Let’s say you are writing a lighthearted and funny autobiography with a lot of humor and allegory. Then a humorous title will clearly signal to the reader what to expect. After all,the title and book cover are the first things the prospective reader sees.

A more serious or dramatic autobiography could do with a title  that’s a bit deeper or more profound in tone. Don’t mislead the reader, a cheerful title for a story about tragedy and obstacles will only disappoint the reader.

Types of Creative Autobiography Title: Ideas and Examples

You can get inspired by existing autobiography titles. Use an online bookstore such as Amazon to find autobiographies from other writers. Jot down the most interesting and appealing words and phrases. Think how you can base your own title on your findings.

Here are the most common types of autobiographies titles:

Word-emblem. It may be the main event or influential person in your story. Also, it may be a symbol, turning point, or something powerful.

Paradox . If your story is about opposing forces or events, you can turn it into a title.

Evocative words. How can you describe the main theme of your story in one to two words? You can add subtitles if you wish to add depth to the title.

Metaphorical/literal phrase. It may be a phrase from the text that characterizes the main idea of your autobiographical story.

Your name. This type is more common for historical personalities or celebrities who are well-known to the general public. But there is no prohibition on adding your name to autobiography titles. Just add a subtitle to provide more details about yourself for the reader and an eye-catching book cover for the best results.

Humor. If your story is about something positive and light-hearted or perhaps well-packed with self-deprecating jokes, why not go for a humorous title?

Try AI Title Generators to Get Autobiography Title Ideas

You can ask an AI chatbot like ChatGPT or Copy.ai to give you advice and sample topics to choose from. When you write a detailed description of what your autobiography is about, including the main theme and events you get the best results.

We recommend using artificial intelligence services with caution however. Use it as inspiration and as a source of ideas. Mix, rewrite, or develop something yourself from the titles offered.

Ask for Advice on Your Autobiographies Titles

Write down the greatest autobiography title ideas on a sheet of paper. Ask someone  close to you to take a look at it and give you their honest, detailed feedback. You can ask friends, relatives, coworkers, and other people you trust and whose opinions you value.

There are also a lot of literary forums, communities, and groups who are ready to help you with not only your title, but also to evaluate your autobiography draft. 

Reddit. Here are some popular subreddits for writers:

• r/logophilia
• r/writerchat
• r/selfpublish

Twitter. You can ask for advice in a topical Twitter feed like #WritingCommunity.

NaNoWriMo. It’s a great writer’s community of writers with more than 20 years of experience. This non-profit organization is free and has a lot of active members. You can visit their forum to ask for advice, get feedback, and much more.

Do’s and Don’ts to Create the Best Title for Autobiography about Yourself

• Stick to what it means for you. You can add vivid descriptions and even some fiction (but preferably be honest about it) to your autobiography, but you need to express what matters to you in the title.
• Ask your friends and family for advice. Write down the best title variants and share them with your close ones for feedback.
• Be patient. It may take a long time to come up with a really catchy autobiography title. Just leave yourself enough time to sith with your ideas if you’re not quite sure yet.
• Keep it short and concise. On the one hand, you can create a long title with a subtitle. But keep in mind that it should be easy to read and understand. That’s why you should aim for short and sweet.

Don’ts

• Use puns. Maybe, you have already found autobiographies that have puns in titles and even got inspired. Most of the time these titles don’t work well for the general public.
• Offensive humor. Funny titles are great, but try not to go too far. Carefully pick words so as not to denigrate parts of your potential audience, even if the funny words are really only referring to yourself.
• Use misleading titles. The autobiography title should give your reader a grasp of what to expect in the book (while leaving some room for the imagination).
• Include generic titles. Make an investigation and make sure that your title hasn’t already been taken by another book, movie, or other work.

Wrapping Up

We hope that you are now well-armed with these working tips to help you find your perfect autobiography title. Stay sincere, grab the reader’s attention, and focus on your experiences to make it shine. Don’t rush. When people dedicate time to coming up with their autobiographies titles they’re more likely to find something to attract their people’s attention and this can make the difference between an autobiography being read or passed up!. 

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How To Write an Autobiography 2024 (Tips, Templates, & Guide)

Your life story has value, merit, and significance. You want to share it with the world, but maybe you don’t know how .

Here’s how to write an autobiography:

Write an autobiography by creating a list of the most important moments, people, and places in your life. Gather photos, videos, letters, and notes about these experiences. Then, use an outline, templates, sentence starters, and questions to help you write your autobiography .

In this article, you are going to learn the fastest method for writing your autobiography.

We are going to cover everything you need to know with examples and a free, downloadable, done-for-you template.

What Is an Autobiography?

Table of Contents

Before you can write an autobiography, you must first know the definition.

An autobiography is the story of your life, written by you. It covers the full span of your life (at least, up until now), hitting on the most significant moments, people and events.

When you write your autobiography, you write an intimate account of your life.

What Should I Include In an Autobiography?

If you are scratching your head, baffled about what to include in your autobiography, you are not alone.

After all, a big part of how to write an autobiography is knowing what to put in and what to leave out of your life story. Do you focus on every detail?

Every person? Won’t your autobiography be too long?

A good way to think about how to write an autobiography is to use the Movie Trailer Method.

What do movie trailers include?

• High emotional moments
• The big events
• The most important characters

When you plan, organize, and write your autobiography, keep the Movie Trailer Method in mind. You can even watch a bunch of free movie trailers on YouTube for examples of how to write an autobiography using the Movie Trailer Method.

When wondering what to include in your autobiography, focus on what would make the cut for a movie trailer of your life:

• Most important people (like family, friends, mentors, coaches, etc.)
• Significant events (like your origin story, vacations, graduations, life turning points, life lessons)
• Emotional moments (When you were homeless, when you battled a life-threatening condition, or when you fell in love)
• Drama or suspense (Did you make it into Harvard? Did your first surgery go well? Did your baby survive?)

Autobiography Structure Secrets

Like any compelling story, a well-structured autobiography often follows a pattern that creates a logical flow and captures readers’ attention.

Traditionally, autobiographies begin with early memories, detailing the writer’s childhood, family background, and the events or people that shaped their formative years.

From here, the narrative typically progresses chronologically, covering major life events like schooling, friendships, challenges, achievements, career milestones, and personal relationships.

It’s essential to weave these events with introspective insights.

This allows readers to understand not just the what, but also the why behind the author’s choices and experiences.

Towards the end, an effective autobiography often includes reflections on lessons learned, changes in perspective over time, and the wisdom acquired along life’s journey.

Example of the Structure:

• Introduction: A gripping event or anecdote that gives readers a hint of what to expect. It could be a pivotal moment or challenge that defines the essence of the story.
• Childhood and Early Memories: Recounting family dynamics, birthplace, cultural background, and memorable incidents from early years.
• Adolescence and Discovering Identity: Experiences during teenage years, challenges faced, friendships formed, and personal evolutions.
• Pursuits and Passions: Describing education, early career choices, or any particular hobby or skill that played a significant role in the author’s life.
• Major Life Events and Challenges: Chronicles of marriage, parenthood, career shifts, or any significant setbacks and how they were overcome.
• Achievements and Milestones: Celebrating major accomplishments and recounting the journey to achieving them.
• Reflections and Wisdom: Sharing life lessons, changes in beliefs or values over time, and offering insights gained from lived experiences.
• Conclusion: Summarizing the journey, contemplating on the present state, and sharing hopes or aspirations for the future.

How To Write an Autobiography Quickly: Strategies & Templates

Want the quickest way to organize and write your autobiography in record time? You can literally write your autobiography in 7 days or less with this method.

The secret is to use done-for-you templates.

I have personally designed and collected a series of templates to take you from a blank page to a fully complete Autobiography. I call this the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint.

And it’s completely free to download right from this article. 🙂

In the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint, you get:

• The Autobiography Questions Template
• The Autobiography Brainstorm Templates
• The Autobiography Outline Template

Here is an image of it so that you know exactly what you get when you download it:

How To Write an Autobiography: Step-by-Step

When you sit down to write an autobiography, it’s helpful to have a step-by-step blueprint to follow.

You already have the done-for-you templates that you can use to organize and write an autobiography faster than ever before. Now here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to maximize your template.

• Brainstorm Ideas
• Order your sections (from medium to high interest)
• Order the ideas in each section (from medium to high interest)
• Write three questions to answer in each section
• Choose a starter sentence
• Complete a title template
• Write each section of your by completing the starter sentence and answering all three questions

Brainstorm Your Autobiography

The first step in writing your autobiography is to brainstorm.

Give yourself time and space to write down the most significant people, events, lessons, and experiences in your life. The templates in the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint provide sections for you to write down your brainstormed ideas.

This will help you organize your ideas into what will become the major sections of your book.

These will be:

• Y our most significant events and experiences.
• The people who impacted you the most.
• The challenges you have overcome.
• Your achievements and successes.
• The lessons you have learned.

The “other” sections on the second page of the Brainstorm template is for creating your own sections or to give you more space for the sections I provided in case you run out of space.

As I brainstorm, I find asking myself specific questions really activates my imagination.

So I have compiled a list of compelling questions to help you get ideas down on paper or on your screen.

Order Your Sections (From Medium to High Interest)

The next step is to order your main sections.

The main sections are the five (or more) sections from your Brainstorm templates (Significant events, significant people, life lessons, challenges, successes, other, etc). This order will become the outline and chapters for your book.

How do you decide what comes first, second or third?

I recommend placing the sections in order of interest. Ask yourself, “What’s the most fascinating part of my life?”

If it’s a person, then write the name of that section (Significant People) on the last line in the How to Write an Autobiography Outline Template. If it’s an experience, place the name of that section (Significant Events) on the last line.

For example, if you met the Pope, you might want to end with that nugget from your life. If you spent three weeks lost at sea and survived on a desert island by spearfishing, that is your ending point.

Then complete the Outline by placing the remaining sections in order of interest. You can work your way backward from high interest to medium interest.

If you are wondering why I say “medium to high interest” instead of “low to high interest” it is because there should be no “low interest” parts of your autobiography.

But wait, what if you met the Pope AND spent three weeks lost at sea? How do you choose which one comes first or last?

First of all, I want to read this book! Second, when in doubt, default to chronological order. Whatever event happened first, start there.

Here is an example of how it might look:

Order The Ideas in Each Section (From Medium To High Interest)

Now, organize the ideas inside of each section. Again, order the ideas from medium to high interest).

Within your “Significant People” section, decide who you want to talk about first, second, third, etc. You can organize by chronological order (who you met first) but I recommend building to the most interesting or most significant person.

This creates a more compelling read.

Keep in mind that the most significant person might not be the most well-known, most famous, or most popular. The most significant person might be your family member, friend, partner, or child.

It comes down to who shaped your life the most.

So, if your “significant people list” includes your dad, a famous social media influencer, and Mike Tyson, your dad might come last because he had the biggest significance in your life.

Write Three Questions to Answer in Each Section

Ok, you’ve done the heavy lifting already. You have the major sections organized and outlined.

Next on your autobiography to-do list is to choose and write down three questions you are going to answer in each section. You can write your questions down in the provided “boxes” for each section on the template outline (or on another piece of paper.

This is easier than it might seem.

Simply choose one of the sample autobiography questions below or create your own:

• Why did I choose this person/event?
• What does this person/event mean to me?
• How did I meet this person?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• Why did it happen?
• How did it happen?
• What is the most interesting part?
• How did I feel about this person or event?
• How do I feel now?
• Why does this person or event matters to me?
• How did this person or event change my life?
• What is the most challenging part?
• How did I fail?
• How did I succeed?
• What did I learn?

Questions are the perfect way to write quickly and clearly. I LOVE writing to questions. It’s how I write these blog posts and articles.

Choose a Starter Sentence

Sometimes the hardest part of any project is knowing how to start.

Even though we know we can always go back and edit our beginnings, so many of us become paralyzed with indecision at the starting gate.

That’s why I provided sample starter sentences in your How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint.

Here are the story starters:

• I began writing this book when…
• Of all the experiences in my life, this one was the most…
• I’ve been a…
• My name is…
• Growing up in…
• It wasn’t even a…
• It all started when…
• I first…
• I was born…

Keep in mind that you do not need to begin your book with one of these story starters. I provide them simply to get you going.

The key is to not get bogged down in this, or any, part of writing your autobiography. Get organized and then get writing.

Complete a Title Template

At the top of the How to Write an Autobiography Outline is a place for you to write your book title.

Some authors struggle forever with a title. And that’s ok. What’s not ok is getting stuck. What’s not ok is if coming up with your title prevents you from finishing your book.

So, I provided a few title templates to help juice your creativity.

Just like the story starters, you do not need to use these title templates, but you certainly can. All you need to do is fill in the title templates below and then write your favorite one (for now) at the top of your outline. Presto! You have your working title.

You can always go back and change it later.

How to Write an Autobiography Title templates:

• [Your Name]: [Phrase or Tag Line]
• The [Your Last Name] Files
• Born [Activity]: A [Career]’s Life
• The Perfect [Noun]: The Remarkable Life of [Your Name]

Examples using the Templates:

• Christopher Kokoski: Blog Until You Drop
• The Kokoski Files
• Born Writing: A Blogger’s Life
• The Perfect Freelancer: The Remarkable Life of Christopher Kokoski

Write Your Autobiography

You have your outline. You have your title, templates, and sentence starters. All that is left to do is write your autobiography.

However, you can use tools like Jasper AI and a few other cool tricks to craft the most riveting book possible.

This is the easy way to remarkable writing.

Check out this short video that goes over the basics of how to write an autobiography:

How To Write an Autobiography (All the Best Tips)

Now that you are poised and ready to dash out your first draft, keep the following pro tips in mind:

• Be vulnerable. The best autobiographies share flaws, faults, foibles, and faux pas. Let readers in on the real you.
• Skip the boring parts. There is no need to detail every meal, car ride, or a gripping trip to the grocery store. Unless you ran into the Russian Mafia near the vegetables or the grocery store is perched on the side of a mountain above the jungles of Brazil.
• Keep your autobiography character-driven . This is the story of YOU!
• Be kind to others (or don’t). When writing about others in your story, keep in mind that there may be fallout or backlash from your book.
• Consider a theme: Many autobiographies are organized by theme. A perfect example is Becoming . Each section of the book includes “becoming” in the title. Themes connect and elevate each part of the autobiography.
• Write your story in vignettes (or scenes). Each vignette is a mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end. Each vignette builds. Each vignette should be described in rich sensory language that shows the reader the experience instead of telling the reader about the experience. Each vignette is immersive, immediate, and intimate.
• Include snippets of dialogue. Use quotation marks just like in fiction. Show the dialogue in brief back-and-forth tennis matches of conversation. Remember to leave the boring parts out!
• Choose a consistent tone. Some autobiographies are funny like Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. Others are serious such as Open by Andre Agassi. Your story (like most stories) will likely include a mix of emotions but choose an overall tone and stick with it.
• Don’t chronicle, captivate . Always think about how to make each section, each chapter, each page, each paragraph, and each sentence more compelling. You want to tell the truth, but HOW you tell the truth is up to you. Create suspense, conflict, and mystery. Let drama linger until it becomes uncomfortable. Don’t solve problems quickly or take away tension right away.

