Let's Talk
Pick up the phone and let's have a relaxed chat about your life story. It's a good way of finding out if we both connect, no pressure just a friendly chat. Tell us a little about yourself and why you're thinking about doing this.
How does a Your Life Story project work?
We’ll send some simple questionnaires designed to jog your memory and provide a structure for your interviews; they’re easy, fun, and bring back memories you haven’t thought about in years or even decades.
We can then either meet (covid-allowing) talk by phone or via video call - whichever you prefer. Your story will typically be written in the first person and will read as though you have put pen to paper.
Elizabeth will send a sample chapter for approval as soon as it's ready. Once you’re happy with it she will complete the rest of the book and create the first draft for you to read and make any amendments. When the amendments have been made and approved your story is written!
At the end of this project you will have a completed manuscript to take to a printing company.
How are the interviews conducted?
Either in person (at extra cost) or on the phone or video link.
How long are the interviews?
In person, they can be up to two hours long but if on the phone we recommend around an hour.
Can I have a family member or friend at the interview?
Yes, that would be lovely, more memories to share!
Can you interview a couple? Yes, that would be a pleasure. It will take a little longer which will be reflected in the cost.
My parents live abroad, can you interview them? Yes, that's fine, let's talk about how, phone or video chat.
Can I miss out stories I’d don’t like? Yes, of course, this is your story to tell and we don’t want anyone upset. Looking after your welfare is really important to us.
Do you write the story chronologically or by subject matter? The choice is yours. You may choose to use an exciting period in your life to start the book and then follow chronologically or you may prefer to start from the beginning. We can talk with you about this and help you decide.
How long will the story be? This depends on how many interviews you want and how much detail you want to include in your life story.
How much does it cost? We charge £25 an hour, with projects starting at £850.
What do I get at the end of this process? A completed life story manuscript written in a Word document.
Please note our prices do not include the cost of designing and printing the book.
I’ve never worked with a printing company before, how does it work?
With a completed manuscript and a list of photos we can get quotes for proofreading, laying out the text and designing the cover. Publishing professionals can suggest the best size of book. We’re happy to help with this process.
A really quick guide to the book printing process
Step 1 Proofread the manuscript
Step 2 Design book layout
Step 3 Design book cover
Step 4 You approve all of above
Step 5 Print!
I want to self-publish? Yes, that's fine, the story is written in a Word document and you will have the photos to self-publish.
How do I pay?
Payment for interview sessions are made in advance with an initial down payment of £250 which covers the first few interviews and write up. Then payment is made in advance of each interview or group of interviews and includes the work required to write up each session.
Can I change my mind?
Yes, you can, we will refund any money that you have paid less the number of hours we have spent on the book so far.
I’d like to pay for a family member or a friend to tell their life story. How do I do this?
Just contact us and we’ll arrange it.
This is your story and you own the copyright to it. The storyteller is responsible for any libel, breach of privacy, copyright infringement or similar risks. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Your Life Story
Laylocks, Broadclyst, Devon
Copyright © 2019 Elizabeth straw - All Rights Reserved.
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