Your life story
written for you
How it works
A highly professional and personalised service from one of the country's leading memoir writers.
Caroline will take on all the hard work of writing your life story from drawing up a plan to presenting you with your books.
I am based in Richmond, North Yorkshire but I can produce a memoir for you wherever you live.
Depending on where you are I can either:
- Make several separate visits to your home so we can work face to face.
- Or make one visit over several days, staying nearby, where we cover all or most of the interviews.
- Or carry out all our work by phone or video call. The results are just as good (and the price is discounted) and I can't believe I have never met these clients face to face.
The process usually takes between four and six months but I will never rush you.
Payment stages will be set out clearly at the start.
If you're not sure what length of book you'll need I can advise you. I won't go over your budget without your permission.
I begin by drawing up a 'map' of the main events in your story. You're in charge of what goes in and what doesn't.
I'll help you to remember all your wonderful memories and sort out the order. Please don't worry about getting everything exactly right, especially dates. You're relating your life story as you remember it.
Most people have sad or difficult memories they would also like to include. We'll discuss how you would like to handle these.
You don't need to do any 'homework' unless you'd like to make a few notes. All you have to do is enjoy telling me your story with my skilled help. Everyone I've worked with has found this an interesting and satisfying experience.
Some people use the word ghostwriter to describe what I do but whether you say ghostwriters or memoir writers, my service is the one you've been looking for.
A client’s friend wrote to her, Your enchanting memoir arrived and I read it right through. I couldn’t put it down. So beautifully done.
This was my son’s idea and at first I was apprehensive but I enjoyed Caroline's visits. I would certainly recommend anyone to do this. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Interviews
All my costs are based on the number of words, not how long it takes because everyone is different.
I'll ask lots of questions to help you tell your story fully and ensure it's clear and interesting. One of the problems faced by people who write their own memoirs is that everything is obvious to them but not necessarily to others.
However, this is not a test! I'm just here to help you.
I keep you on track by using the 'map' we've made together.
If working face to face, our interviews will be in sessions of about two or three hours.
Interviews done by phone or video call can be much shorter and more flexible if that suits you better.
Click on the video to see more
Proofs and approval
I use digital recorders so I can reflect your 'voice' clearly but I don't just type it in, I make sure your story flows well, is a good read and has a professional polish. The story is told in the first person and the biggest compliment families can give me is, "That sounds just like him/her talking".
I add in a little historical background so that readers, especially younger ones, will understand the context, but this remains very much your story. You will then receive your first draft, showing the words, to which you can make changes and additions.
I will give you advice on selecting photos and, if possible, will scan them at your home. If I can't do this myself I will advise you on what we need to do.
When you're happy with the words and choice of photos, I then use the top professional design software system Adobe InDesign to lay out your book beautifully. I can repair and enlarge or reduce your photos on screen.
You then receive your second proof showing the text, photos and cover as they will look in the finished book. You make final corrections.
Click the images to see examples
- 10-how-it-works-photo-words--proof
An example of a first proof
- design-stage-proof
A proof showing the inside of the book at the design stage.
- 13-proof-of-dust-jacket
A proof of the hardback dust jacket. Proofs of paperback covers are similar but without the wrap-around edges.
I picked up my mum’s book and couldn’t put it down again until I’d finished
Click on the video to see more
My books are based on a client's own story. If you're looking for a family tree or extensive historical research, I can highly recommend Maxine Willett at archiveangel.co.uk.
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