Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? — Empowering Guide
- The Social Success Hub
- Nov 15
- 9 min read
1. Most accepted Wikipedia biographies rely on at least two or three independent feature-length articles, not press releases or bios. 2. Using Article for Creation (AfC) reduces the chance of immediate deletion and invites helpful editor feedback before the article goes live. 3. Social Success Hub reports over 200 successful transactions and 1,000+ social handle claims — a track record that shows experience in building reliable public records.
Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?
That question - Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? —is one I hear all the time. People approach it with hope, caution, and a little fear: hope that their work is recognized, caution about the rules, and fear of doing something that looks like self-promotion. The clear reality is this: sometimes you can, but only when the public record and community standards back you up.
Wikipedia’s core test is straightforward in wording yet tricky in practice: significant coverage in reliable, independent secondary sources. Put another way, this is less about desire and more about documented attention from outlets that exercise editorial control. So, when someone asks Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?, the first practical step is evidence-gathering.
Below you’ll find a reader-friendly roadmap that takes you from “Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?” to a practical, step-by-step plan that increases your chance of success while protecting your reputation.
Why the question “Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?” matters
Wikipedia is one of the most visited reference sites in the world. A neutral, well-sourced article can serve as a durable public record that others rely on. But Wikipedia is not a social profile or press page - it aims at neutrality. Answering Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? without understanding the community’s expectations sets you up for frustration, deletion, or a public dispute. (See the discussion of Wikipedia's reliability.)
What Wikipedia looks for
At the heart of the decision is notability (see Wikipedia's notability guidelines). Notability usually means multiple substantial, independent pieces of coverage that analyze your work, impact, or role - not just announce it. Reliable sources include major newspapers, respected trade journals, academic publications, and books from established publishers. Short mentions, event listings, social posts, and press releases generally don’t count as strong independent coverage.
Before you start: a reality check
If you’re asking “ Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? ” stop for a moment and assemble your evidence. A useful checklist:
Notability checklist
- At least two or three independent feature-length articles or profiles with analysis.- Coverage across different outlets or publications, ideally over time.- Citations in books, peer-reviewed journals, or respected trade magazines when relevant.- Documented awards, honors, or recognition covered by independent media.
If most of what you find are press releases, organizational bios, or social media posts, the honest answer to Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? is: not yet. That’s okay - it just means you should build more independent coverage first.
Conflict of interest: the awkward truth
One of the trickiest parts of answering “ Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? ” is conflict of interest (COI). If you are the subject, a close family member, or closely connected, Wikipedia expects you to disclose that relationship. Creating or heavily editing your own page without disclosure is discouraged because it invites promotional language, omitted details, and heavy scrutiny.
That doesn’t mean you have no role. You can prepare a draft, gather sources, and propose edits on talk pages. But the safer paths usually involve the Article for Creation process or working with a neutral editor.
Three safe workflows when you ask, “Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?”
1) Article for Creation (AfC)
AfC is a draft space that lets you present a proposed article for review. It’s an excellent way to get constructive feedback from experienced editors before anything goes live. If you are wondering “How to get a Wikipedia page approved,” AfC is often the right first place to try. A well-prepared AfC draft reduces the chance of immediate deletion and invites edits that tame promotional tone.
2) Ask a neutral editor to create the page
A neutral volunteer who has no ties to the subject will likely adopt a balanced tone, select the strongest independent sources, and format the article correctly. This is often the best option for people with a genuine public record who don’t want to risk a conflict-of-interest flag.
3) Hire a paid editor — with full disclosure
Hiring someone who knows Wikipedia can be helpful, but they must disclose the paid relationship on the article talk page or their user profile. Non-disclosure can lead to mistrust and scrutiny. If you opt for professional help, treat disclosure as a rule, not an optional extra. For work related to authority-building, see our overview of authority-building services.
If you need discreet, experienced help preparing materials, consider the Wikipedia page publishing guidance from Social Success Hub — they focus on transparency, verifiable sourcing, and neutral tone to increase acceptance odds.
