I want to write a biography, but I have one crucial question!

*I placed this post in this section because my idea is not exactly a biography*

I am very interested in contacting a woman in regards to writing a sort of biography about her work and life. I have spent a lot of time researching the subject, the audience and the woman herself. I also have her direct contact information and the contact information of people within her organization.

My problem is, however, I am unsure of how to approach her. I know that she is very receptive to giving lectures and small interviews (not limited to people who have experience) which are meant to be published in one way or another, so I am sure she will at least respond to me. However, I want to write a full length book and I have no creditentials as an author, aside from a few scientific journal publications which I edited. Although I do have a BA in Anthropology, a field related to the subject matter, I know that these "creditentials" are basically worthless.

The other issue is that I can not send her any chapters or pre-written material since basically the entirety of the book will be based on what she says. I have the basic outline of what I want to focus on while interviewing her, but again, I can't really organize it advance because it is ultimately dependant on what topics she would wish to discuss. (It's a sensitive subject)

So my question is: How best should I approach her with my idea and make it sound earnist and professional despite my lack of experience?

I fully understand that she may turn me down regardless, and I am prepared for that. I simply want to present the idea to her in the absolute best way I can so as not to inadvertantly blow the chance.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

aka eraser said:

One approach might be as an admirer, as it seems you are. Fan letters can often lead to personal and professional relationships.

If that doesn't feel right for whatever reason, you might consider contacting her for an interview for a magazine or newspaper piece. (It would help if you sold a mag or paper on the idea first but isn't essential. She may grant an interview for a "proposed" article.)

I'm sure others will chime in with ideas.

Good luck. I hope it works out.

Click to expand...

Actually, I would have to approach her as an admirer, which I am. Nothing has been written about her since the late 70's, and she has done so much more in the field since then. She is an old lady now, and I feel it would be basically an injustice not to see something written about her life and work in her own words before she passes on. In case you're curious, she is a renown but contriversial paranormal investigator who has worked in the field for over 50 years. She has a literal gold mine of experience and is known for her willingness to share it with people, but nothing substantial has been written about her in 30 years.

I will consider approaching her for an article, if I (or someone here) can't come up with a better idea on how to sell the whole book idea to her. The last thing I want is to scare her off.

On the up side, I'm certain that anything I wrote based on interviewing her would be be highly in demand by virtually any magazine or (good) website devoted to the subject. Also, if I had a full length book, I am confidant that there would be several publishers that would be probably be interested based on the power of the subject matter alone. Of course getting to that point would take a lot of work on my part and I know it won't be easy.

I'm definitely not doing this to make money, however, and if I did in fact manage to get a book out of her, I would insure that she would get the majority of the financial profit up until the day she died. Part of my motivation is actually to help her financially in her old age. However, if all I can manage is an article I would give her all the procedes.

Anyway, thank you for the suggestion. Any others would also be appreciated.

Wow. Thank you all for the fantastic feedback! I read every reply carefully and I feel much more confidant about introducing myself to her now. I honestly expected the response here to be discouraging, but I wanted to get other people's opinion before I threw myself out there.

MarkEsq- I had read your posts and saw that your situation was similar and that yours tuned out succesful. Congratulations.

platinumscript- You are right, she is old now and time is of the essence in this situation. Her husband, who was her partner for 50 years died recently, and was that fact that made me have the realization that someone needs to interview her in-depth before she passes on too.

Anyway, thank you all again for the suggestions! I will get started soon on a letter to her.

MaryMumsy said:

Not soon, TODAY. Time has a way of getting away from you. (note to self: write that inquiry letter today)

MM

Click to expand...

Haha, actually that is what I meant, I just have to sit down and outline it first..get my ducks in a row.

Billingsgate said:

Please see the discussion on sharing royalties:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115984

Some of us strongly disagree with Platinumscript's advice to offer to share royalties on a biography. It is not a given that royalties are shared between biographer and subject. You need to make up your own mind about this.

Click to expand...

Thank you very much for the link to that post. It was very informative. I still feel that my potential subject should be entitled to some profits since it will be almost based entirely on her stories. In my case, I would be really fortunate if she allows me to do it at all! The last thing I want to do is come off as being self-serving because that is not my reason.
I have nothing published, so if this were to get published, it could launch a potential career for me. I'm coming to her, she is certainly not coming to me!

But the information was helpful. I knew that something should be drawn up in advance to avoid misunderstanding or conflict later and that thread gives me a better idea how to negotiate it.