writing a book/biography - how ?

[Iggle Piggle]

Any ideas how an autobiography is written?
Some think I have so far led an interesting, if rather illegal life, and I am thinking of putting my activities down under a pen name.
I don't think my life has been that interesting, but someone might find it so, and besides, I could do with the money !!

[saxy_jag]

That would be an autobiography or a memoir.

Don't start with any plan in mine - just start writing. Write as and when anything comes to mind, adding as you go. Best way to do it is to start each session on a new sheet of looseleaf paper, and keep it in a folder. When you've got a substantial amount together, then start to sort it into some sort of order. Someone with a modicum of editorial skill should be drafted in to help you with this, if only to give you a fresh eye over it.

Edit, re-edit, then edit again, then proof read it several times and get others to do the same.

You're unlikely to make money from it unless it's exceptional, or unless you're really famous. However, it can be a way of gaining some local notoriety if you advertise it in the right places. Through my work, I buy lots of this stuff for a local studies department of a library service, and we usually get to hear about books via family and local history societies etc. Some are published by small press, some self-published, but nevertheless there is a small - if not highly lucrative - market for them.

Just a plug, you could do worse than sign up to Writers' Dock - http://www.writersdock.org/index.php - lots of writers, published, professional and not (and that includes me) who would be willing to give you advice, support and, if you want it, some constructive criticism on your work. I haven't seen too many memoir writers there, but the mods will always listen to a good idea for a new board.

Good luck.