How Do I Format an Autobiography?

Most autobiographies are written in the first person (using the pronouns I, me, we, and us).

Your autobiography is written about you so write as yourself instead of pretending to be writing about someone else.

Most autobiographies are also written in chronological order, from birth right up to your current age, with all the boring parts left out. That doesn’t mean you can’t play around with the timeline.

Sometimes it’s more interesting to start at a high moment, backtrack to the beginning and show how you got to that high moment.

Whatever format you choose, be intentional, and make the choice based on making the most compelling experience possible for your readers.

How Long Should an Autobiography Be?

There are no rules to how long an autobiography should be but a rough guideline is to aim for between 200 and 400 pages.

This will keep your book in line with what most readers expect for books in general, and will help get your book traditionally published or help with marketing your self-published book.

How To Write a Short Autobiography

You write a short autobiography the same way that you write a long autobiography.

You simply leave more out of the story.

You cut everything down to the bones. Or you choose a slice of your life as you do in a memoir. This often means limiting the people in your book, reducing the events and experiences, and shrinking your story to a few pivotal moments in your life.

How To Start an Autobiography

The truth is that you can start your autobiography in any number of ways.

Here are four common ways to begin an autobiography.

• Start at the beginning (of your life, career or relationship, etc.)
• Start at a high moment of drama or interest.
• Start at the end of the story and work backward
• Start with why you wrote the book.

Good Autobiography Titles

If you are still stuck on titling your autobiography, consider going to Amazon to browse published works. You can even just Google “autobiographies.”

When you read the titles of 10, 20, or 50 other autobiographies, you will start to see patterns or get ideas for your own titles. (HINT: the title templates in the Autobiography Blueprint were reverse-engineered from popular published books.

Also, check out the titles of the full autobiography examples below that I have included right here in this article.

Types of Autobiographies

There are several different kinds of autobiographies.

Each one requires a similar but slightly nuanced approach to write effectively. The lessons in this article will serve as a great starting point.

Autobiography Types:

• Autobiography for School
• Autobiography Novel
• Autobiography for a Job
• Short Autobiography
• Autobiography for Kids

Therefore, there is actually not just one way to write an autobiography.

Memoir vs. Autobiography: Are They The Same?

It’s common to feel confused about a memoir and an autobiography. I used to think they were the same thing.

But, nope, they’re not.

They are pretty similar, which is the reason for all the confusion. A memoir is the story of one part of your life. An autobiography is the story of your full life (up until now).

What Is the Difference Between an Autobiography and a Biography?

An autobiography is when you write about your own life. A biography, on the other hand, is when you write the story of someone else’s life.

So, if I write a book about the life of the President, that’s a biography.

If the President writes a story about his or her own life, that’s an autobiography.

What Not To Include In an Autobiography

Autobiographies are meant to be a snapshot of our lives that we can share with others, but there are some things that are best left out.

Here are three things you should avoid including in your autobiography:

1) Anything That Readers Will Skip

Your life may not be filled with non-stop excitement, but that doesn’t mean you need to include every mundane detail in your autobiography.

Stick to the highlights and leave out the low points.

2) Character Attacks on Others

It’s okay to discuss conflicts you’ve had with others, but don’t use your autobiography as a platform to attack someone’s character.

Keep it civil and focus on your own experiences and how they’ve affected you.

3) Skipping Highlights

Just because something embarrassing or painful happened to you doesn’t mean you should gloss over it in your autobiography.

These are the moments that shape us and make us who we are today, so don’t skip past them just because they’re uncomfortable.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your autobiography is interesting, honest, and engaging.

How To Write an Autobiography: Autobiography Examples

I have always found examples to be extremely instructive. Especially complete examples of finished products. In this case, books.

Below you will find examples of published autobiographies for adults and for kids. These examples will guide you, motivate you and inspire you to complete your own life story.

They are listed here as examples, not as endorsements, although I think they are all very good.

The point is that you don’t have to agree with anything written in the books to learn from them.

Autobiography Examples for Adults

• A Promised Land (Autobiography of Barack Obama)
• If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won’t) (Betty White)
• It’s a Long Story: My Life (Willie Nelson)
• Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography (Rob Lowe)
• Becoming (Michelle Obama)

Autobiography Examples for Kids

• This Kid Can Fly: It’s About Ability (NOT Disability) (Aaron Philips)
• Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid (Mikaila Ulmer)

Tools to Write Your Autobiography

Here are some recommended tools to help you write your autobiography:

Final Thoughts: How To Write An Autobiography

Thank you for reading my article on How to Write an Autobiography.

Now that you know all of the secrets to write your book, you may want to get it published, market it, and continue to upskill yourself as an author.

In that case, read these posts next:

• Can Anyone Write A Book And Get It Published?
• The Best Writing Books For Beginners 2022 (My 10 Favorites)
• Why Do Writers Hate Adverbs? (The Final Answer)
• How To Write a Manifesto: 20 Ultimate Game-Changing Tips

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 05, 2024

How to Write an Autobiography: The Story of Your Life

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

Anyone who’s lived a long, interesting life (as many of us have in one way or another!) may dream of someday turning their life into a book. However, the practicalities of how to write an autobiography can be daunting — especially to those who don’t have much writing experience.

If you feel ready to write your autobiography but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will take you from opening lines to (hopefully) publishing your autobiography for all the world to read.

1. Understand what an autobiography entails

When asked to picture an autobiography, you might think of a celebrity tell-all or political memoir. This isn’t inaccurate ; a memoir would definitely fall under the autobiography umbrella. But to be really precise, there are a few key differences between memoirs and autobiographies:

• Memoirs tend to be more thematic and focus on a  central narrative (similar to a novel), whereas an autobiography is highly factual and reads more like “classic” nonfiction.
• Memoirs focus on a specific period or theme in a person’s life, while autobiographies aim to give a complete, chronological picture.
• Lastly, many memoirs are written while the writer is still young. An autobiography, though, should be written later in one’s life — at a point where one’s life story can be told comprehensively.

An autobiography is also different from a biography in that it is always narrated by the subject. Note that we’ve said “narrated” instead of “written” because, indeed, many autobiographies are created with the help of ghostwriters!

Ghostwritten autobiographies aren’t just for celebrities, either. People from all walks of life work with ghostwriters to record their stories or simply guide them through the process.

If that sounds like you, have a look through  our vetted ghostwriters on the Reedsy marketplace . You might just find your dream collaborator!

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Should you write a memoir or an autobiography?

In other words, if you’re still young (be honest here!), and/or if the book you want to write is more a series of vignettes revolving around a central theme, you may have a memoir on your hands. If that’s the case, check out our guide to how to write a memoir for more tailored advice.

But if you’ve already lived a long, interesting life — one that you feel prepared to share chronologically and completely — then an autobiography is the medium for you.

2. Outline your life's main “beats”

You might think you don’t need to be too picky about what to include in your autobiography since it’s supposed to be a “complete” account — and you’d be mostly right! That said, even in a fairly exhaustive autobiography, it’s still useful to identify the key “beats” before you begin.

What should you include in an autobiography?

While each person’s autobiography will be unique to them, readers expect certain “beats” to be covered. To get the ball rolling, here’s a list of classic autobiographical beats to hit:

• 🐣 Your birth and family background – possibly including how your parents met, where they were living at the time of your birth, whether you have any siblings, etc.
• 📚  Your early days at school – including the friends you made (whether long-lasting or not), your academic achievements (and failures), and any critical moments related to your future goals/actions.
• 🧑🏽‍💻  Your first job – this is often enlightening for readers, particularly if it had some bearing on your later career; whether because you realized that you loved the work or, more likely, that you didn’t want to work your first job forever.
• 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩  Your first relationship – similar to your first job, this is often a major stepping stone into adulthood and understanding your priorities.
• Moving house;
• Having children;
• Getting promoted;
• Receiving an award;
• Traveling somewhere new;
• Or discovering anything significant about yourself.
• 💼  Your retirement – if applicable, this will likely be one of the last beats you cover; it might include why you decided to retire, how you are spending your time nowadays, and any plans for the future.

Remember that each beat you include should contribute to a holistic portrait of your life — whether it’s something that shaped your character or lends context to another parallel moment later on.

But not everything will be relevant. There’s no need to include random things that have no bearing on any other event or important element of your life; that said, the lucky thing about memory is that you likely won’t recall most of those things anyway!

Need some help outlining your autobiography? Check out our Biography Outline Template below — while not entirely chronological, it’s a great starting point for any aspiring autobiographical author.

FREE RESOURCE

Biography Outline Template

Craft a satisfying story arc for your biography with our free template.

3. Try to write in chronological order

Having come up with a solid outline, you should now feel (somewhat) prepared to start writing your autobiography… and, ideally, to start writing it in chronological order.

While many books can be drafted non-chronologically, an autobiography is not one of them. This is because each new chapter quite literally builds on the last; this is different even from a memoir, which often skips around in time and leaves out details. The best way to ensure you’re not missing anything is to write your autobiography as chronologically as possible!

How to start an autobiography

On the note of starting your autobiography, it’s pretty straightforward: begin either with your birth or slightly before, e.g., with your parents. Unlike a memoir, which can start in medias res ( in the middle of the action ), an autobiography should start ab ovo , or “from the egg.”

This is one of the biggest benefits of writing chronologically: you always know where to start, and indeed, what should come next. Here are two strong autobiography openings to give a sense of how yours might sound:

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

When I was born, people in our village commiserated with my mother and nobody congratulated my father. I arrived at dawn as the last star blinked out… I was a girl in a land where rifles are fired in celebration of a son, while daughters are hidden away behind a curtain, their role in life simply to prepare food and give birth to children.

Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca and William Novak:

Nicola Iacocca, my father, arrived in this country in 1902 at the age of twelve — poor, alone, and scared. He used to say the only thing he was sure of when he got here was that the world was round. And that was only because another Italian boy named Christopher Columbus had preceded him by 410 years, almost to the day.

Though each opening takes a different tack — Yousafzai’s autobiography begins with her actual birth, while Iacocca’s begins even earlier, with his father’s arrival in America — both serve as effective starts to their respective books and set the tone for what’s to come.

4. Include plenty of detail

In case we haven’t drilled down on this enough, let’s reiterate once more: an autobiography should be a complete overview of your life from beginning to end. That means that as you get into properly writing it, you should include as much detail as you can remember.

Taking one of our previous suggested beats — “your first job” — as an example, here are a few questions you might ask yourself to recount your memories in more detail:

• How did you get your first job?
• What made you want to work there?
• What was the environment/atmosphere like — physically and emotionally?
• What was your greatest accomplishment at this job? Your greatest failure?
• What did you learn from working there? How did it affect your later career?

As you can probably tell from these questions, the natural corollary to the advice of “be detailed!” is to also be honest . Don’t shy away from your failures or regrets — an autobiography without mistakes is not an autobiography, but rather a puff piece.

Examples of strong biographical detail

For those wondering how to inject detail into their writing, here are two examples from great autobiographies that do exactly that. Each takes a different approach to engage readers — perhaps you can pick up some descriptive techniques to suit your own life story.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

There was no natural light in my cell; a single bulb burned overhead twenty-four hours a day. I did not have a wristwatch and I often thought it was the middle of the night when it was only late afternoon. I had nothing to read, nothing to write on or with, no one to talk to [...] After a time in solitary, I relished the company even of the insects in my cell, and found myself on the verge of initiating conversations with a cockroach.

This passage’s evocative details — the single lightbulb, Mandela’s loss of his internal clock — convey the crushing loneliness of solitary confinement, yet also add levity with the bit about cockroaches.

This give-and-take style may be useful if you, too, are writing an autobiography which includes difficult or traumatic elements. Don’t shy away from the hard parts, but don’t let solemnity overpower your personality and voice!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

When you’re little, a piano can look like it has a thousand keys. You’re staring at an expanse of black and white that stretches farther than two small arms can reach. [...] The keys on Robbie’s piano had a subtle unevenness of color and shape, places where bits of ivory had broken off over time, leaving them looking like a set of bad teeth.

This passage uses sensory details and an intimate tone to draw readers in, describing not just how the piano looks, but how it feels to play. All this makes for a very compelling narrative style — almost like that of a novel. If you want your autobiography to flow this way, try reading more nonfiction in this style (indeed, many memoirs read quite similarly).

📚 Looking for more examples of brilliant biographical writing? Check out this list of The 30 Best Biographies of All Time to inspire you.

5. Do research to fill in the gaps

No matter how carefully you rack your brains, you won’t be able to recall every detail of your life. That’s where research comes in! Here are a couple of things you can do to learn more about yourself and your past.

Interview friends and family

While you’ve likely retained the core of each important life memory, some details will still elude you. For these, you might call on friends, family members, and anyone else who was in your life at the time — interviewing them should help flesh things out in your autobiography.

You might try a few different interview strategies, depending on what you’re hoping to achieve:

• Ask specific questions based on what you can’t remember/don’t know (e.g. “Whose wedding was that again?” or “Why did Dad quit that job in Pasadena?”);
• Ask your subject to recount everything they can about an event (e.g. “Tell me how you remember our high school graduation”); or
• Ask them if they have any key memories of you which they would like to talk about.

The first interview style will be the quickest, but the latter two might yield more interesting results. If you’re prioritizing thoroughness, we’d highly recommend calling up a few old friends or close family members, sitting down, and recording your interview for a few hours.

Do “traditional" research if needed

Having written as much as you can, and interviewed other people to add their stories, you might still find yourself missing information. If applicable, this is where you could turn to “traditional” research — that is, looking up relevant records and documentation, or even taking a field trip or two to previous neighborhoods.

It’s up to you how far to go with this; just don’t go mad, and try to avoid any rabbit holes that tempt you to write an entirely new book. (Then again, that could always be your next project! Check out our post on how to write a nonfiction book to learn more.)

6. Give your draft a discerning edit

You’ve finally finished a detailed draft — congratulations! Even if you don’t do anything else with your autobiography, your friends and family will be wildly impressed, and your descendants will have a fascinatingly thorough record of your life.

