About BIO
“If you write biographies, or are thinking of writing one; if you make biopics, or are thinking of making one; if you produce radio documentaries on people’s lives, or are thinking of producing one; or, if you simply are a devoted reader of biographies, Biographers International Organization is the place for you.”
– James McGrath Morris, co-founder of BIO
Our Mission
Biographers International Organization (BIO) aims to promote the art and craft of biography, cultivate a diverse community of biographers, encourage public interest in biography, and provide educational and fellowship opportunities that support the work of biographers worldwide.
- Host the annual BIO Conference with speakers, networking, and practical sessions on writing, publishing, and marketing biographies.
- Offer in-person and online events that connect biographers and foster learning.
- Publish two monthly newsletters, The Biographer’s Craft and The Insider, with news, features, interviews, and tips for biographers.
- Support biographers with prizes, fellowships, and mentorship programs.
- Honor excellence in the field with awards for biographers, editors, librarians, and archivists.
- Provide a coaching program with personalized guidance from experienced biographers.
- Share a quarterly newsletter to update the media, publishers, and public on BIO activities and the world of biography.
Mission
Read BIO's Mission Statement and learn about the many ways BIO aims to fulfill this mission.
Staff
Meet the dedicated BIO staff who manage programs, events, and resources to support biographers worldwide.
Board of Directors
Learn about BIO’s Board of Directors, guiding the organization’s mission and strategic direction.
Advisory Council
Discover BIO’s Advisory Council, offering expertise and insights to strengthen our community of biographers.
Bylaws
Review BIO’s bylaws, outlining the rules and governance that keep our organization transparent and accountable.
Code of Conduct
Read BIO’s Code of Conduct, ensuring a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members.
Statement on Fair Use
Explore BIO’s Statement on Fair Use, highlighting our commitment to ethical and legal use of copyrighted materials.
Our Story
Biographers International Organization grew out of the passion of biographer James McGrath Morris, creator of The Biographer’s Craft (TBC), BIO’s premier monthly newsletter. In July 2008, Morris wrote an “Open Letter to Biographers” expressing his vision for a grassroots organization devoted to the field of biography for both established and emerging biographers.
On March 26, 2009, in a classroom at the Leon Levy Center for Biography at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, fifty biographers gathered for the first formal meeting of “BIO.” Ten years later, to support its increasing number of members and activities, BIO became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Today, BIO proudly serves a worldwide membership of biographers.
Become a BIO Member
Become a BIO member today to join a thriving community of biographers and gain exclusive access to resources, events, and opportunities that elevate your craft.
Donate Today
Support BIO and help advance the art and craft of biography worldwide. Your donation funds our conferences, workshops, newsletters, podcasts, awards, and fellowships—programs that connect and empower biographers at every stage of their career.