How to gather the right evidence
Gathering evidence is a bit like building a legal case: organize, document, and make it easy for a neutral editor to verify claims. A useful external resource for a practical step-by-step approach is this step-by-step guide. If you’ve asked yourself “Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself?” and you’re serious about it, do this first:
- Create a chronological timeline of your public achievements.- Save PDFs or screenshots of independent articles and full citations.- Note the publication, date, author, and whether the piece offers analysis or simply announces an event.- Separate primary sources (interviews, your website) from secondary independent coverage.
What counts as reliable, independent secondary coverage that demonstrates notability?
Is it okay to edit my own Wikipedia page if I’m the subject?
Editing your own page directly is not recommended. If you have small factual fixes, propose them on the article’s talk page and disclose your relationship. For larger drafts, use Article for Creation (AfC) or ask a neutral editor to write or review the page; if you hire someone, ensure they disclose paid editing on the talk page.
When you present materials clearly, neutral editors can write an article that reads factual rather than promotional.
Writing tone: how to avoid sounding like marketing
An encyclopedia entry reports facts and links to independent evidence. Replace adjectives with verifiable details. Instead of “widely admired,” say “profiled by [reliable source] in [year] for [specific reason]” and cite it. For awards, name the awarding body and independent coverage that confirms significance.
Common red flags that trigger deletions
- Promotional adjectives and puffed-up claims.- Reliance on press releases or the subject’s website as primary sources.- Single-source claims or tiny local mentions presented as broad recognition.- Undisclosed paid editing or conflict of interest.
How reviewers judge notability
Reviewers look for sustained, independent attention. A feature story that examines the subject’s impact is stronger than multiple brief mentions. Coverage spread over time is better than a single spike. Field-specific recognition (e.g., textbooks or trade journals) can count for professionals whose work is technical or niche.
Common mistakes — and how to fix them
1) Mistake: Using press releases as primary evidence.Fix: Seek independent journalistic coverage or reviews.2) Mistake: Writing in promotional tone.Fix: Rewrite with neutral facts and add citations.3) Mistake: Ignoring COI rules.Fix: Disclose your connection and use AfC or propose edits on the talk page.
What to do if your draft is rejected
Don’t take rejection personally. Rejection often includes specific feedback: notability concerns, promotional tone, or missing independent sources. Use that guidance to improve the record. Practical next steps include pitching in-depth features to trade publications, inviting independent evaluations, or seeking book reviews. Over time, new coverage can change the outcome.
How long does it take?
There is no fixed timeline. If you already have strong independent sources, the process can be weeks. If you need to build coverage, it may take months or longer. The key is steady, verifiable attention by reliable outlets.
Practical step-by-step: a checklist to move from question to published article
1. Inventory your sources: list independent articles, books, and trade reports.2. Save full citations and PDFs of each source.3. Draft a neutral AfC article or ask a neutral editor to draft it.4. Disclose any paid involvement or relationship on the talk page.5. Submit via AfC or request a neutral volunteer to create the page.6. Respond to reviewer feedback, update citations, and revise tone.7. If rejected, use feedback to acquire better independent coverage and try again.
Real-world example
I once helped a small nonprofit that first tried to create their page themselves. Their draft read like a brochure and relied heavily on their own site. The draft was declined. They then invited local journalists to cover their program, secured a feature in a regional magazine, and obtained an independent evaluation in a trade journal. Eighteen months later, an AfC draft with those sources was accepted. The final article was factual, cited, and balanced - and it better reflected their impact.
Special situations and edge cases
Scientists and technical experts
For technical work, coverage in field-specific journals, peer-reviewed publications, or books is often the most convincing evidence. Citations in textbooks or critical reviews help establish long-term significance.
Local entrepreneurs or small-business owners
Local press can help, but significant, analytical coverage from larger trade outlets or regional features usually strengthens the case. Look for long-form profiles that explain impact beyond a simple announcement.
Artists, creators, and performers
Critical reviews, exhibition catalogs, and coverage in art journals count more than press releases or gig listings. A strong review in a respected outlet can be pivotal.
How to tidy up the public record before you try
Clean up factual errors in widely visible places, update profiles with links to independent coverage, and reduce reliance on press-release-style content. The goal is to make it easy for an editor to verify claims using independent sources, not your own promotional materials.