But if you want to publish your autobiography — or even if you suspect it hasn’t turned out quite as expected — you’ll now need to enter the editing stage. There are a few different types of editing to consider for your autobiography, including:

• Structural editing to heighten the impact of your key beats;
• Line editing to improve the syntax, flow, and clarity of your sentences; and
• Fact-checking and proofreading to ensure your book doesn’t contain any errors.

Again, it’s up to you how extensively you want to edit your autobiography. If you’re doing it yourself, we’d suggest going top-to-bottom — first structural editing, then line editing, then proofreading — to avoid unnecessary work. ( Check out this post on how to self-edit your book for key tips!)

And if this all feels overwhelming, you can always work with a professional editor to get your autobiography in tip-top shape . Autobiography and memoir specialists can help turn your work into an Iacocca-worthy masterpiece.

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7. Format and publish your autobiography

Now comes the really fun part, if you so choose it — formatting and publishing your autobiography for everyone to read!

Biography fans out there will know that auto/biographies often contain a selection of personal photos within the text. If you’re envisioning this, it will require specialty formatting; you’ll either need to intersperse photos throughout the text or format your book with a “photo section” in the middle (the more common option).

You can do this with free book formatting tools like Reedsy Studio . Or if you’re not confident in your formatting abilities, consider hiring a professional typesetter to help !

As for publishing, many autobiographers choose to self-publish their books to get them out as quickly as possible, and to have more control over the process. However, if you’re interested in selling your autobiography to a publisher — a reasonable option if you are a businessperson, and especially if you already have a decent following — we’d suggest this post on how to write a non-fiction query letter to get you started.

Whatever path you take, whether you decide to publish it or not, writing the story of your life is an incredibly enlightening endeavor. If you're interested in novels instead, check out this advice from NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt ! We hope this guide has helped you on your journey; indeed, as autobiographical writing teaches us, the journey really is the greatest reward.

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Shaping Your Legacy: How to Write a Compelling Autobiography

• The Speaker Lab
• March 12, 2024

Table of Contents

Ever thought about how your life story would read if it were a book? Writing an autobiography is like creating a map of your personal journey, each chapter representing milestones that shaped you. But where do you start and how can you ensure the tale holds interest?

This guide will help unravel those questions by delving into what makes an autobiography stand out, planning techniques to keep your narrative on track, writing tips for engaging storytelling, and even ethical considerations when revealing private aspects of your life.

We’ll also touch on refining drafts and navigating publishing options. By the end of this read, you’ll be equipped with all the insights you need to create a compelling autobiography!

Understanding the Essence of an Autobiography

An autobiography provides a comprehensive view of one’s life journey from birth to the present day. Imagine climbing into a time machine where every chapter represents different eras in your life. The goal of an autobiography is to allow readers to explore a factual, chronological telling of the author’s life.

Autobiographies aren’t merely catalogues of events, however; they need soulful introspection too. Think about why certain episodes mattered more than others and how those experiences influenced your perspectives or decisions later on.

You’ll also want to infuse emotional honesty, allowing yourself vulnerability when recalling both triumphant milestones and painful obstacles. Authenticity creates connections between authors and their audience, so let them see real human emotions behind every word written.

Distinguishing Features Of An Autobiography

The unique thing about autobiographies is they are first-person narratives . This allows readers to experience everything through your eyes, as if they’re living vicariously through you. From triumphs to trials, each page unravels another layer of who you are.

While memoirs are also first-person narratives of a person’s life, there are different from autobiographies. In a memoir, the author focuses on a particular time period or theme in their life. If you’d rather skip the details and dates needed for an autobiography and focus more on emotional truths, you might consider writing a memoir.

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Pre-Writing Stage: Planning Your Autobiography

The planning stage is a crucial part of writing your autobiography. It’s where you map out the significant events in your life, establish a timeline, and identify who will be reading your story.

Selecting Key Life Events

To start, you need to pinpoint key moments that have shaped you. While you will include plenty of factual details in your autobiography, you won’t include every single one. Rather, you’ll be spending the majority of your autobiography focusing on the transformative experiences that defined your life journey. After all, an autobiography is not just a catalogue of events; it’s also an exploration into what these experiences meant to you.

Establishing A Timeline

Next up is establishing a timeline for your narrative flow. Since you’re writing an autobiography, it’s important to first map out your story chronologically so that you can keep your events straight in your mind. MasterClass has several suggestions for key elements you might want to include in your timeline.

Identifying Your Audience

Finding out who’ll read your book helps shape its tone and style. Self-Publishing School says understanding whether it’s for close family members or broader public can guide how personal or universal themes should be presented.

While this process might feel overwhelming initially, take time with this stage. Good planning sets solid foundations for creating an engaging autobiography.

Writing Techniques for an Engaging Autobiography

If you’re on the journey to pen down your life story, let’s dive into some techniques that can help transform it from a simple narrative into a riveting read. An engaging autobiography is more than just facts and dates—it’s about weaving your experiences in such a way that they captivate readers.

Incorporating Dialogue

The first technique involves incorporating dialogue. Rather than telling your audience what happened, show them through conversations. It lets the reader experience events as if they were there with you. As renowned author Stephen King suggests , dialogue is crucial in defining a the character of a person (including yourself).

Using Vivid Descriptions

Vivid descriptions are another effective tool in creating an immersive reading experience. But remember: overdoing it might overwhelm or bore the reader, so find balance between being descriptive and concise.

Narrative Techniques

Different narrative techniques can also enhance storytelling in autobiographies. For instance, foreshadowing creates suspense; flashbacks provide deeper context; and stream of consciousness presents thoughts as they occur naturally—a powerful way to share personal reflections.

All these writing tools combined will give you a gripping account of your life journey—one where every turn of page reveals more layers of depth and dimensionality about who you are as both character and narrator.

Structuring Your Autobiography for Maximum Impact

Deciding on the right structure for your autobiography is essential to ensure your book captivates readers and keeps them engaged.

The first step towards structuring your autobiography effectively is deciding whether to organize it chronologically or thematically. A chronological approach takes readers on a journey through time, letting each event unfold as you experienced it. On the other hand, a thematic approach revolves around central themes that have defined your life—think resilience, ambition or transformation—and might jump back and forth in time.

Creating Chapters

An effective way to manage the vast amount of information in an autobiography is by dividing it into chapters. Each chapter should be structured around a specific time frame (if you’re opting for chronological order) or theme (if taking the thematic approach). The key here isn’t necessarily sticking rigidly to these categories but using them as guides to help shape and direct your narrative flow.

Crafting Compelling Beginnings and Endings

A strong beginning pulls people into your world while an impactful ending stays with them long after they’ve closed the book—a little like how memorable speeches often start with something surprising yet relatable and end leaving audiences pondering over what they’ve heard. So consider starting off with something unexpected that gives insight into who you are rather than birthplace/date details right away. For endings, look at wrapping up major themes from throughout the book instead of simply closing out on latest happenings in your life.

Remember, structuring an autobiography is as much about the art of storytelling as it is about chronicling facts. Use structure to draw readers in and take them on a journey through your life’s highs and lows—all the moments that made you who you are today.

Ethical Considerations When Writing an Autobiography

When penning your life story, it’s important to respect privacy and handle sensitive issues well. Because let’s face it, writing about others in our lives can be a slippery slope. We need to tread carefully.

Respecting Privacy: Telling Your Story Without Invading Others’

The first thing we have to consider is the right of privacy for those who cross paths with our narrative journey. While they might play crucial roles in our stories, remember that their experiences are their own too.

A good rule of thumb is to get explicit consent before mentioning anyone extensively or revealing sensitive information about them. In some cases where this isn’t possible, anonymizing details or using pseudonyms could help maintain privacy while keeping the essence of your story intact. Author Tracy Seeley sheds more light on how one should handle such situations responsibly.

Navigating Sensitive Topics With Care

Sensitive topics often make for compelling narratives but dealing with them requires tact and empathy. You’re walking a tightrope, balancing honesty and sensitivity, a fall from which can lead to hurt feelings or even legal troubles.

An excellent way around this dilemma would be by focusing on how these experiences affected you personally rather than detailing the event itself. Remember, your autobiography is an opportunity to share your life experiences, not just a platform for airing grievances or settling scores.

Maintaining Honesty: Your Authentic Self Is the Best Narrator

Above all else, stay truthful when writing your autobiography, both when you’re writing about sensitive topics and even when you’re not. While it can be tempting to bend the facts so that your audience sees you in a more positive light, maintaining honesty is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Editing and Revising Your Autobiography

Your initial draft is finished, but the job isn’t done yet. Editing and revising your autobiography can feel like a daunting task, but it’s essential for creating a polished final product.

The Importance of Self-Editing

You may feel that you have written your autobiography perfectly the first time, but there are always ways to make it better. The beauty of self-editing lies in refining your story to make sure it resonates with readers. You’re not just fixing typos or grammar mistakes; you’re looking at structure, flow, and consistency. Essentially you’re asking yourself: does this piece tell my life story in an engaging way?

Inviting Feedback from Others

No matter how meticulous we are as writers, our own work can sometimes evade us. Inviting feedback from others is invaluable during the revision process. They provide fresh eyes that can spot inconsistencies or confusing parts that may have slipped past us.

Hiring a Professional Editor

If you’re serious about publishing your autobiography and making an impact with your words, hiring a professional editor can be worth its weight in gold. An editor won’t just fix errors—they’ll help streamline sentences and enhance readability while respecting your unique voice.

Remember to approach editing and revising with patience—it’s part of the writing journey. Don’t rush through it; give each word careful consideration before moving onto publication options for your autobiography.

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Publishing Options for Your Autobiography

Once you’ve spent time and energy creating your autobiography, the following challenge is to make it available for others. But don’t fret! There are numerous options available for releasing your work.

Traditional Publishing Houses

A conventional path many authors take is partnering with a traditional publishing house . These industry giants have extensive resources and networks that can help boost the visibility of your book. The process may be competitive, but if accepted, they handle everything from design to distribution—letting you focus on what matters most: telling your story.

Self-Publishing Platforms

If you want more control over every aspect of publication or seek a faster route to market, self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), offer an accessible alternative. With this option, you manage all aspects including cover design and pricing ; however, it also means greater responsibility in promoting your book.

Bear in mind that both options have their own pros and cons, so consider them carefully before making any decisions.

Marketing Your Autobiography

Now that you’ve crafted your autobiography, it’s time to get the word out. You need a plan and strategy.

Leveraging Social Media

To start with, use your social platforms as launching pads for your book. Sites like Facebook , Twitter, and especially LinkedIn can help generate buzz about your work. And don’t underestimate the power of other platforms like Instagram and TikTok when trying to reach younger audiences. Whatever social platform you use, remember to engage with followers by responding to comments and questions about the book.

Organizing Book Signings

A physical event like a book signing not only provides readers with a personal connection but also generates local publicity. Consider partnering up with local independent stores or libraries, which are often open to hosting such events.

Securing Media Coverage

Contacting local newspapers, radio stations or even bloggers and podcasters in your field can provide much-needed visibility for your work. It might seem intimidating at first, but who better than you knows how important this story is?

FAQs on How to Write an Autobiography

How do i start an autobiography about myself.

To kick off your autobiography, jot down significant life events and pick a unique angle that frames your story differently.

What are the 7 steps in writing an autobiography?

The seven steps are: understanding what an autobiography is, planning it out, using engaging writing techniques, structuring it effectively, considering ethics, revising thoroughly, and exploring publishing options.

What are the 3 parts of an autobiography?

An autobiography generally has three parts: introduction (your background), body (major life events), and conclusion (reflections on your journey).

What is the format for writing an autobiography?

The usual format for autobiographies involves chronological or thematic structure with clear chapters marking distinct phases of life.

Writing an autobiography is a journey, a trek exploring the unique narrative of your life. Together, we’ve covered how to plan effectively, select key events, and set timelines.

Once you’re all set to write, you now have the techniques you need for engaging storytelling, including vivid descriptions and dialogues. You also learned about structuring your story for maximum impact and navigating sensitive topics while maintaining honesty.

Last but not least, you learned editing strategies, publishing options, and effective ways of promoting your book.

Now you know more than just how to write an autobiography. You know how to craft a legacy worth reading!

• Last Updated: March 22, 2024

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Autobiography Writing Guide

Autobiography Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Autobiography Examples – Detailed Outline and Samples

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

We all have stories to tell. And, for some of us, the only way we feel like we can get our story out there is by writing it down. Some people may believe that an autobiography is something only famous people write about themselves but that is not true. 

In fact, anyone who has a story worth telling can write an autobiography. 

If you are assigned to write an autobiography in your high school or college and you are confused about where to start, don’t panic. 

You are at the right place.

Explore this detailed guide to understand the concept of writing an autobiography. It will also provide you with some great autobiography examples for a better understanding.

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a kind of the self-written story of a person's life. This type of narration has various aims and objectives that depend on the kind of writing that you decide to go with.

Moreover, it has different types. A writer can choose any of them on the basis of what he wants to include in his story.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OUTLINE (PDF)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY TEMPLATE (PDF)

Struggling to understand the basics of autobiography? Check out this how to write an autobiography to understand the key prerequisite of autobiographies. 

Autobiography Types

Below-mentioned is the four main types of autobiography. These include:

1. Traditional Autobiography –  It is a complete story that covers all life experiences including birth, childhood, and adulthood. You can write it for personal use. However, if you feel that your life can be inspiring for others, you can also write it for the wider public.

2. Memoir –  It focuses on describing a specific event, relationship, time period, or place that has an effect on your personality and life. For example, it may include your hometown or an important relationship.

3. Personal Essay –  It is the idea of sharing your life story with the audience in a way that they feel as if they were a part of it. Similarly, it also describes two aspects including the event and how it affected the beliefs.

4. Confessional –  Some people find comfort in writing about their mistakes and sins. Thus, they write this type of autobiography so that people will learn from their mistakes and avoid them.

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Examples are an essential way to learn something in less time. Therefore, we have stated some examples for you to write your autobiographies. These will also help to learn about a proper autobiography template and structure.

Have a look at these autobiography examples to get a better understanding.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

CULTURAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Educational Autobiography Examples for Students 

EDUCATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For College Students

Autobiography Examples About Yourself

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Famous Personality Autobiography

The autobiography of benjamin franklin is one example of a famous personality autobiography. Similarly, these famous autobiography examples will provide you with everything to get started with your famous personality autobiography.

FAMOUS PERSONALITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Funny Autobiography

FUNNY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

High School Autobiography

HIGH SCHOOL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Literary Autobiography Example

Literary Autobiography

Personal Autobiography

PERSONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Professional Autobiography

PROFESSIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Struggling to understand the difference between memoir and autobiography? Check this guide with memoir vs autobiography examples to differentiate between the two terms.

