Life Story Writer
As a celebrant I spend a lot of time listening to families talk about the lives of their loved ones. I am endlessly fascinated by this aspect of my job and the lives that people have led. I have helped write over two hundred such life stories and I can honestly say that all of these lives have are fascinating and deserve remembering.These short ‘life stories’ are usually 2000 words or so or around ten minutes in length when and I or a family member read this ‘tribute’ or Eulogy at the funeral.Some timeago someone approached me to ask whether I had ever thought about writing extended biographies, a more in-depthstory of a person’s life. These could be commissioned by the person themselves or perhaps by a family member as a gift.I have taken this idea on board and have started working on such biographies.
How does this work?
I prefer face to face meetings initially rather than those conducted virtually (although I am happy to use Zoom or facetime for additional meetings once I have met you person first). The ‘standard’ life story will be between eight and ten thousand words long and include 20 –25 colour photographs. Typically, I will meet with you/and possibly family membersfor around eight hours in total. There will be a number of drafts of the book and you will have full control of the final product. This is your story.Once we are both happy with the content, I will ask my colleagueand editor‘Christine Harter’ to provide a professional edit and once this has been completed, the book will be printed and sent to you. I allow five months from start to finish.
What is the cost?
The ten thousand word (approximately 50 pages) lifestory will cost £2,400 inclusive and this will include six colour hardback copies and all printing. Additional copies of the book will be available at a cost of £10 each copy.
Payment schedule for the service will be as follows - Once an agreement has been made – the first payment of £800 will be due.
The final draft sent to you. Complete, edited and ready for printing, second payment of £1,000.
Printed books sent to you, Final payment of £1,000 due.
In addition to our ‘standard’ book offer, I am happy to consider longer or indeed shorter versions of your life story.
Please call to discuss without any obligation.
Who is involved in the process?
Unlike large life story writing companies, where your writer is picked from a large pool of people, I write all of the copy myself. I prefer to work locally (within 25 miles of home if possible) I work closely with my editer ‘CJ Harter’ who is very experienced and is a published writer herself. (for further information about Christine’s work please see her website) The book would make an amazing gift for someone you love and equally would be a wonderful present for you to give to your children, partner of family members. If you would like to know more about this service please call me. There is absolutely no obligation andI am always interested in talking about this service that I love to provide. My writing experience I have always loved to write and belong to South Manchester Writer’s workshop. I have written many short stories (many of which have won prizes). My travel memoir ‘Hard Graft and Groft’ is available on Amazon.
