Step 1: Free Consultation
We start by chatting with you about your ideas or vision for the project you have in mind. We can tailor your project to focus narrowly on a particular chapter of your life, or we can conduct more in-depth interviews to cover an entire life. We work within the limits of your budget. The cost of your project is determined by the number of interview hours and by the amount and types of photos and documents you’d like included in the book. (Note: if you have already written your manuscript, skip to step 5.)
Step 2: Interviewing
Next, we schedule and begin the interview sessions. We conduct the interviews at a time and in a place comfortable for the person being interviewed. Clients typically enjoy telling stories from their pasts and sometimes find the process of reminiscing to be rejuvenating and often cathartic.
Step 3: Transcribing
After the interviewing is completed, the recordings are transcribed word for word.
Step 4: Constructing the Narrative
Next, we construct a flowing, cohesive narrative from the transcripts. We move sections of the narrative to proper chronological order, insert appropriate headings, and do substantial editing (always remaining sensitive to your “voice”). We don’t make you sound like someone different; rather, we make sure you sound like yourself telling your story in the best way possible. Our goal is for a reader to open your book and hear your voice as they read.
The completed narrative is then professionally copyedited. Afterward, it is delivered to you for your review and corrections or necessary revisions.
At this point, we scan in your chosen graphic elements—photos, documents, and memorabilia. We use Photoshop and AI software to make basic corrections and improvements to the photos—fixing fading, erasing creases, and eliminating water spots or marks. (Want someone removed from a photo? Or some other significant change? Ask us!)
The completed narrative is then professionally copyedited. Afterward, it is delivered to you for your review and corrections or necessary revisions.
At this point, we scan in your chosen graphic elements—photos, documents, and memorabilia. We use Photoshop and AI software to make basic corrections and improvements to the photos—fixing fading, erasing creases, and eliminating water spots or marks. (Want someone removed from a photo? Or some other significant change? Ask us!)
Step 5: Interior Book Design & Layout
Our book designs are professional and timeless. We use classic book fonts in classic book sizes. Your photos with captions are placed where you desire. (Of course, if you prefer something unusual or avant-garde, just let us know!)
Step 6: Proofreading
After we incorporate your changes, we have the final page proofs professionally proofread. We send you the page proofs for your final approval.
Step 7: Cover Design
Next, we work on your book cover. We invite you to judge our books by their covers! As the first thing your family and friends see, the cover sets the mood for your book. We take extra care to create an evocative cover for your book. We first talk to you about your ideas and preferences, and then we work with one of our graphic artists to have a cover designed exclusively for your project. We make sure that your cover is just what you want—from understated and elegant (think embossed foil lettering on leather) to knock-your-socks-off color. We want you to love the look of your book.
Step 8: The Final Step of Printing and Binding
There are many print and bind options to consider, and we’ll make recommendations based on your vision and budget. Order as many copies as you like. The final step is our favorite because clients are thrilled to be holding their beautiful book in their hands—their legacy journey complete!
Pricing
Life story books are an investment in time and resources. But we pride ourselves on customizing each project to our client’s vision, desires, and budget. Whether we are interviewing you to create a manuscript from scratch or you are supplying the manuscript, the project is priced according to time and complexity.
Your project can be as simple or as involved as you wish. Many clients find that eight hours of interviewing time is sufficient to produce a book of 160 to 200 pages. Other clients have opted for many more interview sessions. Our books can be illustrated with as many family photos, graphics, and significant documents as you desire.
Whatever your wishes and needs, we are happy to work with you to design and create a personal history that you will love.
Contact us for a friendly, free consultation!
Your project can be as simple or as involved as you wish. Many clients find that eight hours of interviewing time is sufficient to produce a book of 160 to 200 pages. Other clients have opted for many more interview sessions. Our books can be illustrated with as many family photos, graphics, and significant documents as you desire.
Whatever your wishes and needs, we are happy to work with you to design and create a personal history that you will love.
Contact us for a friendly, free consultation!