Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a book take?
Book projects take at least 12 weeks from time of interview. Most clients take closer to 4-6 months to finish. While we want you to have your finished product, we do not recommend rushing the process! Plus, our timeline is dependent on your timely participation in reviewing drafts and collecting photographs for use in the book.
How much is a book project?
Life story packages start at $2,350. All books are custom made--no templates, no automation. This is not a DIY transcription service. We craft a beautiful narrative that supports your voice and makes your stories shine. It is like having a personal biographer and editor at your service.
Can you work remotely?
Yes. Though we love in-person interviews, we can conduct them over the phone or via web conferencing tools. Photos can be shipped to us for scanning (and we will return) or sent as digital files. We have done many projects like this and still make it very personal.
When is the right time?
Now. Truly after going through this experience with my own father, I urge clients to start moving on preserving their precious family stories as soon as possible. My dad is no longer here, but I have his stories. There is always a sense of urgency behind this because we are never guaranteed tomorrow.
How do I talk to my parents about this?
Tell them their story is important to you and you’d like it documented for safekeeping. What better way is there to tell someone that you love them than by telling them their experiences mean something to you and future generations?
My parent is reluctant. How can I make him or her feel comfortable?
Doing a book project doesn’t mean your life is over—or even near over! It’s always a good time to reflect on your life and think about how you ended up where you are, the experiences that made you into the person you are today, and lessons learned along the way.
We send interview questions ahead of time to make sure your loved one is not caught off guard. Family members are always welcome to join in on the interview—especially if it would make the experience more comfortable.
How many photographs do I need?
We recommend pulling together 60-70 pictures (75-100 for our Milestone and Legacy clients) of the highest resolution possible and can take digital or hard copy formats. Scanning pictures is included in the price of our interview packages.
What stories should be included?
We will provide questions ahead to think on, but what you choose to talk about it is completely up to you. Our only request is that you’re honest and open to the experience.
I am buying this for my parent or grandparent but want to be involved. How can I be included?
You can be as involved as you want to be! You can write a dedication for the book or a hand-written note to be scanned in as content. You can even participate in the interview! It’s really up to you.
What makes you an expert?
We've captured over 200 stories at this point, so have gotten into a bit of a groove by now. I hold a degree in creative writing and chose family stories as my concentration! I also spent much of my formative years in the darkroom playing with photography. I can safely say that capturing and preserving memories has been a passion of mine for years. But what really makes me an "expert" is the reason behind why I started this company. In 2015, I created a keepsake book for my father that my family now treasures. He's no longer here, but I always say that he started this company along with me. I approach every book project with the same personal touch that I did with that first book.