Want to create a biography page on Wikipedia? A Wikipedia page can boost credibility and share achievements, and with Wikipedia ranking among the top 15 most-visited websites globally, it’s a powerful tool for reaching a vast audience.
However, Wikipedia’s standards are strict. Notability, objectivity, and reliable sources are essential to avoid deletion or rejection. Let’s go through each step of how to create a biography page on Wikipedia to help you build a page that meets Wikipedia’s requirements and stays online.
Key Wikipedia Guidelines for Creating a Biography Page
Wikipedia’s notability guidelines ensure that biography pages provide reliable, unbiased, and factually accurate information. Here’s a breakdown of these core principles:
1. Neutrality
As per Wikipedia, all articles must be written from a neutral point of view (NPOV). Promotional or overly critical language, or speaking about facts without bias, is to be avoided.
You can then say instead of “Jane Doe is an acclaimed scientist,” Jane Doe received the X Award for her contribution to environmental science.” Wikipedia’s standards dictate that language should be neutral, which helps build credibility.
2. Verifiability
Every claim made in a Wikipedia biography must be verifiable through reliable sources. To which you need to cite reputable, independent sources like news within publications, books and academic journals.
Failing to meet Wikipedia’s verifiability criteria, avoid sources that have no editorial oversight, such as self-published websites or personal blogs. For instance, a notable achievement should be backed by a reputable publication rather than personal statements.
3. No Original Research
Wikipedia prohibits original research, meaning that all information in an article must be drawn from existing published sources. Hypotheses, personal theories, or unpublished opinions are not allowed, even if they’re well-founded.
For example, if a subject has a unique approach to a topic, only include descriptions from reliable sources rather than speculative or interpretative content created by the writer.
How to Prepare Before Creating a Wikipedia Biography
Preparation is key to creating a credible and well-structured biography page. These steps ensure you gather relevant information and choose a title that meets Wikipedia’s standards.
Necessary Biographical Information to Gather
Before you start drafting, collect comprehensive details about the subject. Wikipedia biographies typically include:
- Basic Facts: Full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Education: Degrees, institutions attended, and significant academic achievements.
- Career History: Major roles, job titles, and companies or organizations associated.
- Notable Achievements: Awards, recognitions, or significant contributions to their field.
- Publications or Works: Books, articles, or other notable works published by the subject.
- Personal Life (if applicable): Information like family background.
Collecting this information adds depth to the biography and ensures that each section is detailed, relevant, and aligns with Wikipedia’s content expectations.
Choosing a Notable Subject and a Relevant Title
Wikipedia prioritizes biographies of notable individuals, meaning they have significantly impacted their field and have received independent coverage. When selecting a subject, consider:
- Is the person well-known or recognized in their industry or field?
- Do you have reliable, third-party sources that cover the subject in detail?
- Are you not using any titles that might appear promotional or biased?
- Are you using the subject’s full name as the title unless a specific name or nickname widely recognizes them?
Step-by-Step Process to Create a Biography Page on Wikipedia
Creating a Wikipedia biography involves several key steps. This structured process will help ensure your biography meets Wikipedia’s standards and gains approval.
Create a Wikipedia Account
Visit Wikipedia’s homepage and select “Create an account.” Fill in the required information to complete the setup. Having an account allows you to save drafts and participate in Wikipedia’s community, which helps gain editing experience.
Draft the Biography in Your Sandbox
Start drafting in your “sandbox” (personal draft space) to edit freely without impacting live articles. The sandbox allows you to perfect the biography’s content and structure before submission.
Organize Content with Headings and Subheadings
Divide the biography into clear sections, using headings for major areas like “Early Life” or “Career.” For main sections, Wikipedia’s preferred heading style uses level-two headings (denoted by “==Heading==”).
Add Reliable Sources to Each Section
Citations from independent, reputable sources—Wikipedia emphasizes reliable third-party sources such as newspapers, academic journals, and books—should support claims.
Submit the Article for Review
You can publish directly if your account is auto-confirmed (four days old with at least ten edits). Otherwise, submit the article for review via the “Articles for Creation” (AfC) process. Editors will review the page and provide feedback if changes are needed.
Formatting and Citation Techniques for Wikipedia Biographies
Proper formatting and citation are essential for a successful Wikipedia biography. Here’s a guide on Wikipedia’s preferred practices:
1. Using Level-Two Headings
For primary sections, Wikipedia biographies should use level-two headings (e.g., == Early Life ==). This structure improves readability and aligns with Wikipedia’s style.
2. Organizing Content into Clear Sections
Structure the biography with well-defined sections, such as “Early Life,” “Career,” “Notable Works,” and “Legacy.” Each section should be concise and contain relevant information supported by citations.
3. Adding Internal and External Links
Wikipedia encourages linking to related Wikipedia articles, enhancing context. For instance, linking “New York City” in double brackets ([[New York City]]) connects the term to its Wikipedia page. Use a single bracket with the URL for external links, like [http://www.example.com].
4. Citation Styles and Tools
Wikipedia’s built-in citation tool, accessible in the editing interface, makes adding citations in various styles, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, easy. Click the “Cite” button, select the desired format, and enter the source details. Proper citation style and formatting ensure that your references meet Wikipedia’s verifiability standards.
Wrapping It Up
In today’s digital landscape, creating and maintaining a Wikipedia biography page will increase visibility and, eventually, credibility. As Wikipedia evolves, it continues to offer opportunities to share diverse achievements.
If you follow these guidelines and interact with the community, you will have a page that fits Wikipedia’s standards for reliable, unbiased information that lasts for as long as Wikipedia does.
