What is the process, and how much does it cost?
Many personal historians create "packages" for memoir writings at different price levels based on a set number and length of interviews, pages of the book, the number of photos, and copies furnished. Most professional autobiography ghostwriters charge between $1 and $2 per word on a full-length book. I prefer to focus on the final product, and then take as many words and interviews as needed to achieve it. During our initial consultations, we determine what final product best fits your budget and needs, from a Memoir Collection to full-length Biography. The length and intricacies of the project will determine the cost.
Memoir Collection
Presented as a collection of memoirs, short stories, or essays. Often written as a person would be telling their most important stories, experiences, and thoughts directly to their loved ones.
Photos or artist renditions of important events may be included to better illustrate the stories.
Captivating Memoir
A captivating memoir can be achieved with between 10,000 and 20,000 words written in an appealing novel-like narrative. Published online as an ebook and available as a hard copy, with or without photos, with appealing title and cover, professional design, and layout. Such work requires between three and six months to finish.
Biography
A full-length biography or auto-biography between 35,000 and 50,000 words takes between six months and a year from agreement to publishing.
After we sign an agreement detailing what is expected from each other, I would start the interview and research process. We would work together to determine the tone and voice to use. I will be continuously interviewing you and submitting draft chapters and partial book outlines to ensure we are on the right track.
When are payments due?
Payments are made in three installments, one third when the agreement is signed, one third on submission of the first draft, and one third on the revised final draft for publishing.
Who owns the rights and royalties of my memoirs or biography?
You do. As a work-for-hire project, our agreement will specify you have the copyright and all the rights to your book.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not sure if I am ready to hire someone. Can't I do it myself?
Of course you can. People have been doing that for years! Nowadays, you even have hundreds of options to help you: Subscription services, how-to-books, websites, courses, seminars, even phone apps. If you are not hiring someone, you should do it, and begin now.
Below is a video I made with useful tips.
What if I just want a book with my pictures and descriptions, and I don't need extensive writing?
A simple internet search will give you several options for that service at a fraction of the price for a written memoir.
Is what you do the same as a vanity book?
No. I write personal histories, focussing on important legacies to be memorialized. A vanity book plays to a person's ego by painting them favorably in an unrealistic manner. In a vanity book, expect lots of glam photos, hyperbole, flattering prose filled with platitudes, and a grandiloquent empty title such as "The most amazing life ever!"
What if I'm not sure of the size of the book I want and don't want to commit to a larger project?
Go for the smaller one. If you order a memoir and change your mind halfway through and decide you want a full-size biography for example, I can apply the money paid and work done to the larger project.
If I change my mind, can I cancel?
Yes, you may cancel at any time with no penalty. You keep work submitted up to that point, as there is no way to "return" it. Therefore, there are no refunds for paid amounts.
Do I retain control over my memoir or biography?
Yes. As part of what you get when you hire me, you will have the copyright and all rights related to your book. You can decide if you want it to be sold to the general public or kept private.
Can I earn royalties from the sale of my book?
Yes. But please don't be fooled in thinking you will be padding your nest egg with proceeds from book sales. Unless you are an A-list celebrity, it is unlikely you will be receiving significant earnings from book sales.
Do you do genealogical research?
No, that is a specialized field of its own. For a biography, I will certainly be asking about your ancestors, but I won't be visiting courthouses to dig up old records. I use the information provided by you, people you authorize me to contact, and conduct research of publicly available information.
Can you write the biography of a deceased person? Or someone who cannot be interviewed, for example, due to health reasons?
Yes, generally speaking, although this presents different challenges. Call me to discuss the specifics of your case. And remember, if the primary storyteller cannot tell their story, the longer you wait, the more is lost and the harder it becomes.
What if the main storyteller is not fluent in English?
If the person is fluent in Spanish or Portuguese there is no problem as I am fluent in both and have done life stories for both Spanish and Portuguese speaking clients. Due to the extensive interviewing needed, it presents serious challenges to write a memoir for someone who is not fluent in either English, Spanish, or Portuguese. But as with writing about someone who is deceased, it can be done.
Can you write my memoirs in another language besides English?
I write in English, and it is the preferred language for publication worldwide. I can ensure an accurate translation into almost any other language at an additional cost.
Can I include photos I have? If so, how many?
Yes. The number of photos does not affect the cost of the project. Historic family photos can most definitely add value to your book. The important point is to see which photos contribute to the overall objectives.