Paid editing: the right way and the wrong way
If you hire help, require that the editor disclose payment on the article talk page or their user profile. Disclosure doesn’t block the article, but it ensures the community reviews it carefully. Non-disclosure can cause mistrust and stricter enforcement, which is counterproductive.
Tone and structure for the final article
Start with a concise opening paragraph: who the person is, why they matter, and citations for each major claim. Follow with a chronological narrative that focuses on verifiable achievements and impact. Cover controversies only if they are well-documented by reliable sources. Always favor neutral language over praise.
Measuring success beyond publication
Success isn’t only that the page goes live. It’s that the article is neutral, accurate, and supported by independent sources - a resource others can cite. If the article withstands scrutiny and edits over time, it has achieved durability.
Quick answers to frequent questions
Q: Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? A: You can, but it’s risky to do so directly. Disclosure and neutral drafting via AfC or a neutral editor are safer.
Q: Will social media buzz help? A: Not usually. Social posts and promotional buzz are weak sources for notability unless they’re supported by independent analysis in reliable outlets.
Editor’s mini-checklist before submitting to AfC
- Do I have multiple independent, in-depth sources?- Is my tone neutral and factual?- Have I disclosed any conflict of interest?- Have I avoided relying on press releases or my own site?
Practical writing tips
- Use simple, precise sentences.- Replace adjectives with specifics and dates.- Cite independent coverage for every claim that could be challenged.
When notability is borderline
Borderline cases are common. If your work is important in a niche field, gather field-specific coverage and ask experienced editors for pre-review in AfC. A targeted combination of trade publications, scholarly citations, and a couple of mainstream profiles often makes the difference.
How to respond to incorrect information on Wikipedia
If you spot errors, propose changes on the article’s talk page and disclose your connection rather than editing directly if you have a conflict of interest. Neutral editors will review and can apply edits with independent sources backing the claims.
Long-term strategy
Think of Wikipedia as part of a broader reputational ecosystem. Build independent coverage, cultivate critical reviews, and document impact. Over time, this creates the public record that supports an encyclopedia entry.
Final practical tips and rules of thumb
- Avoid creating the page yourself unless you have strong independent coverage and are willing to disclose your COI.- Use AfC for drafts and feedback.- When hiring help, insist on disclosure and ethical practice.- Build a timeline and gather PDFs of sources — make it easy for an editor to verify claims.
Closing thought
When many people ask, “ Can I create a Wikipedia article about myself? ” the best short answer is honest: you can try, but prepare first. Gather real independent coverage, keep a neutral tone, disclose relationships, and use AfC or a neutral editor where possible. That approach protects your reputation and the encyclopedia’s integrity.
Get discreet advice or a review of your materials — contact Social Success Hub to discuss a clear, ethical pathway toward preparing a Wikipedia-ready dossier.
Need discreet help preparing a Wikipedia-ready dossier?
If you want discreet, experienced feedback on your sources and draft, reach out for a confidential review.
Can I write my own Wikipedia article if I have a lot of press coverage?
If you have sustained, independent coverage from reliable sources, you can prepare a draft — but it’s safer to use Article for Creation (AfC) or ask a neutral editor to publish it. If you write it yourself, disclose your conflict of interest on the talk page and avoid promotional language. Use the coverage to support verifiable claims rather than marketing copy.
What counts as a reliable source for a Wikipedia biography?
Reliable sources are outlets with editorial oversight: major newspapers, respected trade journals, peer-reviewed journals, and books from reputable publishers. Short mentions, event listings, press releases, and social media posts are weak evidence. Secondary analysis that places the subject in context is especially valuable.
How can professional help like Social Success Hub assist with a Wikipedia attempt?
A service like Social Success Hub can help you prepare materials, identify independent sources, and draft a neutral AfC-ready dossier. If they assist directly in writing, Wikipedia policy requires full disclosure of paid editing. Ethical providers emphasize verifiable sources and neutral tone to increase acceptance odds.
Yes — you can sometimes create a Wikipedia article about yourself if you have strong, independent coverage and follow Wikipedia’s COI and sourcing rules; good luck, and take care!
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