Course Details
- Course Code: UKFEC16AWC
- Location: Online
- Duration: 20 hours
- Cost: £299.00
- Qualification: All modern browsers and devices
Further Details
- Course Access: 12 months
- Exams Included: Yes
- Compatibility: All major devices and browsers
Approved Course:
A004493
Autobiography Writing Diploma
The Autobiography Writing Diploma has all the information that any aspiring auto / biography writer needs to become successful in this writing genre in the UK. This course contains all the knowledge needed to write a commercially viable biography, and become an authority on your subject.
From choosing the right person, to interviewing techniques, to ensuring your writing brings your subject to life, this course covers it all. You will receive a comprehensive introduction to writing gripping biographies and a thorough understanding of how to achieve success in the biography industry.
Introduction to the Autobiographical Writing Diploma
This online course provides students with the opportunity to cover the diploma’s curriculum in their own time and at their own pace. Most students are able to complete the course in a reasonable amount of time while continuing to work full time.
As this course is online, this diploma is accessible from any device with an internet connection, and you will have access to online support during your study.
Before completing the course, you must pass a comprehensive test, covering the curriculum in detail, which will lead to the award of your certificate. You can download and print the certificate yourself at home, or we can post it to you for a small additional cost.
What You Will Learn
This Autobiography Writing Diploma has been designed to give students a comprehensive overview of how to become a biographical writer, and will set you on the route to success. This course will cover:
- What a biography is
- The practical aspects of becoming a writer
- The lives and works of famous biographers
- How to identify your target market
- Working with your chosen subject and an extensive list of interview questions
- The ethics of writing a biography, what to include and what to omit
- How to create a research plan, organise your research, and tell your subject’s story
- The technical aspects of writing and structure and keeping it interesting and dynamic
- Developing self-confidence and belief in your abilities
- Finding your own writing style
- Writing your autobiography
- Different publishing options, and how to approach publishers and deal with rejection
Benefits of the Biographical Writing Diploma
The Biographical Writing Diploma offers students the following benefits:
- The ability to study anywhere at times that suit you
- Study at your own pace, with no deadlines: complete it as quickly or as slowly as you like
- Use any internet enabled device to study on, including computers, tablets and mobile phones
- Follow the course easily thanks to short, informative modules, which make studying fun
- A convenient online support system, helping you to stay on track throughout the course
- A comprehensive curriculum, providing you with the knowledge you need to begin writing biographies
- Improved prospects when contacting publishers
- Earning a certified, recognised diploma
- An affordable cost
Course Modules/Lessons
Module 1: Introduction to Biographical Writing
- What is biographical writing?
- Why pursue biographical writing as a career?
- Why pursue autobiographical writing?
- The basics of what to include in a biography
Module 2 : What do you need to Become a Good Biographical Writer?
- What tools you'll need to become a biographical writer
- What personal skills a biographical writer should possess
- The upsides and downsides of working from home as a writer
- How to conduct great research and turn it into something interesting to read
Module 3 : Be Guided by the Best – a Look at other Successful Biographical Writers
- William Shawcross, journalist and biographer of the Shah of Iran and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
- Norman Mailer, novelist, playwright and Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Lee Harvey Oswald
- Robert Lacy, British historian and Royal biographer
- Andrew Morton, sensational biographical writer of Diana: Her True Story
Module 4: Identifying Your Target Demographic
- General tips on how to identify your target audience
- Why readers love big biographies
- Reasons why people should read more biographies, that may help you consider your target audience
- Where biographies are in the leading book genres
Module 5 : Interviewing and Working Closely with Your Subject
- Tips for a meaningful biographical interview
- Thoughts to keep in mind when conducting a life interview
- How to bond with your subject through their ancestors
- Some great biography interview questions - beyond the obvious
Module 6 : Undertaking Accurate and Thorough Research
- Different approaches to biographical research
- What to look for in a good biography - and what your readers will query
- How to conduct thorough research
- Getting it right - the importance of truth and accuracy
Module 7 : Planning the Full Biography
- The process of deciding a subject
- Formulating a research plan
- The steps to writing a biography - getting everything in order
- A basic biographical writing frame to elaborate on
Module 8 : How to Make Boring Facts Seem More Interesting
- Easy tips on how to fix a bad biography
- Why your subject's life story can seem boring, and how to make it better without embellishing the truth
- How to prevent boring your readers to sleep
- Considering the factors that could make your writing dull to read
Module 9 : Ensuring the Best Flow from Start to Finish
- The key ingredients to make your writing flow
- Drafting a fluid outline or biographical sketch
- Great transition words to ensure your writing isn't choppy
- Structuring your biographical details for flow and consistency
Module 10 : Improving Your Confidence and Sense of Purpose as a Biographical Writer
- How to build your writing confidence
- Secrets for writing with confidence
- How to overcome writer's doubt
- Tips for writing with a sense of purpose
Module 11 : Practical Writing Exercises in the Biography Writing Niche
- A miniature biography writing outline
- A quick and easy autobiographical exercise
- Choosing a brief biography and identifying how you could elaborate on it
- Simple writing exercises to get you thinking
Module 12 : Tackling Your Own Autobiography
- What an autobiography is and what should you include
- Ideas for getting started with your autobiography
- Organising your details and what you must consider
- Tips for making your biography more exciting
Module 13 : Dealing with Publishers and Selling Your Biography
- Publishing methods to consider and accumulating validation
- Whether you should consider the self-publishing route
- What to do if you get rejected and common reasons manuscripts are rejected
- Taking steps towards self-publishing or publishing online, along with several top tips for self-publishing
Example Certificate
A004493
FAQ's
-
Who can take the Autobiography Writing Diploma course?
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course. -
What is the structure of the course?
The course is broken down into 13 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience. -
Where / when can I study the course?
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move! -
Is there a test at the end of the course?
Once you have completed all 13 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 13 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing. -
What is the pass mark for the final test?
The pass mark for the test is 70%. -
What happens if I fail the test?
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course. -
When will I receive my certificate?
Once you have completed your test you can log in to your account and download/print your certificate any time you need it. If you would prefer us to post you a certificate to a UK address, there will be an admin charge of £10 (certificates sent internationally may cost more). -
How can I pay?
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal. -
How long after payment can I begin the course?
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details. -
How long does it take to complete the Autobiography Writing Diploma course?
We estimate that the course will take about 20 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test. -
How long is my certificate valid for?
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.