Scientific Autobiography

SCIENTIFIC AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Short Autobiography Examples for Students

SHORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples Books

Autobiography example books provide a detailed insight into the life of an individual. Through these real-life stories, readers get to know more about a person's experiences and how they overcame challenges. 

Book Autobiography Sample

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

Spiritual autobiographies are a great way to reflect on one's spiritual journey and the lessons learned along the way. Here is an example to help you out.

Spiritual Autobiography Sample

The Dos and Don'ts of an Autobiography

A successful autobiography indicates the author’s ability to present a worthwhile story. There are a wide variety of things that you can talk about while writing your personal narratives.

However, the following are some dos and don'ts of writing an autobiography that will help in refining your writing skills.

Some dos of writing an autobiography are:

• Understanding the Intended Audience

There is a huge difference when you are writing an autobiography for your friends or a group of strangers. Because it requires extensive details about life events and experiences. Thus, make sure to include facts that you consider significant.

• Developing A Core Concept

It is essential to identify the central theme of your autobiography. Moreover, a well-structured outline is also a proper way of associating one event with another. It will also set the interest of the readers by keeping the story consistent from the beginning to the end.

• Do Tell the Truth

Do not portray yourself as the hero or villain of the story. Instead, tell the truth and acknowledge your mistakes by exposing your strengths and weaknesses.

• Revising and Editing

Read aloud what you have written and do some editing. Check if your ideas flow logically and look out for interrupting thoughts.

• Do Seek Feedback

Ask your friends and family to read your work and provide you with feedback. Understand the difference between fair criticism and forced judgment.

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Don’ts of Writing an Autobiography

Below mentioned are some don'ts of writing an autobiography.

• Do Not Mention Unnecessary Details

Include relevant details and struggles when narrating your life story. Avoid adding unnecessary details. Instead, share the information that is directly related to your story.

• Stop Worrying About Others

Your story may contain some details that can have a negative effect on others. Do not worry about them and rearrange all the details.

Moreover, remember that you are not here to please everyone. Thus, avoid writing for a broader audience and make your story too generic and specific for the readers.

• Discuss Why Your Story Is Inspiring

If your main goal is to inspire people with your story, show them how you felt instead of telling them directly. Allow the audience to come to the conclusion through your writing style.

• Avoid Copying Someone's Story

It is a big mistake to copy someone's work to make your story compelling. Find the hook and unique points that are marketable. Also, think of all these details before you begin writing.

Autobiographies aim to educate and inform others in some ways. This blog has provided all the essential details to write an autobiography. You can generate even more samples of autobiography through our FREE AI-based paper writer . 

If you are still looking up “ who can write my essay? ”, relying on a professional expert is a good option. Make sure you select a reliable and top-ranked writing service, 5StarEssays.com . We guarantee you high-quality write essay services with zero percent plagiarism.

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Literature, Marketing

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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• How to Write an Autobiography - A Complete Guide

• Know the Different Types of Autobiography Here

• Autobiography Format for Students - A Detailed Guide

• Autobiography vs. Memoir: Definitions & Writing Tips

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Autobiography Topics: Create Your Life Story

Writing about yourself is probably the most difficult type of writing. It is easy to describe people, events, or phenomena around, but it is quite hard to look inside your own mind and heart and to express everything that you find there. Why do people need autobiographical writing? There are numerous reasons. Some people want to save their memories, and others want to show that they are suitable for a certain college or vacancy. Some of us simply need a way to share emotions and reveal hidden feelings with the help of writing. You can find more reasons in our guide on  how to write an autobiography .

Different types of autobiographies serve different purposes. In the article below, we’ll provide you with an autobiography topics list divided into several parts: autobiography ideas, memoir topics, autobiographical essay topics for students, and personal essay ideas. You’re welcome to use all these materials in order to create your own piece of writing.

Autobiography Ideas: Instructions and Creative Titles

An exhaustive autobiography covers your entire life, and there is no need to recommend particular topics. There is only one topic – you. However, we’ve decided to give you some instructions. In such a way, you will have a basis to start from. Don’t forget that your autobiography should be titled appropriately in order to draw the attention of potential readers. That is why we also recommend you to look through the list of creative autobiography title ideas.

The autobiography belongs to the category of creative writing. Consequently, there are no particular requirements or rules you should follow. Anyway, you may follow our instructions to facilitate the writing process. You should include these chapters in your autobiography:

• Early years
• Family members
• Teenage problems
• First work experience
• Important people
• Life-changing events
• Challenges you have faced

You can pick several points or include all of them – it doesn’t matter. Inspiration and your desire to write an autobiography are much more important. If you want a wide audience to be interested in your writing, you should create an interesting title. Here are some options to think about!

10 Inspiring Autobiography Title Examples

• Long Way to Myself
• Me & My Troubles
• Short Story of a Long Life
• Steps Forward and Steps Back
• Why Not, or How I Have Changed My Life
• Being Good in This Cruel World
• Why I Don’t Believe in Faith
• Decisions and Choices: What If?
• Trying to Make a Difference
• One, Two, Three: Fight With My Life

Memoir Topics: Share Priceless Memories

If you want to tell your readers about a certain period of your life, choose a genre of memoir. While an autobiography is the book of your entire life, a memoir is just one chapter. As a rule, a memoir is much shorter than an autobiography, so you’ll spend a lot less time writing it. Many famous people create memoirs to share the stories of their success or to let their fans learn more about true facts of their life. We highly recommend you to read several memoirs in order to find inspiration to compose your own.

If you can’t get inspired enough, payforwriting is here to help you! Pick one of these autobiography ideas and topics for a memoir and create a real masterpiece:

1. My month in Spain

Actually, you can write about any period (day, week, or year) and any country. Everything depends on your experience. Tell your readers how you got in this country, how you lived there, and what you have learned. Mention the peculiarities of the local life: food, weather, habits, etc. Such a memoir might be similar to a travel blog.

2. The person(s) who changed my life

Some people leave indelible marks in our memory. Unfortunately, those memories are not necessarily good. Still, we can learn important things even when we meet people who hurt us.

3. Unusual experience

Volunteering, travels, and festivals are bright and memorable events, so don’t hesitate to share your emotions with your readers. In addition, you will be able to read your own writings later and revive good memories.

4. Victory or failure

These topics are not aimed at drawing much attention, as people prefer to think about their own victories and failures. However, such memoirs might be good lessons to remember.

5. A life-changing conversation

Yes, that’s true! Even one conversation can make a difference. Words said at the right time by the right person are worth a dozen motivational books. If you had such an experience, don’t neglect the opportunity to share it.

Autobiographical Essay Topics for Students

The main purpose of the autobiographical essay is to show your personal qualities and skills that will impress an admissions board. Remember that this essay is not the same thing as a CV or resume. Admissions officers don’t need a list of your achievements and grades: they want to hear your personal voice and evaluate your personality. Choose one of the autobiography topics for college essays listed below and narrow your theme in the way you want.

• Important achievements
• Imaginary friend
• The first responsibility
• School teacher/mentor
• Siblings’ relationships
• Family traditions
• How you have solved your family issues
• How parents influenced your decisions about your future

Personality:

• My personal credo
• My greatest passion
• My inner demons
• My personal moral code
• My worst mistake
• What is the difference between faith and religion?
• Is lying necessary?
• Can morality exist without any religion?
• Is love more important than everything else?
• Should tolerance be limited?

Creative Autobiography Ideas to Write Personal Essays

This sub-type of autobiography is the most intimate one. We can’t compose a list of specified topics for you, as every person has a unique mix of experience, emotions, and moments that can be described in personal essays. However, we can give you a few tips on where you may find inspiration to create an excellent personal essay.

1. Open your heart

That might sound banal, but strong emotions are a really good source of inspiration for writers. Don’t be afraid of your feelings until you can control them.

2. Meet new people

New people bring new stories, and every story can be told. Our lives are just a small piece of the full picture. Look at the world from the perspective of other people, and you’ll be surprised.

3. Read books and watch movies

Good stories are often based on older good stories. Looking for inspiration in works of genius is normal. You don’t have to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel, right?

4. Read autobiographical stories

As we’ve mentioned before, many famous people write books about their lives. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about your idols and find new ideas for term paper writing help !

We are sure that every writer has his or her unique ways to find inspiration. Remember that the first sentence is the most difficult. Just make it!

Your life is full of emotions, impressions, and feelings that are worth sharing. Your experience can be helpful and interesting for a wide public. The most important thing is to present it in the right way. We hope that our autobiography sample and topics will serve you well. It doesn’t matter what autobiographical genre you choose. Just don’t be afraid of writing the first sentence!

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• Autobiographies

How to Write an Autobiography and Tell Your Life Story

Last Updated: June 6, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,293,486 times.

What's your story? Anyone who has lived a full life has something fascinating to share with the world. The trick to writing an autobiography is to treat it like any good story: it should have a protagonist (you), a central conflict, and a cast of fascinating characters to keep people engaged. You may want to think about a certain theme or idea that has been present in your daily life to revolve your story around. Read on to learn how to craft the story of your life and polish your writing to make it sing.

Writing Your Own Autobiography

Begin by contemplating and writing down some important moments in your life, and think about how they're connected to create a cohesive narrative. Start your autobiography with an engaging scene or idea that introduces readers to yourself.

Mapping Out Your Life

• Your autobiography doesn't have to begin with your birth. You may want to include some family history as well. Write down information about your ancestry, your grandparents' lives, your parents' lives, and so on. Having information about your family history will help readers get a sense of how you became the person you are.
• What happened when you were a teenager? What led you to make the decisions you made?
• Did you go to college? Write about those transitory years, too.
• Write about your career, your relationships, your children, and any big life-altering events that occurred.

• Teachers, coaches, mentors, and bosses are extremely influential in people's lives. Decide whether someone who has been a role model (or the opposite) for you will figure into your story.
• Ex-boyfriends and girlfriends might co-star in some interesting stories.
• What enemies have you had in life? Your story will be boring if you don't include some conflicts.
• Offbeat characters such as animals, celebrities you've never met, and even cities are often points of interest in an autobiography.

• The childhood story. Whether your childhood was happy or traumatic, you should include a few anecdotes that give a picture of who you were and what you experienced at the time. You can tell the story of your childhood by breaking it down into smaller anecdotes that illustrate your personality - your parents' reaction when you brought home a stray dog, the time you climbed out of the window at school and ran away for 3 days, your friendly relationship with a homeless person living in the woods… get creative.
• The coming of age story. This heady and often sensual period in a human's life is always of interest to readers. Remember that it's not about writing something unique; everyone comes of age. It's about writing something that resonates with readers.
• The falling in love story. You could also write the opposite of this, the never-finding-love story.
• The identity crisis story. This usually occurs in the 30s or 40s and is sometimes referred to as a mid-life crisis.
• The story of facing down some force of evil. Whether it's your battle with addiction, a controlling lover, or a madman who tried to kill your family, you've got to write about conflict you've experienced.

• Write as though you're opening your heart to a trusted friend, in prose that's clear, strong and not too cluttered with vocabulary words you rarely use.
• Write so that your personality is revealed. Are you funny? Intense? Spiritual? Dramatic? Don't hold back; your personality should come through in the way you tell your story.

• Don't always cast yourself in a positive light. You can have foibles and still be the protagonist. Reveal mistakes you've made and times when you've failed yourself and other people.
• Reveal your inner thoughts. Share your opinions and ideas, including those that may spark controversy. Be true to yourself through your autobiography.

Crafting a Narrative

• What's your central conflict? What's the biggest obstacle life presented that took years to overcome or come to terms with? Maybe it's an illness you were diagnosed with at an early age, a relationship wrought with turmoil, a series of career setbacks, a goal you worked for decades to achieve, or any other number of things. Look to your favorite books and movies for more examples of conflicts.
• Build tension and suspense. Structure the narrative so that you have a series of stories leading up to the climax of the conflict. If your central conflict is trying to reach the goal of competing in the Olympics for skiing, lead up to it with stories of small successes and plenty of failures. You want your readers to ask, will she make it? Can he do it? What's going to happen next?
• Have a climax. You'll get to the point in your story when it's time for the conflict to come to a head. The day of the big competition has arrived, a showdown happens with your worst enemy, your gambling habit gets the better of you and you lose all your money - you get the picture.
• End with a resolution. Most autobiographies have happy endings because the person writing the story lived to tell the tale - and hopefully get it published. Even if your ending isn't cheerful, it should be deeply satisfying. You somehow accomplished your goal or won the day. Even if you lost, you came to terms with it and gained wisdom.

• You could frame the entire autobiography with reflections from the present, telling your story through a series of flashbacks.
• You could begin the story with a poignant moment from your childhood, go backward to tell the story of your heritage, move forward to your college years, and launch into the story of your career, with anecdotes from your childhood sprinkled in for comic relief.

• Consider ending chapters on a poignant or suspenseful note, so people can't wait to start the next one.
• The beginnings of chapters are a good place to take a bird's eye view of your past, describe the setting of a place, and set the tone for what's to come.

Editing the Book

• You can stretch the truth about your own goals and intentions, but don't include fabricated conversations with real people, or altered versions of events that really happened. Of course, you won't remember everything perfectly, but you should reflect reality as best you can.
• Get permission to use people's names or quote them if you're including content on what other people said or did. Some people don't appreciate appearing as a character in someone else's autobiography, and you should respect that by altering the way you describe them or changing their names if necessary. [6] X Research source

• If several people recommend cutting a certain section, strongly consider making the cut.
• Try to get opinions from people outside your circle of family and friends. People who know you might try to spare your feelings, or they might be biased - especially if they appear in the story.

• Bossy Pants , by Tina Fey.
• My Confession , by Leo Tolstoy.
• A Long Walk to Freedom , by Nelson Mandela.
• The Sound of Laughter , by Peter Kay. [7] X Research source

Publishing Your Story

• If you don't want to pay for a publishing service, you can still create a nice copy of your book by taking it to a copy store and having it printed and bound.

• Start the query letter with an airtight blurb succinctly describing the highlights of the book. Situate your book in the correct genre, and describe what will make it stand out from the rest. Tell the agent why you think he or she is the right person to shop your book around to publishers.
• Send sample chapters to agents who show interest.
• Sign a contract with an agent you trust. Make sure to read the contract carefully and check into the agent's history before signing anything.

Agents open doors and help propel your work forward. "I'll admit that it's not easy to get an agent, but becoming successful in anything requires perseverance."

