How to Create a Wikipedia Page for a Person
Creating a Wikipedia page for a person requires a balance of research, writing skills, and adherence to Wikipedia’s guidelines. Wikipedia is a widely trusted source of information, but it maintains strict policies to ensure accuracy and neutrality. Simply put, not just anyone can have a page. The subject of the article must meet Wikipedia’s notability standards, meaning they should have significant coverage in independent, reliable sources. If you believe a person qualifies for inclusion, the process involves thorough research, careful drafting, and persistence in navigating Wikipedia’s editorial guidelines.
Determining Notability and Eligibility
Before creating a Wikipedia page, the first step is determining whether the person meets Wikipedia’s notability criteria. Notability is established through multiple, credible sources such as books, newspapers, and reputable websites that provide in-depth coverage of the person’s accomplishments. Self-published content, social media posts, and personal blogs typically do not qualify as reliable references. If the individual is a public figure, an academic, an artist, or a businessperson with widespread recognition, they may be eligible for a page. Reviewing Wikipedia’s existing biographies of similar figures can help gauge whether your subject qualifies. If notability is uncertain, consider gathering more sources before proceeding.
Creating a Wikipedia Account and Familiarizing Yourself With Guidelines
To start, you need to create a Wikipedia account, which allows you to edit existing articles and eventually submit new ones. While registration is not mandatory, it provides additional privileges, such as the ability to create a personal sandbox for drafting articles. Familiarizing yourself with Wikipedia’s guidelines is essential, as the platform values neutrality, verifiability, and original wording. Wikipedia prohibits promotional language, so articles must be written objectively, avoiding exaggerated claims or biased descriptions. Studying Wikipedia’s Manual of Style and referencing well-structured biographies can improve your writing and formatting.
Researching and Citing Reliable Sources
Thorough research is the foundation of a successful Wikipedia article. Gather sources from reputable publications that provide substantial coverage of the person’s life, career, and contributions. Academic journals, major news outlets, and government records are strong sources that enhance credibility. Each claim in the article should be backed by citations, ensuring that the content is verifiable. Wikipedia editors actively monitor new pages for unsupported statements, so using high-quality sources reduces the risk of deletion. Proper citation formatting is also crucial; Wikipedia follows a specific referencing system, which can be learned by studying existing articles.
Writing and Formatting the Wikipedia Article
When drafting the article, structure it in a clear and organized manner. Begin with an introductory section that briefly summarizes the person’s name, profession, and notable achievements. Follow this with chronological sections detailing their early life, education, career, and impact on their field. Each section should provide relevant, well-cited information while maintaining a neutral tone. Wikipedia articles avoid first-person language and subjective opinions, so stick to factual descriptions. Proper formatting, such as using headings, bullet points for lists, and linking to other Wikipedia articles, makes the content more readable and professional.
Submitting the Article and Navigating Wikipedia’s Review Process
Once the draft is complete, review it thoroughly to ensure it adheres to Wikipedia’s standards. The best approach is to first create the article in your sandbox and refine it based on feedback from experienced Wikipedia editors. After finalizing the draft, submit it through Wikipedia’s Articles for Creation (AfC) process, where editors review submissions for compliance with policies. This review process can take days or weeks, depending on editor availability. If the article is rejected, carefully review the feedback and make necessary revisions before resubmitting. Patience and adherence to guidelines increase the likelihood of acceptance.
Handling Edits and Maintaining the Page
Once published, a Wikipedia page is not static—it can be edited by anyone in the community. Monitoring changes to ensure accuracy is important, especially if incorrect or biased edits are made. While Wikipedia discourages self-promotion, individuals closely associated with the subject can suggest improvements on the article’s talk page rather than editing it directly. Engaging with Wikipedia’s editing community in a respectful manner can help maintain the page’s quality. If false or defamatory information is added, it can be flagged for review, and Wikipedia administrators will address the issue accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Wikipedia page for a person is a meticulous process that requires research, objectivity, and adherence to strict guidelines. Ensuring that the subject meets Wikipedia’s notability standards is the first and most important step. Writing an informative, well-cited, and neutral article increases the chances of approval and longevity on the platform. Since Wikipedia is a collaborative space, maintaining the page and addressing edits from the community is essential. By following best practices and engaging with Wikipedia’s editorial framework, you can contribute valuable and verifiable information to one of the world’s most trusted online resources.
