Locate and contact the military member or their estate. See "Military.com" in the resources section of this article. Refer to the official website for the military branch the person you want to write the biography about served in. Click "Search" at the top of the screen. Click "People." Type the name of the person you are looking to contact in the "First Name" and "Last Name" fields. Use the drop-down box to select the branch of service you want to search in. Click "Search" and review results.
Contact the personnel office at military branch the person served in directly if Military.com does not pull up the results you are seeking. Provide the reason that you are looking for the person, including your credentials and contact information.
Gain permission to write the book. Create a "Request for Permission" letter template. Include items such as your contact information, the reason you are writing the biography, and the planned publication date and distribution range for the book. Send the letter to the military member you want to write the biography about. Mail the letter to the military person's estate if the military member is deceased. Gain written permission to write the biography. Maintain a file of all copies of mailed, returned, denied or approved permission letters. Keep in mind that approved biographies may be better received by publishers and the book-buying public. Additionally, know that when military members and their families give you permission to write the biography, you may increase your chances of gaining access to otherwise hard-to-obtain material, including interviews, photographs and official documents.
Get historical facts and figures. Visit the Pentagon (see Resources below) and official military websites to get facts and figures about conflicts the person you are writing about participated in. Create a list of questions to ask people associated with the military member. Record and validate responses by speaking with second- and third-level resources, including other military personnel, family members and government officials.
Ask military officials or the military member herself for accompanying photographs related to special achievements. Include interviews and photographs with the biography. Review the "Sample Biography" in the Resources section of this article for additional items to include in the book.
Visit the United States Copyright Office (see Resources). Download a copyright application. Refer to the applicable governing body if you are publishing your booklet outside of the United States jurisdiction. Pay the necessary filing fees, sign and submit your application so that your book will have copyright protection in the event that you ever have to defend your rights in a court of law.
Get an editor and submit your book to publishers. Search directories such as "Writer's Market" and "Literary Market Place." Locate literary agents and book editors who specialize in publishing military biographies. Review submission guidelines. Create a cover letter, and query editors and agents until you land a publisher for your book.
Contact Bowker (see Resources) to request an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) if you are self-publishing the biography. Complete necessary filings and pay applicable fees. Keep in mind that an ISBN will allow you to sell the biography to bookstores, libraries, wholesalers and distributors.
Market and promote. Build a website. Post the cover and excerpts from your book on your website. Include your website URL in your signature line when you send emails to family, friends, discussion groups and social forums.