• Many publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts or queries. Make sure you only send letters to publishers that accept them.
• If a publisher decides to move forward with a book deal with you, you'll need to sign a contract and set up a schedule for editing, designing, proofreading, and finally publishing the book.

Writing Help

Expert Q&A

• Your biography can also include a dedication, foreword, vital statistics, chronology sheets, family tree, and epilogue. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
• If the purpose of your autobiography is to pass on your story to your heirs, consider including memorabilia (e.g. pictures, heirlooms, medals, mementos, letters, etc.) and putting your story in a scrapbook format. Of course, you may not be able to copy the memorabilia that accompanies your autobiography, so you still have to think about what you intend to do with your original work and other items, such as medals or bulky heirlooms. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Make your story vivid but don't get bogged down in unimportant details. While you want your autobiography to be memorable, you don't want it to be boring. Too many details—listing everyone that was at a party or trying to include all the events of each day—will bog the story down. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

• Be aware of what constitutes libel. If you write something defamatory or maliciously untrue about another person in an autobiography that you intend to publish, consider changing his or her name (if still living). Otherwise, you might find yourself facing a lawsuit. If you're unsure about what to change, consult a lawyer who specializes in libel. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing as a career, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

• ↑ https://theamericanscholar.org/how-to-write-a-memoir
• ↑ https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-write-an-autobiography/
• ↑ https://blog.reedsy.com/narrative-arc/
• ↑ https://cdn5-ss8.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_222705/File/Parents%20and%20Students/Star%20Works/How%20to%20write%20an%20Autobiography.pdf
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/04/how-to-write-a-memoir-jeanette-winterson-and-helen-macdonald
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/defamation-and-invasion
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/feb/07/biographies-autobiography-nielsen-2001
• ↑ https://www.pw.org/literary_agents

About This Article

To write an autobiography, start by making a timeline of your most important life events that you feel you could write about. Then, identify the main characters in your life story, including family members, ex-boyfriends or girlfriends, friends, and enemies. Once you have your cast of characters, pull life events from your timeline, such as a story from your childhood, a coming of age story, a love story, or a triumphant story. Write about these events and then connect them with a cohesive plot by writing in your own voice and being honest with the reader. To learn more about how to edit and publish your autobiography once it's finished, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Autobiography Examples

40 autobiography examples (autobiographical essay templates).

Writing an autobiography template isn’t an easy undertaking. When written, there will be as many life stories as there are people. What will make an autobiographical essay stand out are the essential topics.

Those which will make it unique among the rest, sorting out the most significant events in one’s life and writing about them are difficult. There is an abundance of experiences to choose from.

Table of Contents

• 1 Autobiography Examples
• 2 Formats for autobiography examples
• 3 Autobiography Samples
• 4.1 Map out your whole life
• 4.2 Creating your narrative
• 5 Autobiographical Essay Templates
• 6.1 Edit your information first
• 6.2 Publishing your autobiography

Fortunately, there are plenty of innovative and well-thought-out autobiography samples that are available. They can assist you in organizing your thoughts to come up with a great autobiography. These samples can save you valuable time, especially on how to start an autobiography. Check out our extra 40 biography templates

Formats for autobiography examples

As mentioned earlier, there could be as many life stories out there as there people. Each life story is unique; no two can be the same. It will be up to the writer to make his autobiography stand out.

The presentation of ideas will be an integral factor. Using the right strategies and format to make the writer more creative are necessary. As we all know, an autobiography is an account of a person’s life and it’s written by that person. Find out a suitable autobiography example to take reference from.

The reasons for writing an autobiographical essay differ from person to person. The main point of the writer’s exercise is to convey his life events using words. Autobiography samples will make it easy for the writer to organize thoughts.

To get you started, learn first the following types of written works:

• Dramas or scripts Usually presented on stage or screen as the venue, this type is in script formats.
• Graphic novels This new genre of novels is unique in the sense that they use drawn panels to convey a true story. Simply said, it’s a novel in comic-strip format. They tell stories through pictures and words.
• Memoirs This type limits the information you will present. It’s an account written from personal knowledge or special sources. Its main focus is on specific moments in one’s life. Those which could either are historical, religious, philosophical, adversity, coming-of-age, and more.
• Personal narratives or essays This type is shorter than a memoir. Its narratives focus on a single event in time. It expands that moment’s experience through conversations and imagery. These types are usually seen in classrooms, magazines or written by internet bloggers.
• Traditional autobiographies This type usually covers the events of the writer’s life from birth to the present moment.
• Vignettes This type covers just one particular occurrence at a time. It’s a brief evocative description, account or episode. You can even call it a lone chapter in a compilation of vignettes. You can have it published as a complete piece of work. Bear in mind, though, that each chapter in the collection is not directly related to the others.

Autobiography Samples

How to start an autobiography

Interesting lives make for good autobiographies. When we say interesting, it means the person lived a life full of fascinating experiences. Those he can and should share with others.

A good trick when writing your autobiography example is to think of it just like any other story, a good one at that. There’s always the protagonist, a central plot, and a number of compelling characters. All these will keep the reader’s attention.

Before venturing for an autobiography sample, think of an important event in your life and build your story on that. There is a writing craft or a technique that can make your story come to life. Read on and make your writing sing!

Map out your whole life

It wouldn’t be so hard to map out your timeline; after all, you have lived it. Before anything else, conduct a study on your life. Make a timeline to ensure you will include the important details, both events, and dates.

This will provide you a basis to work on. Don’t inhibit yourself from writing down all you can recall. Don’t underestimate the importance of each event.

• Autobiographies needn’t always start with your birth Include a brief history of your ancestors if relevant. Introducing your family’s history can make readers relate. They can understand how you evolved into who you are at this moment.
• Identify your main characters Make them interesting and compelling, either he/she be friend or foe. Be sure they help in moving the story along. Obviously, an autobiography sample will mention your parents. Also, include your spouse, friends, and relatives. But think past your family and friends. Search for those characters that have directly influenced your life. They should play their roles in your life story.
• Include the best stories Your life is a collection of short stories and anecdotes. Each day, each struggle could be in itself a chapter. But there would be too many of them to contain in a book. Choose the best stories you can remember that have influenced you. Begin your manuscript with these chosen stories. Weave them together to create a picture of your life.
• Write using your own voice Most people like reading autobiographies to experience what it’s like to be the writer. Being yourself when writing your story is a great way to maintain the reader’s attention. Remember, you are writing about yourself and your life experiences. Stiff and formal writing is for college essays . It won’t and can’t totally engage your readers.
• Reveal things about your life You can reveal the truth about yourself without having to be too explicit. Write down the good as well as the bad experiences. This will make the reader feel the human side of you. You can write about your accomplishments but you also need to write the flaws that have made you what you are. Readers should empathize with you and may even cheer for you as the story progresses.
• Show your weaknesses too You may have pitfalls in life but will still remain a protagonist. Write about your mistakes and the times that you have failed in some struggles. Writing too much about your positive side may even turn off some of your readers.

Creating your narrative

One, or perhaps the most important element of an autobiographical essay, is the plot. Not just a plot but a great one that could hold your readers spellbound. When you’ve gathered the material to work with, it’s time to create a fascinating story that would end with a climax as well as final resolutions.

Autobiographical Essay Templates

Craft your story by organizing your memoirs and anecdotes in an autobiography example. Keep in mind that these are coherent to your plot and should flow logically together. There should be a central conflict in your narrative.

It can involve an eventful experience in your life that took you years to conquer.

• Build the suspense and tension to make it interesting Organize your plot in such as a way that every story would veer towards the conflict’s climax. Make it your goal to include anecdotes on your initial successes and failures. Readers love underdogs. Build on that.
• Think about your climax Every story will have to end as the protagonist will deal with the conflict. You have read novels and seen movies. You should know what a climax is. You should also know that it’s very important.
• Also, think about the resolution Autobiographies usually end with happy endings. If for some reason your story’s ending isn’t happy, just make sure that it’s profoundly satisfying. You might have lost the race but the wisdom you gain from the experience will be compensation enough.
• Determine where to start your story Most autobiographies start with birth and end with the present. But many successful writers have resorted to mixing up their chronology. This makes the narration more interesting. If you’re bold enough, try doing this.
• Weave in your themes Try to remember major themes in your life. Use them to link stories together by connecting the past with the now. Apart from a central conflict, there are themes that have followed us all through life. Use these themes as often as you can to form a consistent depiction of your story.
• Reflect on the content of your autobiography template You surely have learned many lessons during the course of your life. It would be nice to relay your desires, intentions, feelings of joy and loss, and more you’ve gained in your life. You can include these lessons intermittently throughout the story. Reflect on these important experiences and what they have meant to you. This is a great way you can add profundity to your life story.
• Add structure to your book by using chapters The use of chapters will permit you transition from talking about specific times in your life. We’ve all heard the expressions, “closed a chapter” and “opening a new chapter” in life. These are very applicable to autobiography samples and autobiography examples.

Creating and publishing your autobiography

After you’ve written everything, subject your work to several processes. Do this to make sure that its contents are true and accurate. Be sure to comply with all the rules of writing to avoid any problems that may arise later.

First, does a substance check. Second, do forms check? Here are some tips for you:

Edit your information first

• Your facts should be completely accurate Double check or even triple if you have the time. Check the names, event descriptions, dates, and other things. Everything in your story should be accurate. Wrong facts will certainly get noticed at one time or another by people acquainted with you.
• Ask permission from those you mention in your book You may name names or quote quotes from sources. In this case, make certain they’ve granted permission. Many don’t appreciate the thought of appearing in an autobiography. Respect that. If the character is central to the plot, describe them differently or change their names.
• Go through your draft and edit if needed After you’ve finished the initial draft, go through your life story again. Comb through it by double checking your data. Reorganize the paragraphs, passages, and characters if necessary. Check your vocabulary and replace tedious words. Make your phrases more clear and compelling. And lastly, check your grammar and spelling.
• Let other people read your work An outside or second opinion will be necessary to make sure that your work would appeal to all. You may find passages in your book that are funny or serious but would be mundane or even offensive to others. Present your work to as many close acquaintances and listen to their feedback. This will make sure that your thoughts will come across clearly with other people.
• Hire a copy editor The job of a copy editor is to clean up your work and make those boring parts shine. Almost all writers seek the services of copy editors. Being a beginner, take a hint by seeking their help as well. Hire a seasoned copy editor to make sure that your book will have that professional polish.
• Think of your title Think of a title that is intriguing and attention-grabbing. A simple and short title for your autobiography can be “My Autobiography”. If you find it too direct and common, choose something more unique.

Publishing your autobiography

Some people try self-publishing their books. That means they will have their finished work printed but only for themselves. It would also be appropriate to present your work to persons you mentioned in your book.

There are companies that can handle your book design, printing, and even shipping services. But if you want to go public on publishing your autobiography, the sensible thing to do is hire a literary agent.

He will send a query letter to research agents who work frequently with autobiographies. The query will contain information about your autobiography. It will also contain information about the author and how you want to market the book.

You can also send the query letter yourself directly to the publisher and wait. Depending on your query letter, he might get interested. Don’t send them your manuscript all at once. Send it when you get a request for your manuscript.

You can also try publishing your work online. This new alternative method is increasingly getting popular. It doesn’t involve expenses for printing and shipping. Search for online publishers and send them a query letter.

More Templates

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Biography Templates

The Only (FREE) Autobiography Template You Need – 4 Simple Steps

Are you looking for an autobiography template? 

First things first.

What is your story? Not the shiny, air-brushed one you edit before posting on Instagram or the one you politely share during a writer’s chat on Zoom.

By your story, I mean the one with the cracks in it caused by childhood insecurities or the deep craters forged by unexpected collisions with life—the triumphs and tragedies that are forever etched into your DNA.

Yes, that story.

When you’re truly ready to write an autobiography, you’ll know it because you’ve come to a point in your life where the beauty of sharing your story has nothing to do with perfection. It’s knowing that despite the roller coaster ride that started at birth, you’ve found the courage to stay on it—sometimes holding on for dear life and other times riding with your hands up and screaming at the top of your lungs. 

Get your autobiography template here:

Need A Nonfiction Book Outline?

You’ve lived thoroughly and learned to embrace who you’ve become in the process, scars and all. 

This post will show you the format for writing an autobiography and the best way to package your story so you can provide the best reader experience possible.

This blog gives you a free autobiography template and more…

What is an autobiography.

The basic definition of an autobiography is that it’s a first-person account of your life. It differs from a memoir , which usually focuses on a single event or group of events that lead you to a discovery about yourself, your life, or some other revelation. An autobiography is a look at the total sum of your life from birth (early childhood) to the time of your book’s writing that highlights the key points that shaped who you’ve become.

Ready to start writing your autobiography? Let’s get into it…

What is the format for an autobiography? 

Just like any good story, every autobiography has a beginning, middle, and end. But before you begin filling in the sections, you want to come up with a theme for your book . Most people have too much life content to fit into one book. Selecting the parts that fit under the umbrella of a theme will make the book easier to follow. 

When coming up with a theme, think about what you want the key takeaway to be for the reader. You don’t want to give them some boring slog through your life history. If you want them to feel something, your book needs direction. That’s where your theme takes the lead. By keeping it in the back of your mind while writing, you’ll give your readers a track to stay on. Otherwise, they may lose interest and stop reading.

Once you have your theme, right down the events in your life that are related to your book’s focus. You’ll plug these into the outline as you develop it. 

Some examples of autobiography book themes are:

• Overcoming challenges
• Creating your own destiny
• The unbreakable bonds of family
• A faith journey
• Perseverance

Your theme can be whatever you want it to be, but keep your audience in mind when selecting one. Below you’ll find an autobiography template. It includes an outline with writing prompts in each section. 

Whether you are an “outliner” (someone who outlines) or a “pantser” (someone who writes by the seat of their pants), the outline has enough structure and flexibility to make both writer types happy. 

Autobiography Template: An Outline

I’ve laid out what a traditional autobiography might look like below. But to really help you get the most out of the blog post, I recommend downloading our nonfiction book outline to use alongside this guide.

1.  Introduction 

Before you share your life story, prepare your readers for what is to follow by introducing yourself and telling them what they can expect. You can cover some or all of the following:

• Why you are writing your autobiography?
• What do you hope the reader will take away from the experience?
• Any pertinent information that’s not covered in your book but that is needed for context.

2. The beginning – the early years

Since autobiographies are a condensed view of your life, you want to focus on the significant events that will move your story forward.

