LIFE STORIES AND MEMOIRS

‘So, you’re thinking about having your life story or memoir written, and wondering how it all works?’

You may have a story to tell, or you may want to preserve a parent or grandparent’s life story. You may want a few pages captured or an entire book.

A life story is generally an overview of the important milestones and memories in a person’s life, whereas a memoir is a section of one’s life. Both are usually written in the first person (‘I’), whereas a biography is written in the third person (‘he’/‘she’). It’s a special skill capturing the voice of a person, and writing their story as if they wrote it themselves (see ‘Ghostwriting’).

A life story or memoir is a very special thing to share with the world and leave behind.

THE LIFE STORY PROCESS

STEP 1: We will meet to work out the broad brushstroke details for your story, and we may discuss structure, storyline and a timeline for the process.

STEP 2: I will send you a life story agreement, and once this is signed, we can start the interviewing process, face-to-face, online or over the phone. I will listen, ask questions and record your stories, anecdotes and memories. I will then transcribe the recordings. Generally, a one or two-hour session per week is recommended.

STEP 3: Once the interviews are over, the transcripts make up a comprehensive outline of the final story or book. We can then work together to identify any areas that need to be fleshed out. You may also have other memories pop up you wish to include.

STEP 4: I will provide a second draft for you to read and approve. Then, when the text is complete, you can send me photos in a digital format to enhance your story.

STEP 5: If you choose a small life story, I will lay out your manuscript myself. If you want a more sophisticated ‘look’, a designer can do the layout for you.

STEP 6: When you are happy with the proofs, your life story will be sent to the bindery and the final product will be delivered.

DEVELOPING THE LIFE STORY You’ve partially written

You may have written some sections of your story yourself already. I can help you develop that further by reading what you have already written, identifying areas that could be further developed, interviewing you and helping you complete your manuscript.

Further research

It might help your story to have context in and around the time and place it is set, particularly if it has a historical element to it. I can conduct further research should you wish. You might also want me to interview family members, friends or colleagues.

Size of your book

A short life story of around 20-50 pages, typically in an A5 format with a few photos, is a lovely way to capture a life story (without breaking the bank). Alternatively, you might want an entire book of around 40,000 to 60,000 words, or something in between the two.

THE COST

Prices vary widely, depending upon the length of the interviewing process and the size of the book you want. It can range from 3-6 hours for a mini-memoir (costs approx $3000-6000), 8-12 hours for a medium-size memoir (costs approx $8000-12,000) and up to 20+ hours for a larger memoir (costs approx $15,000-25,000) depending on the size of the book you want. (NB Printing costs are not included in the costs quoted here.)

I always work to a budget agreed in advance and reviewed in stages along the way – interviews, first draft, final manuscript. (NB. A payment plan can be discussed.)

Publishing your book

Whether you want to self-publish or try to have your book published by a traditional publishing house, I can advise you on available options.

If you have any further questions, please contact me.