Memoir Writing

Wherever we’ve been and whatever we’ve done, we all have stories to tell. Yet when we’re gone, all that’s left are memories, and many of those stories are forgotten. Memoir writing is a wonderful way to capture those stories, and the photos that go with them, in a way that can be enjoyed by your children and grandchildren.

Your Story… in Your Words

My memoir writing service records your story in your words, without you needing to be a writer yourself. Beautifully presented as a hardback book and fully illustrated throughout, your memoir can be passed from generation to generation, so the stories that matter most to you can be remembered forever. You’ll even receive an audio file of some of the highlights of our conversations, so your voice can be heard for years to come.

The Memoir Writing Package

Every memoir writing package includes:

• An introductory phone or Zoom call for us to get to know each other. If at this point you decide I’m not the memoir writer for you, I’ll refund your payment in full.
• A series of relaxed yet focused conversations, in person* or on Zoom, to record the stories, experiences and memories you want to share
• A fully illustrated book that includes a selection of photos chosen by you
• Professional proofreading, editing and formatting
• A unique designer-created full-colour book cover
• Between 1 and 10 hardback copies of your book
• A PDF ebook
• An audio file of you sharing some of your favourite stories

*Free home visits within a 20 mile radius of Gloucester. Visits outside that area charged at an additional 30p per mile. If you live further than 100 miles from Gloucester and would like home visits, this can be arranged, but may involve longer interview sessions and the cost of an overnight stay.

Want to know more? Book a free call or contact me for more details.

Memoir Writing Package Prices

Additional petrol costs for home visits invoiced separately and in addition to the package prices.

Additional books can be purchased – please contact me for prices.

How the Memoir Writing Package Works

Once you’ve purchased a memoir writing package, we will have a chat on the phone, on Zoom or in person* to get to know each other. I’d love to hear a little bit about your life, and together we can decide on the style and focus of your memoir. I’ll talk through the different packages and help you choose the best one for you, and you can decide whether I am the right person to write your memoir.

There is no obligation to go any further after this point. If you decide you no longer wish to proceed with your memoir, I will refund your payment in full. It will just have been lovely to meet you!

If you decide to go ahead with your memoir, we will arrange a series of dates for the “interviews” – these are actually relaxed conversations where you get to tell me about your amazing life! These can take place at a location of your choosing (additional fee for anywhere outside a 20 mile radius of Gloucester) or via Zoom. Each interview will be recorded and later transcribed. Don’t worry about being tongue-tied – before the interviews I’ll send you some prompts to get you reminiscing!

We will also talk about what photos you’d like to include in your memoir, and what you’d like on the cover. If we are meeting in person, it would be lovely to see the family albums! Every picture tells a story, and it will be wonderful to capture those stories in your words, to be shared in your family for generations to come.

When the interviews are complete, I will collate all the stories and tidy them up. My main concern is making sure these are your stories told in your words, so I won’t be changing much – but I will make sure they are easy to read and use good grammar, spelling and punctuation. I’ll also add in the photos, in what seem to be the most relevant places.

I’ll send you a PDF of the book so you can have a read. We’ll then have a chat so you can tell me about any changes you want to make.

I’ll make any amendments and send out a second PDF. Hopefully you will love it, but if there are any final changes to make, that’s fine.

Once you’re happy with the PDF, I’ll order the cover artwork and send it to you for approval. Again, you can ask for any changes.

The book will then go off to the printer. While we wait, I’ll put together the audio file. This will be sections of the interviews that I most think reflect who you are – though if there are favourite stories you want to include, let me know.

Finally, you’ll receive your copies of the book, along with a link to the audio file that you can share. You can also order an optional CD and/or USB stick, which will be sent with the books.

Want to know more? Book a free call or contact me for more details.