• Where do you want to begin your story? 
• Where does your book’s theme first show up when you look back over your life? You want the opening of your book to have an impact, so choose something that will hook your readers and bring them into your world.
• How did your formative years influence how you viewed yourself? What we experience during our childhood can affect us for a lifetime. Consider how the early events of your life developed your character.
• Who influenced you the most during your childhood?
• What defining moments do you remember?

Where (on your timeline) and how you start your story is up to you. You want it to be something strong and significant to have the most impact on your reader. Here are the first few sentences of some autobiographies for inspiration .

“Some would say the McEntires are a very set-in-their-ways, stubborn, hardheaded bunch of people. But I think that hardheadedness is what got Daddy to where he was, Grandpap to where he was, and his father, Pap, to where he was. Some might say it wasn’t all that far- but it was much further than where they started!” 

– Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots by Reba McEntire

(Nostalgia / Specific Event)

“My grandmother Nanny and I were at the picture show. I hadn’t reached two digits yet in age because I distinctly remember my feet couldn’t touch the floor of the movie house. Nanny and I were still living in San Antonio, Texas. My mama and daddy had gone ahead to California, where Nanny and I would later wind up.” – This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett

(From Birth)

“ If you know my music, you almost certainly know me as Craig Morgan. But I was actually born Craig Morgan Greer. Craig Morgan came along many years later.” – God, Family, Country: A Memoir by Craig Morgan

• 31 Best Autobiographies
• 30 Celebrity Autobiographies

3. The middle- halfway between the early years and where you are today.

If you are using a timeline to divide your story, the period that you cover during the “middle” of your autobiography depends on how old you are at the writing of your book. If you are in your golden years, your midpoint might be in your 30s or 40s. For someone like Malala Yousafzai , who wrote her autobiography at age 15, her “middle” looked very different. 

Whichever “middle” you choose consider the following:

• What are the defining moments during this time of your life? 
• Did they change how you viewed yourself?
• Did they change the trajectory of what you initially thought you’d do with your life?
• Who had the most influence on your life during this time?
• What are some of the challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
• Did your worldview change during this time? If so, in what ways?

If your “middle” doesn’t fit neatly into a timeline, consider grouping your autobiography into themed sections.

The autobiography Cash by Johnny Cash groups his story into sections based on places that had special meaning to him: Cinnamon Hill, The Road, Port Rickey, Bon Aqua, and The Road Again.

4. The end—wrap-up

The end of your autobiography is the climax. It’s what you’ve been leading your reader to since the first sentence of your book. 

• Where are you in your life now? What have you learned? How has your journey impacted who you’ve become? 
• How do you want the reader to feel when they read the last sentence of your book? Inspired? Hopeful? Full? Enlightened? Satisfied? All of the above? 
• Is there any part of your life that feels unfinished or incomplete? 
• Looking back over your life, what is the greatest lesson you learned?
• Don’t forget your audience, especially at the beginning of your book. You want to hook your readers early and bring them along for the ride.
• Write an eye-catching autobiography title for your book.
• Leave out the minutia. If it doesn’t move your story along, drop it. 
• Tone matters. A good rule of thumb is to write your story like you were talking to a friend. Your story doesn’t have to be a monotone race to the finish line. Spice it up. Add some sparkle. Make sure your personality shines through. 
• It’s always about the story. Buyers pick up your book to be entertained. Regardless of how serious your story is, it should be presented in a way that makes the reader want to keep turning the page. 
• Every good story has a resolution. Good or bad, offer a resolution for each life conflict you introduce.
• As you share the final pieces of your story, use the end of your story to reflect on where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you plan to go from there. Every relationship that ends can benefit from closure, and if the end of your story is not the end of your relationship with your reader, tell them where they can go to continue getting to know you.

Writing your autobiography is a courageous move, but who better to write your life story than you? If you have experiences that others will find interesting, share! You never know how your journey will impact someone else. 

If you’re serious about getting your story published, Selfpublishing.com has a team of publishing experts who can walk you through the book development process.

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How To Start Autobiography About Yourself? (9 Easy Steps)

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Introduction

Do you want to write your autobiography but don’t know where to start? Well, this article is for you! In it, we’ll share ten tips on how to start writing your autobiography. From developing a plan to finding a publisher, these tips will help you get started on the project and make the process as smooth and easy as possible. So put down the book club novel and start writing your life story today!

What to Consider When Writing an Autobiography?

Writing your autobiography can be a daunting task, but with the help of the right approach and tools, the process can be a lot easier. To get started, make sure you have a clear goal in mind. This could be anything from writing a memoir that highlights your life story to share your wisdom with the world. Once you have a good idea of the direction you want to take, develop an outline. This will help you stay organized and focused while you write. It’s also important to determine the tone you want your autobiography to have. Is it serious or light-hearted? Finally, research different bio-writing software programs so that you can produce high-quality material. With the help of these programs, you’ll be able to write your autobiography professionally and concisely.

How to Write an Autobiography in 9 Easy Steps

Writing an autobiography can be a life-changing experience, and it can help you reflect on your journey and share your story with the world. With the right step-by-step guide , writing your autobiography can be a breeze. This blog post will outline the nine simple steps you need to write a successful autobiography. So, let’s get started!

Step #1 Start by Brainstorming.

Autobiographies are a wonderful way for people to reflect on their lives and share their stories with the world. Whether you want to write a memoir for personal reasons or give your readers a behind-the-scenes look at your life, the first step is always brainstorming. This process helps you identify the key points of your life story, the events that have shaped you, and the emotions you have experienced.

Once you know what your autobiography will be about, it’s time to develop some ideas. Write in short, concise sentences that are easy to follow and understand. Remember to keep a diary of your progress so that you can reflect on the journey and improve upon any aspects as needed. Writing an autobiography is a rewarding experience that will allow you to share your story with the world and connect with people from all over the globe.

Step #2 Plan Your Outline and Structure

The second step in writing an autobiography is to plan it out. You will want a strong foundation for your story, which starts with character development. You will be instructing the reader on how to feel. Some key moments and people that are significant in your life need to be introduced. These will expand upon, help connect your thoughts and feelings, bring emotion into the story, and keep things interesting for the audience!

You will also want to consider how you would like to structure your autobiography. There are many ways to do this, but typically, people choose chronological order or theme-based structure. Chronological order is when you go through the events of your life in the order that they happened. This can be helpful if you want to share your story chronologically and show how your life has progressed over time. A theme-based structure is when you organize your story around a certain theme or lessons learned. This could be anything from love to lose, family to career, or betrayal to redemption.

Once you have decided on the structure of your autobiography, it is time to start planning the outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your story includes important details. Begin by brainstorming a list of topics you would like to cover in your autobiography. Then, break these down into smaller, more manageable sections. For each section, identify the main points you would like to cover. These should be the key events or lessons you want to share with your audience.

As you are brainstorming and planning, keep in mind the overall tone of your autobiography. Do you want it to be serious or light-hearted? What kind of language do you want to use? What kind of emotions do you want to evoke in your readers? Answering these questions will help you determine the overall tone and approach you to want to take with your story.

Finally, once you have a general outline of the topics you would like to cover, it is time to start thinking about the specific details you want to include. This is where your diary entries from brainstorming will come in handy! Review your entries and start identifying the key moments, events, conversations, and emotions that you want to share. These details will add life to your story and make it more relatable for your readers.

Step #3 Collect your memories and thoughts

The third step in writing an autobiography is collecting your memories and thoughts. This can be done in several ways, but the easiest way is to start writing simply. Write about your childhood, family, friends, experiences, and anything else that you can think of. Write freely and without judgment – this is for your eyes only!

You can also use prompts to help you get started. For example, you could answer the following questions:

• What are some of your earliest memories?
• Who were the most influential people when you were growing up?
• What were some of the defining moments or experiences of your childhood?
• What are some of the things that you remember most about your family?

Answering these questions will help you start thinking about the specific details you want to include in your story.

Once you have written down all of your memories and thoughts, it is time to organize them into a cohesive narrative. This is where your outline from the previous step will come in handy. Use your outline to determine which memories and thoughts will go into each section of your autobiography.

Step #4 Choose the right style to write in

The writing style will often determine the structure and language used in your autobiography. A few best sources of resources for this include:

First-person narrative: This is the most common style for autobiographies, as it allows you to write directly about your own experiences.

Third-person narrative: This style can be used if you want to write about someone else’s life or if you want to distance yourself from the events of your story.

Episodic storytelling: This style is perfect for stories full of interesting anecdotes and memories.

You will also want to decide on the overall tone of your autobiography.

• Do you want it to be serious or light-hearted?
• What kind of language do you want to use?
• What kind of emotions do you want to evoke in your readers?

Answering these questions will help you determine the overall tone and approach you to want to take with your story.

Step #5 Organize the story of your life into chapters

If your autobiography is going to be long, you will need to organize it into chapters so that readers can easily follow your story.

Start by dividing your life into major sections, such as childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, etc. You can then further divide your experiences into smaller chapters within each of these sections. For example, if you are writing about your childhood, you might have chapters on your family, home, friends, etc.

Once you have divided your life into sections and chapters, you can start thinking about the specific details you want to include. This is where your outline from the previous step will come in handy. Use your outline to determine which memories and thoughts will go into each section of your autobiography.

Step #6 Create your first draft

Now that you have all of your memories and thoughts organized, you can start writing your first draft. This draft does not need to be perfect – in fact, it shouldn’t be! The goal of this draft is to get all of your thoughts and experiences down on paper.

Start by writing a general introduction to your story. This should include the basic facts about your life, such as your name, where you grew up, and your early years. Next, start writing about each topic you included in your outline. Write freely and without judgment – this is for your eyes only!

Step #7 Get feedback from friends and family

Once you have written the first draft of your autobiography, it is time to get feedback from your friends and family. Ask them to read your story and give their honest opinion. Do they think it is interesting? Does it flow well? Are there any parts that are confusing or could be improved?

Getting feedback from other people will help you see your story from a different perspective and give you some valuable insights into how to make your story even better.

Step #8 Edit and revise your autobiography

Once you have received feedback from your friends and family, it is time to edit and revise your autobiography. This is where you will start to fine-tune your story and turn it into something truly special.

Start by reading through your story and making any necessary changes. Then, ask someone else to read it and give you their feedback. Repeat this process until you are happy with the results.

Proofreading is also an important step in the editing process. Be sure to read through your story multiple times and look for any typos or grammatical errors.

Step #9 Publish your autobiography

Once you are happy with the final version of your autobiography, it is time to start thinking about how you want to publish it. If you are planning to self-publish, there are several different options that you can choose from.

If you are interested in getting your autobiography published by a traditional publishing house, you must submit a query letter to them. This short letter introduces your story and explains why you think it would be a good fit for their publishing company .

If you are not interested in self-publishing or traditional publishing, there are still several other options that you can choose from. For example, you could create an e-book or audiobook version of your autobiography, and you could also submit your story to magazines or websites that accept personal essays.

No matter how you choose to publish your autobiography, share it with your friends and family. They will be proud of your accomplishment and enjoy reading about your life.

Promoting your autobiography

Suppose you have published your autobiography; congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment that you should be very proud of.

Once your autobiography is published, you will need to promote it if you want people to read it. There are several different ways that you can do this.

One way to promote your autobiography is to create a website or blog where you can share information about your book. You can also use social media to spread the word about your book. Be sure to use hashtags and post links to your book’s sales page on Twitter and Facebook.

Another way to promote your autobiography is to give interviews about it. You can do this in person, on the radio or television, or online. This is a great way to generate interest in your book and reach a wider audience.

You can also hold events to promote your book. For example, you could host a book signing or reading. You could also give a talk about your book at a local library or community center.

Social media, email, book signings, interviews, and other events are great ways to promote your autobiography. By taking the time to promote your book, you will be able to reach a larger audience and sell more copies.

No matter how you choose to promote your autobiography, be sure to put in the effort if you want, people to read it.

Autobiography vs. Biography

The author is the essential distinction between biography and autobiography writing. The person whose life is chronicled in the book writes their autobiography. On the other hand, biographies may be written by anybody and about anybody.

The process of writing an autobiography is not an easy one.

Our life is a story of our own life. Even if we do not feel that much to write about, you can still make it quite interesting with the help of being an awesome, real-life example for it.

It requires you to remember many details and facts, which may sound boring. To help you with this task, we have prepared a list of useful tips that will make your writing process much easier.

Autobiography vs. Memoir

The nonfiction genre known as a memoir is closely connected to an autobiography, but they are not the same thing. An autobiography, in particular, is a first-person account of the author’s entire life. A memoir is more like a multi-period journey within an author’s life than a chronicle of the whole life story.

10 Tips on How to Start Autobiography About Yourself

The top 10 tips for writing an autobiography are sprinkled throughout this article exactly where you will need them.

So, let’s get started!

1 – Consider a theme

Themes are used to structure many autobiographies, and becoming is a great illustration. The book’s title contains the words “becoming” in each section. Each portion of the autobiography is linked to an elevated theme. Include stories from your past that shaped your present-day perspective and way of life.

The first draft is the draft that you created after all these things. This can be written almost like a diary, but it should be focused and concise. However, this draft should not look like an autobiography: too short or too long. The main thing in your first draft is to have fun!

2 – Skip the irrelevant parts

Every meal, automobile ride, and a terrifying trip to the supermarket isn’t necessary to describe unless you came across the Russian Mafia at the veggies or at the grocery store, which is perched.

Start editing your biography. The last thing you want to do is get a friend or family member with editing skills to look at your stuff because they’ll make fun of you (unless, of course, it’s good). Some suggestions on what editing does: It makes sure the piece flows smoothly; this could be done by cutting out sentences or using better transitions between ideas. A summary would also help since people often lose interest if there isn’t one and aren’t interested.

3 – Captivate, but don’t chronicle

Always keep in mind how to make each part, chapter, page, paragraph, and sentence more interesting. You want to tell the truth, but it’s up to you how you do it. Build anticipation, rivalry, and secrecy. Let the drama linger until it becomes unpleasant. Don’t try to fix things immediately or remove tension.

4 – Do you write it in the future tense?

When it comes to writing in the future tense, it’s a little tricky. The majority of autobiographies follow a step-by-step structure and recall events that have already happened. The reader is transported from one beginning to another, and even to the present, via this procedure.

You can be the reader of your autobiography. Just start writing about the events that happened to you, and tell them in the most simple way possible so that the reader will feel like reading it themself.

The story usually concludes there, but the end is frequently written in the present tense. If you want to bet or anticipate your goals, dreams, or fears for the future, basic principles of tense apply.

5 – Write in first-person narrative

Traditional biographies need third-person writing, but the third-person voice may sound arrogant in the autobiography style.

