Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir: Differences Explained

You have a life story to tell, and you want to tell it well. But before you put pen to paper, it’s worth asking: What kind of book are you writing? Autobiography, biography, memoir…they might sound interchangeable, but they serve different purposes. And picking the right format can shape everything from your writing process to how your story connects with readers.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about which one fits your story best, don’t worry! Many writers mix them up. Let’s break down what makes each of these life-story genres unique—and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Autobiography, biography, memoir—what’s the difference?

All three genres share a common goal: telling a true story. But what is the difference between an autobiography and a biography? Or a memoir versus a biography? It’s the approach, perspective, and scope that sets them apart. In short,

• Autobiography is a story of someone’s entire life, written by the person who lived it.
• Biography tells someone’s life story, written by someone other than the subject.
• Memoir is a story, typically written in first person, about a specific memory, theme, or experience.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special—and how to know which is right for your nonfiction book!

What is an autobiography?

The main difference between autobiography and biography is that the former is your full life story, told by you—not someone else. It typically unfolds chronologically, beginning with your earliest memories and moving forward through experiences, milestones, and lessons learned.

Often written later in life, autobiographies help preserve a legacy, share hard-won wisdom, and give future generations insight into your journey. They’re as much about what happened as they are about what it all meant.

And when written well, an autobiography is not just meaningful—it’s unforgettable.

What makes an autobiography unique

• Your life story, told from your perspective and words
• Covers the full span of your life from early memories to present
• Emphasizes milestones like birth and upbringing, education and career, life experiences, challenges and achievements, and more
• Often includes journal entries, letters, or reflections to enrich the narrative

The goal here? To document your story in a way that helps readers see not just what happened but why it mattered.

Autobiographies to inspire you

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
How one woman shattered the barriers of being deaf and blind, driven by intellect and unwavering determination.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
A deeply poignant window into a young Jewish girl’s life in wartime hiding, filled with humanity, hope, and haunting insight.

Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
A glimpse at the life of an audacious business magnate and the entrepreneurial spirit and strategic escapades that shaped him.

What is a biography?

The difference between biography and autobiography is that the former is someone else’s story—researched, interpreted, and told by you. It requires deep curiosity, a journalist’s eye, and a strong narrative voice.

Biographies offer a wider lens. They don’t just look at what someone did or experienced—they explore why it mattered within the context of history, culture, and community.

The result? A powerful tribute that helps others learn from the subject’s journey—and maybe see theirs a little more clearly.

What makes a biography unique

• Written in the third person by someone other than the subject
• Rooted in external research: interviews, archives, letters, news articles, and more
• Often includes historical and cultural context to enrich the story
• Can focus on one person or a group whose lives intersected

Biographies are a powerful way to preserve legacy and shed light on lesser-known stories. If you’re drawn to history, journalism, or honoring a life that made a difference, biography might be your path.

Crafting your biography

Writing someone’s story? Creating a biography about someone else involves a deep dive into extensive research. First, you must immerse yourself in historical records to uncover key details. This includes engaging with sources like

• historians or specialists who have insights into the subject’s era and influence;
• friends, family, or colleagues who knew the subject and can provide rich, firsthand details; and
• existing books or media that help understand how the subject was viewed in their time.

This way, you can weave together a vivid, multidimensional portrayal that honors the subject’s legacy while providing readers with a compelling and informative narrative.

Biographies to inspire you

His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
A rich portrait of the leadership and legacy of America’s first president.

Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald W. Clark
A look at the extraordinary life of the world’s most iconic physicist.

Princess Diana: A Biography of the Princess of Wales by Drew L. Crichton
A captivating account of an icon whose influence and impact live on.

What is a memoir?

If you want to write about a powerful, intimate life experience, memoir is your format!

The word “memoir” comes from the French mémoire, meaning “memory” or “reminiscence.” And that’s exactly what a memoir is: a deeply personal recollection, centered not on your entire life story but on a certain moment (or moments) that defined it.

Some memoirs might be about a challenge you overcame or a season that transformed you. It could be about a personal passion or how you accomplished something big. Whatever the topic, a memoir dives deep into the personal meaning behind your story, offering readers emotional connection and insight.

Simply put, memoirs explore what something meant rather than what happened.

What makes a memoir unique

• Centers on a specific theme or experience in the author’s life that holds special meaning
• Typically written in first person or by someone who knew the subject well
• Relies less on external research and more on memories, personal journals, accounts, and more
• Can be nonlinear and organized by theme or emotional arc

Memoirs are more about meaning than memory. If there’s a story you feel compelled to share—not because it defines your entire life, but because it impacted you in some way—this is your format.

Crafting your memoir

Writing a memoir may mean sharing vulnerable moments of your life. To truly connect with your audience, it’s key to infuse your writing with your voice and personality, making it feel authentic and relatable.

Here’s how the process typically unfolds for even the most notable memoir authors:

• Identify the story: What are the emotional threads and experiences tying everything together? Is it about sharing a personal struggle, triumph, or perspective?
• Work collaboratively: Memoir writing is often a team effort. Professional writers or ghostwriters collaborate with the author to develop the storytelling through journals, letters, memories, and more.
• Conduct interviews: If you’re writing a memoir about someone else, interviews are incredibly important. They help surface untold personal insights and anecdotes that may not be documented anywhere else and may help bring the memoir to life.
• Build the story arc: A story outline is essential. Writers gather their information into a compelling and cohesive storyline painted with personal anecdotes and reflections.
• Revise: The draft goes through multiple rounds of editing to help preserve the subject’s voice while engaging readers.

By weaving these elements together, a memoir becomes more than just a story—it becomes a journey that resonates deeply with those who read it.

Memoirs to inspire you

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
A hopeful portrait of poverty and perseverance in Limerick, Ireland.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
An introspective lyrical journey into Angelou’s early years through themes of identity, racism, and strength.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A powerful story of an eleven-hundred-mile solo hike that brought a young woman back from catastrophe.

Bring your story to life

You’ve got the story. We’ve got the team to help you create it.

Whether you’re capturing a lifetime of lessons, reflecting on a transformative chapter, or honoring someone’s legacy, we can help bring your words to life in a format that fits your vision and connects with readers.

We’ve got everything a nonfiction author needs—from expert editors to ghostwriters and publishing pros by your side, every step of the way.

Ready to share your story with the world? Get in touch for a free consultation and see what’s possible!