An autobiography is a first-person account of the author’s life, written by them alone. It may also be partly based on first-person experiences described in the third person by someone else who was present during them and told from this second-person perspective. The story can include events that happened to others and things that have been changed because their authors didn’t want anyone to know about them at all!

6 – Include dialogue snippets

Use quotation marks the same way you’d use them in a novel. Show short back-and-forth tennis matches between characters in which they discuss. Remember to leave out the mundane parts!

7 – Select a particular tone

Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants is one of the more humorous autobiographies. Some, such as Andre Agassi’s Open, are more serious. Select an overall tone and stick with it, as your tale (like most tales) will likely include a variety of feelings.

8 – Write a catchy title

Your title shouldn’t be dull, and your autobiographical writing shouldn’t be. Jane Doe: An Autobiography is one title to avoid. You aren’t forcing anyone to read it unless you’re famous. Jane Doe: The Tale of My Life is another dull book.

9 – Don’t do grammar mistakes!

The grammar errors in the essay make the reader believe that you do not write it. Even amateurs like us can spot grammar mistakes and bad usage, especially if we compare your autobiography with other autobiographical essays. Before writing an autobiography, see how much space there is for you on the paper.

Then keep thinking about where I will start writing and what direction I should take to captivate my readers right away without giving them time to get bored of the writing style.

10 – Write the story in scenes or vignettes

Each vignette has a beginning, middle, and end. It is a small story, and each vignette progresses as you click. Instead of describing the experience to the reader, each vignette should be described in rich sensory language that depicts the experience. Each vignette is multi-sensory, immediate, and personal.

Final Words

Autobiographies are a great way to connect with your readers on a more personal level and can be a great source of inspiration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for some tips on how to start one, we’ve put together a list of top 10 tips that will help you get started! We also have a few FAQs to answer any remaining questions you may have. Do you have any advice on autobiography writing? Share it with us in the comments below!

FAQs on writing your Autobiography

How do i know if my autobiography is interesting enough to be published.

Answer: There is no one answer to this question, as the best way to find out is to write and submit your autobiography for review. The best places to submit your work include Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Once your autobiography is accepted, you will need to follow all the publisher’s guidelines. This includes submitting a finished manuscript, getting a copyedited and proofread copy, and making sure your book is formatted correctly. Once you have completed all of these steps, the next step is to promote your book. This can be done through social media, blog postings, and more. Make sure to set a schedule for promoting your book and stick to it! You also want to make sure to price your book affordably so that as many people can purchase it. Finally, be patient – promoting a book is not an overnight process.

Why is writing in the first person important in an autobiography?

Answer: A first-person book is a personal memoir, and it requires the first-person experience to tell its story. The author of first-person books must write from their own experience, which helps them bring readers into the world they inhabit and makes them feel as if they are experiencing things with that character or sometimes through them themselves — such as what it’s like for someone who has had an eating disorder to try on clothes at different sizes (as described in Anne-Marie Slaughter’s “The Beauty Myth”).

What is a good topic for an autobiography?

Answer: Many different topics could make great fodder for an autobiography, and the sky is the limit! If you have a compelling story, then an autobiography could be the perfect vehicle to tell it. Some of the most popular topics for autobiographies include life-changing events, overcoming adversity, and personal growth. Once you have decided on a topic, it is important to develop a plan. This includes planning out the content, developing a writing style that is easy to read and engaging, and scheduling time to write. Once you have completed your manuscript, it is important to edit it and ensure that all the details are correct. Remember, an autobiography reflects your life, so make sure that it is accurate and reflects your true personality. Finally, create a personal branding strategy and use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to market your book.

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How To Write An Autobiography

Learn How to Write an Autobiography Step by Step

12 min read

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Have you ever thought about capturing your life's adventures in an autobiography but felt lost at the starting line? 

Writing an autobiography can be a great way to preserve your memories, share lessons learned, and connect with future generations. Your story could inspire others, or simply entertain readers with tales of adventure and personal growth.

But the question is, how do you even start?

In this blog, you will get everything you need to know to start writing your autobiography. With practical tips and inspiring examples, you can craft a compelling, honest, and deeply personal story that truly captures the essence of who you are.

So let’s dive in!

• 1. What is an Autobiography?
• 2. Types of Autobiographies 
• 3. How to Write an Autobiography?
• 4. Elements of Autobiography 
• 5. Autobiography vs. Biography 
• 6. Autobiography Examples
• 7. Tips For Crafting an Excellent Autobiography

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a form of non-fiction narrative writing where the writer presents his/her own life. The purpose of an autobiography is to provide a firsthand account of the events and experiences from the author’s life.

An autobiography is a powerful way to tell your own story and leave a lasting legacy. Whether you're writing for yourself or for others, it can be a rewarding experience that helps you make sense of your life.

The Benefits of Writing an Autobiography 

Writing an autobiography offers profound benefits. Let’s take a look at some benefits: 

• Firstly, it serves as a therapeutic exercise , allowing individuals to reflect on their life journey. 
• Secondly, it preserves personal history , creating a tangible legacy for future generations. 
• Additionally, the process enhances communication skills , as authors articulate their experiences, emotions, and insights. Moreover, sharing one's story can inspire and resonate with others, fostering empathy and connection. 
• Lastly, crafting an autobiography hones writing abilities , promoting a structured narrative and introspective thinking. 

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Types of Autobiographies 

There are four main literary forms of autobiography. Let’s examine them one by one: 

Type 1 of 4: Intellectual Autobiography

In this form, individuals focus on their intellectual development, detailing the evolution of their thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. 

Examples include "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" by Mahatma Gandhi, where he reflects on his philosophical and political journey.

Type 2 of 4: Religious/Spiritual Autobiography

Centered around faith and spirituality, these autobiographies delve into an individual's religious experiences and beliefs. 

"The Confessions" by Saint Augustine is a classic example, chronicling his spiritual transformation and journey towards Christianity.

Type 3 of 4: Thematic Autobiography

Thematic autobiographies revolve around a specific theme or aspect of the author's life. It could be their career, relationships, or a particular passion.  An example is "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, which explores her journey of self-discovery through travel, spirituality, and love.

Type 4 of 4: Fictional Autobiography

This unique form blends reality with imagination. Authors may use their lives as a foundation but embellish or alter details to create a fictionalized narrative. 

"Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" by Jeanette Winterson is an example, of blending autobiography with elements of fiction to explore her upbringing and coming-of-age.

Each type offers a distinctive lens through which authors can share their stories, allowing for diverse and engaging autobiographical narratives.

How to Write an Autobiography?

Writing an autobiography can be tough, especially if you don’t know where to begin. 

But don’t worry! Here is a simple step-by-step process that you can follow to write your autobiography.

Step 1. Read Some Autobiographies

Before you start writing your own autobiography, it is a great idea to read some autobiographies written by other authors.

This will give you an understanding of what makes a good autobiography and help you find inspiration for your own story.

There are many great autobiographies you could choose from.

For instance, you could read autobiographies by Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and many other authors. 

Step 2. Note Down Significant Events From Your Life

Take some time to reflect on your life and write down a list of significant events. This is the brainstorming phase. 

Try to think of events that changed or affected you, both positively and negatively. Think about how these events connect to each other and led to the person you are today.

Step 3. Choose a Theme to Focus on

Once you have your list of significant events, it is time to choose a theme to focus on. This could be something like overcoming adversity, learning from your mistakes, or a special turning point. 

Choose a theme that resonates with you and reflects the journey that you have been through in life.

Step 4. Reflect About Yourself

When writing an autobiography, you should ask the right questions. It will help you set the direction of your autobiography. Here are a few ideas that will help you reflect:

• What are your defining characteristics and qualities?
• How did different events shape you as a person?
• What challenges have you faced in your life, and how did you overcome them?
• What impact did other people (friends, family, teachers, etc.) have on your life?
• What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
• What are the values that have motivated you at different stages of your life?

Step 5. Create an Outline

Once you have brainstormed and reflected on yourself, it is time to create an outline for your autobiography. 

This will help organize your thoughts and make it easier for you to write. Your outline should include the major events from your life, relevant details about those events, and how they are connected. 

You can structure your outline chronologically or thematically. Outlining will make sure that the structure of your work is logical.

Step 6. Start Writing the First Draft

Once you have finished your outline, it is time to start writing. 

Start an autobiography by introducing yourself and the story that you are about to tell.  Then, move on to writing about the significant events in your life. 

Remember to keep it simple and focus on the theme that you have chosen for your autobiography.  You can do that by simply sticking to the outline. This will help you create a cohesive story.

Step 7. Proofread, Edit, and Revise Your Work

Once you are done with the first draft of your autobiography, set it aside for a few days. Then come back to it and read it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Look out for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Also, check if you have included all the relevant details that you wanted to include in your autobiography. 

If necessary, make changes and add more details wherever needed. Remember that proofreading and editing is an important part of the writing process, so take your time.

Step 8. Get Feedback

Once you are done with the editing and revising, you should get professional feedback before you publish your work.

Share your autobiography with family and friends who can give you honest feedback. This will help make sure that the story is cohesive and interesting to read. 

By getting feedback from other people, you can make sure that your autobiography is the best it can be. 

Now you know the instructions to learn how to write an autobiography. Make sure you follow the correct autobiography format to get your ideas across in an organized way. 

Elements of Autobiography 

Here are the five essential elements that must be included in your autobiography:

• Describing Your Origins:  An autobiography must include your personal origin story. For instance, where were you born, your family history, and how you grew up?
• Describing Significant Experiences: Your autobiography should describe events and personal experiences that shaped your life. These are the moments that readers are actually interested in and get inspired by.
• Reflection on Your Life Moments: Life is full of highs and lows. So reflect on important details and key events of your life. What life lessons have you learned? Which people and events shaped you as a person? Answering such questions can make your autobiography really valuable.
• Catchy and Compelling Title: The title must be compelling enough to reflect the person’s memories or struggles. So, having generic or boring titles won't do the job.
• First-Person Point-of-View: Autobiographies are written from a first-person narrative voice. Writing in the first person reinforces the fact that the writer is telling his/her own story.

Autobiographical Essay Structure

An autobiographical essay typically follows a chronological structure, guiding readers through key phases of the author's life.

Here is an autobiographical essay sample template:

Autobiography vs. Biography 

The major difference between a biography and an autobiography is that an autobiography is written by the subject themselves. Whereas, a biography is written by a third person.

Here are the key differences between autobiography vs. biography.

If you are interested in detailed reading about the differences between autobiography and biography check out our autobiography vs. biography blog!

Autobiography vs. Memoir

While memoirs and autobiographies share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two.

For instance, writing a memoir focuses on a specific period, experience, or theme in the author's life. In contrast, an autobiography is a comprehensive account of a person's life story from birth to the present day. 

Below are some key differences between an autobiography and a memoir but if you want to learn in detail read our autobiography vs. memoir blog!

To understand and learn more about memoirs, check out this video:  

Autobiography Examples

Now that you know what an autobiography is, you might want to read some good ones. So here are some great autobiographies you can start with:

• In Order To Live By Yeonmi Park (2015)
• Permanent Record By Edward Snowden (2019)
• Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (1994)
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965)
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (2013)

Let's take a look at some how to write an autobiography sample pdfs which can help you write captivating autobiographies:

How To Write An Autobiography Introduction

How To Write An Autobiography Essay Example

How To Write An Autobiography About Yourself Examples

How To Write An Autobiography About Someone Else

How To Write An Autobiography of Myself Example

How To Write a Student Autobiography

How To Write an Autobiography For College

How To Write an Autobiography For School

Tips For Crafting an Excellent Autobiography

Here are some tips and techniques that will make your autobiography truly inspiring:

• Be Honest and Authentic: 

Your autobiography should be an honest reflection of your life experiences. So don't be afraid to be vulnerable and share personal details. Authenticity is key when it comes to writing a compelling autobiography.

• Focus on Key Themes and Ideas: 

Instead of trying to include every single detail, focus on key themes and ideas that are important to you. This will help you create a more cohesive and structured autobiography.

• Use Descriptive Language

To make your autobiography more engaging, use descriptive language that helps readers visualize your experiences. Use sensory details to describe the sights, sounds, and emotions of your memories.

• Show, Don't Tell 

Instead of simply telling readers what happened, show them through specific examples and anecdotes. This will help bring your experiences to life and make them more relatable.

• Use Dialogue

Including dialogue in your autobiography can make it feel more like a story and help readers connect with your experiences. Use dialogue to bring your characters to life and add depth to your writing.

• Keep Your Audience in Mind

When writing your autobiography, consider who your target audience is and what they might be interested in reading about. This can help you tailor your writing to your readers and make your autobiography more relatable and engaging.

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Writing Techniques to Use in an Autobiography

Writing an autobiography requires a thoughtful approach to convey your life story in a compelling and engaging manner. Here are some writing techniques you can use:

• Theme and Purpose: Clearly define the theme or purpose of your autobiography. What message or insight do you want to share with your readers? Understanding your purpose will help you structure your narrative.
• Clear Narrative: Maintain a clear and coherent narrative throughout your autobiography. Ensure that each chapter or section contributes to the overall story, and transitions smoothly from one event or period to the next.
• Chronological Order: Organize your life events in chronological order. This helps readers follow the natural progression of their lives and understand the cause-and-effect relationships between different events.
• Humor and Wit: If appropriate, inject humor into your narrative. Life often includes funny or ironic moments, and adding a touch of humor can make your autobiography more engaging and relatable.
• Symbolism and Metaphor: Use symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper meanings or themes. This can add layers to your storytelling and make your autobiography more thought-provoking.

By following these tips and techniques, you can craft an interesting autobiography that will attract and inspire your readers.

To conclude, 

Now you know what an autobiography is and how to write a perfect one. Writing your life story may not seem an easy task at first. But thinking and reflecting about the past will help you understand yourself better and write an amazing autobiography.   If it still sounds like a difficult task for you, don’t worry! 

MyPerfectWords.com is here to solve all your writing troubles. Get in touch with us and get your autobiography essay written by experts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an autobiography look like.

Autobiography is about famous people. Like a biography, your autobiography should include information about when and where you were born, how you are like other people who live in the same place, what you like to do, and special events that have happened to you.

What should a short autobiography include?

A short autobiography should include the following points:

• Your current job title
• Your company name or personal brand statement
• Your hometown
• Your alma mater
• Your personal and professional goals
• A relevant achievement or accomplishment
• Your hobbies

Is autobiography written in the first person?

An autobiography is a story about the author's life. It can be written in first-person, which means you can use "I" and "me." But most academic writing for college does not allow you to use I or me.

What are some autobiographical books?

Some popular autobiographical books are:

• "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank, 
• “Long Walk To Freedom” by Nelson Mandela,
• "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom,
• “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai, and 
• "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou. 

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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How we work, guide on how to write the best autobiography of myself.

Writing autobiography can be nerve-wracking that you can barely start a single letter on. But there are also some instances when the story just keeps on flowing that you won’t even know when to stop. With these two cases, just continue on writing your bio and review all the details you were about to get out from yourself after that. In order to be effective, learn first how to write an autobiography of myself by starting with the basic definition of an autobiography.

What Is an Autobiography?

An autobiography came from the Greek word autos, which means self, bios, which means life, and graphein , which means to write. In a simple explanation, autobiography is when you learn how to write a life story about yourself. It is a narrative of your story, written in your voice, and seen in your perspective. If we’re talking about a company you should know that stories about company success are becoming more and more important today. To learn more about it go to  corporate story biography writing .

There are some who believe that autobiographies are waste of time since they are a biased narrative of events and are heavily influenced by someone’s inaccurate memory. Autobiographies are usually incomplete since they only cover the important events of a person and those that the person remembers the most.

How Do You Start an Autobiography?

If you want to learn how to make an autobiography, start with the basics. Plan how you are able to approach the writing proper task. While it may be true that it seems like an easy essay that depicts a part of your life, writing a biography of yourself will demand more from you. In planning to write your autobiography, here are the things you have to remember and take into account:

• Define your purpose for writing your autobiography
• As you write your draft, always consider your audience
• Generate ideas for your autobiography and put it in writing
• Choose the important stories you want to be part of your autobiography
• Complete an outline for your draft

After considering these factors, the next step is writing a draft. Start by looking through the best autobiography openings you can find and figure out which you can use as a model. Make sure that you write in the first person since that’s what autobiographies are all about. Never switch back to second-person or third-person and be consistent in using the first person point of view throughout the entire content.

When you begin to write the story, never forget to describe the setting in a manner that the reader will be able to feel like actually being there. Don’t be too dramatic or ramble in your introduction. Just make sure that you are able to catch the reader’s attention with your first line.

Let the story flow out of you. Make sure that it does not run all over the place and that it is leading somewhere. Never skip over important facts in your story and conclude your story with a bang. After drafting, editing is the next task you have in store. Some tips in editing that you can consider include:

• Reading the piece over the over again
• Check if the dialogues are placed in appropriate locations
• Include vivid and descriptive details
• Make the storytelling interesting by going non-chronological
• Make sure to embed your personality in your writing

If you are having a hard time on how to start an autobiography, you can choose the help of the experts. Hire autobiography help to make it a lot easier on your part.

What Are the Main Differences Between Biography and Autobiography?

Biographies and autobiographies are usually interchanged. These terms confuse people but the difference between the two is actually simple. It is literally due to the point of view of the storyteller.

A biography is a narrative of a life story of a person told from the perfective of another person. On the other hand, an autobiography is a narrative of a person written by that same person.

Another difference is that most autobiographies are incomplete considering the person writing it is still alive and has lots more of stories to tell while biographies are usually completed and concluded.

Learning how to write a short autobiography is easy given the existence of the online world and its abundant content. You can also easily search sites and accounts of popular bio creator and learn from there.

What You Should Know about Writing Your Own Bio

There is a good chance that if you haven’t had to write a bio already, that you may have to in the future. A bio is required of many job applicants, it is used on many networking sites, freelancers have to have one for potential clients and if you have a website or blog connected to your business, you should probably have one. Bios provide a concise summary of who a person is and what they do, while at the same time, they allow a bit of personality to come through. There are basically two main functions your bio should perform: 1) establish your credentials and qualifications; 2) create enough interest so the reader will want to know more.

What to Consider When Writing a Bio about Yourself

When writing your bio, you need to make sure that you include the following in order:

• Professional or business experience as well as current employment
• Completed presentations or publications
• Professional memberships that you have
• Certifications, honors, and awards you have received
• Contact information so your reader will know where to get more information about you

Tips for Writing Your Own Bio

The following are some tips that can be useful when writing your own bio:

• Identify your audience.  To create an effective bio you need to determine who will be reading your bio and what impression you want them to have. The purpose of your bio will help identify the audience. For a job application the audience will be employers, for a speaking engagement the audience will be comprised of people interested in the topic you are speaking on.
• Use other peoples bios as a guide.  You may be thinking “I can’t write my bio by copying somebody else” and you would be correct. However, if you like how the bio structure, there is nothing wrong with presenting your own information using the same structure.
• Only include relevant information.  A typical bio is less than a page. You should only include information relevant to your purpose.
• Write first and revise later.  On your first draft don’t worry too much about length and include anything that might be good. You can go back and revise. Many people tend to freeze up when the try and revise as they write and end up with nothing.
• Have somebody else read your bio.  Somebody who can be objective and give an honest opinion preferably. It is hard to be objective when writing about yourself.

Our company offers bio writing and editing services if you have problems writing the bio. Just ask us to “write my bio for me” and we will handle the task for you.

Need Biography Help?

Writing your own bio means having to spend hours or days even to really get down to the nitty-gritty of your life’s history to get the information you need for your biography. If you want to spare yourself from spending endless hours working on your bio, you should consider hiring a professional writing company like us to handle this for you. Our bio writing service specializes in biographies and because of this, you can rest easy knowing that your own bio will be in good hands.

It doesn’t matter how fast you need it, how long or short you want it, once you send us the details of your order and paid for our fees, we’ll immediately assign a professional bio writer to you to work on your bio.

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The bio writing service we provide offers bio writing and editing for any type of bio. We use professional writers who specialize in writing bios and all of our writers have extensive bio writing experience. Benefits of using our service include:

• Any bio you receive will be completely original and tailored to meet your specific requirements.
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Saturday, May 3, 2014

69 awesome and awful autobiography titles.

8 comments:

LOL: Hitch-22

Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me (R. Kelly) Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You?: A Memoir (George Clinton)

larger than life [eddie large]

Thanks for this list. It gave me the idea to create the best Autobiography Quotes. Keep up with the good work!

this helped me a lot with homework

Wow.great post.

lolol very punny !

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Student Autobiography: Examples, Outline, & Autobiography Format for Students

A student autobiography is a short paper written by a person about their life, achievements, and goals. You often need to compose one when entering a college or when applying for work. Your autobiography shows your attitude towards the chosen path. This is how you let the committee or employer know that you do want to get the position.

We’ve prepared for you a step-by-step guide that will help you write the perfect student autobiography. You will learn the difference between a biography, an autobiography, and a memoir. Then we will explain how to define a goal and outline your essay. In addition, you’ll find autobiography examples for high school and college students at the end of this article. Keep reading and write a remarkable student autobiography using our tips!

• 🆚 Biography vs. Autobiography

📝 Autobiography Format for Students

• 👣 Step-by-step Writing Guide

✏️ Short Autobiography of Myself as a Student: Example

• 👀 Student Autobiography Examples

🆚 Biography vs. Autobiography: What’s the Difference?

Biography versus autobiography. What is the difference between them?

• A biography is a story about a person written by someone else;
• An autobiography is a narration about its author.

Of course, they have many other differences and similarities.

The table below compares these two types of texts.

A common way to structure an autobiography is the past-present-future approach. This way, you can reflect on your past experiences and how they have shaped your present identity and future goals.

In the following table, you’ll find the autobiography’s main parts and great ideas for constructing a compelling narrative of your life.

👣 7 Steps to a Perfect Student Autobiography

Now let’s write a creative student autobiography! We are sure that every person has something exciting to share with others. With our guide below, you’ll be able to express your own experience.

Step 1: Determine Your Goal

The first thing you are to do before writing an autobiography is to define your goal. What are you writing your autobiography for? What is your audience? Are there any requirements? Most student autobiographies feature a similar format. However, if there are any special requirements, you should take them into account.

Below are five questions to help you set up a goal.

Step 2: Outline Your Autobiography

Start working on your student autobiography by creating your life’s timeline . It will help you structure your thoughts in a logical order and see the big picture. Then look at the list of events and choose those worth describing in the text. It is also a good idea to think of the people you will mention.

Once you’ve decided which facts to include, it’s time to draft an outline of your autobiography. A typical one consists of the following parts:

• Introduction . This section provides a general idea of who you are, what your goal is, etc. Your aim here is to grab your reader’s attention. You can do this by starting with a hook or by writing an engaging thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. It could be your goal or a childhood dream you are trying to bring to life.
• Body. This is the base of your text that should contain a description of the events selected before you start creating the outline. You might want to briefly describe your family , childhood , and hobbies . Share something personal that not many people know about. It is also a good idea to talk about your cultural background and the things you like about it. Feel free to write about your achievements and skills. Any small victory will do . It will help if you mention some of your failures but state that you have coped with them. The next thing is to present your future goals and prospects. Where does the college or job you applying for to get fit into your plans?
• Conclusion . The last paragraph of a student autobiography should summarize its main ideas. The conclusion should be more or less the same size as an introduction. Formulate the main idea of your text in one sentence. Repeat here why you want to enter a college or get a job.

Student Autobiography Outline Example

Below you’ll find an outline for an autobiography that could be written by a student who is applying for admission to a vocal department of a college.

• Basic info about the author: name, age, the city they live in.
• Thesis statement: I feel empowered to make a meaningful contribution to art as a vocalist.
• When I was a child, I enjoyed watching talent shows with singers and wanted to be like them. My parents sent me to music school, and a path to my dream began.
• I gave many concerts as a soloist in the choir. I took part in several singing competitions. It was not easy to get the victory, especially with such professional competitors. But I have not given up and practiced my skills, so I have managed to win some of them.
• Now the project of my life is to go further and become a professional vocalist. I would like to go to this college because I believe that you have the best professors that help students develop excellent singing skills.
• Since my childhood, I have done everything I could to sing professionally. The next step to my dream is to enter and graduate from college.

Step 3: Start Writing Your Autobiography

Now, after you have prepared an autobiography outline, let’s proceed to the writing itself. You have already completed the most challenging part. In the introduction, you might want to write a catchy and creative thesis statement or a hook that will draw the reader’s attention.

BTW, if you need any help with formulating a thesis statement, you can use our free thesis maker .

Here are some ideas for your introduction:

• I wondered, how can I become a desired position ?
• The desired position inspires many people to be better. That is why I have chosen this path.
• I decided to enter the name of college , just like my relative/friend did.

Step 4: Write the Body

The body part is the most important one because here you write about your life in detail. You need to expand on the topics you have touched upon in the outline. Be honest and write whatever you find interesting. When you come to the difficult period of your life, do not write about yourself as a victim of circumstances. You need to prove yourself strong and committed to your goal.

Make sure your paragraphs are in a logical order and do not contradict each other in any way. Use linking words to connect the paragraphs coherently. If you do not know how to use them, look at the paragraphs’ examples later in the article!

Step 5: Conclude Your Autobiography

The conclusion is the part where you paraphrase the ideas you have stated in the introduction. Here you also need to summarize the points you have made in the body. Need help with making a summary quickly? Use our free summarizing tool !

Then you need to define the central idea of the autobiography about yourself in one or two sentences. It has to be short, simple, and memorable so that the committee would remember you.

Please do not forget to pay more attention to your goals and plans. Explain how the place you are applying for is going to help you in achieving them. Be sure to add why you think you will fit the position.

Step 6: Title Your Autobiography

We recommend that you do not choose a title for your student autobiography before writing the text itself. This must be the second last step you take because you do not know what your essay is going to be. You may consider some titles after you have composed an outline .

The purpose of the title is to attract attention and be remembered by the reader. The last thing you want to do is to create a boring heading. Write a catchy or inspiring phrase, your motto, or something that characterizes your life journey.

Here are some examples of good and bad titles:

Step 7: Proofread & Relax

The last step you will take is to give yourself a day or at least a couple of hours break. Then read through your autobiography again and check for errors. Maybe you want to add or change something? If the final result suits you, then you have done a great job and can relax. Congratulations, you have your autobiography written!

You might need to write an autobiography when applying to college, seeking scholarships, or as a form of self-reflection. We created a short example to use as a helpful reference for crafting your autobiography. Check it out!

Ralph Emerson once wrote that every artist was first an amateur. My journey as an art student has been a colorful canvas of experiences shaped by a deep-rooted passion for creativity. From a young age, I was immersed in a world of artistic expression, surrounded by the vibrant strokes of my parents’ masterpieces. Growing up in a household where creativity flowed like a river, I was inspired to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Today, I find myself fully immersed in the world of art, navigating the rich tapestry of art history and contemporary trends. Through my studies, I have had the privilege of honing my craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors, each imparting invaluable insights that have further enriched my artistic journey. Looking towards the future, I aspire to bring my vision to life through my first solo exhibition, where I can share my art with the world. I’m excited about what’s to come and determined to leave a mark in the art world with my work.

👀 Student Autobiography: Examples

In this section, you’ll find great autobiography examples for high school and college students. Use them for inspiration and as templates. They are written as a paper to enter a college in the first case and to get a job with the second. Read them through, and you will be ready to compose your bio!

Autobiography Example for High School Students

A dream i want to share with others.

Autobiography Example for College Students

It turned out not as i expected.

Congrats, now you know everything you need to write an exciting autobiography! We hope our article and student autobiography examples were useful to you. Check out the FAQ section to get rid of all the remaining questions and start writing your essay as soon as possible!

❓ Student Autobiography FAQ

How to start an autobiography.

The first sentence of your autobiography contains your name, age, and status (a high-school student, a college student, or your profession). Then you should present yourself in more detail. What your family is, where you were born and what school you went to. It is very easy and you do not have to imagine anything.

How to conclude an autobiography?

In your autobiography conclusion, you should restate a thesis if you have one and summarize the key points of your text. You don’t have to give any new information here. Make sure you have written about your goals and expectations for the college or job you want to get. Those who will read your essay have to know why you are interested in the position.

How to title an autobiography?

Remember to title your autobiography after it is written. Read your paper through and identify its main idea. What have you emphasized and paid most attention to? Point it out in the title, but do not exaggerate, be confident. It would be best if you draw attention to your person so that the committee or an employer wishes to read it.

How long should an autobiography be?

It depends on your goal. If you want to describe your life to a vast audience, you may write a book of any length you want. When you need to get a job or enter a college, the appropriate size of an autobiography is five paragraphs.

🔗 References

• Autobiography | Definition, History, Types, Examples, & Facts
• Autobiography | Definition of Autobiography by Merriam-Webster
• 9 Tips For Writing Your Autobiography | Everyday Health
• Writing My Autobiography: A Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
• The Autobiography of a Student – JSTOR
• Memoir | Definition of Memoir at Dictionary.com