Thinking about Life Story Writing
Some important questions (to get started and for quoting)
Every life story writing project is different just as every person’s story is different.
Here are some things to think about that can help us finetune what you need and what type of costs are involved.
Where is the person currently living? Will they prefer face to face interviews, or will Zoom or a phone call work for them?
Does the person have anything already written down? I can interview and write a full draft for you, but some people may already have notes and need some help in collating and shaping their manuscript. Some projects may be already well formed and just need a careful edit.
How much research needs to be done? What source materials are available such as diaries, articles, recordings etc?
How many other members of the family would need to be interviewed (if necessary)?
What is the outcome you would like? A private story for family and friends, or something that is publishable (self or mainstream)?
What kind of word count would you envisage? I typically quote on 20,000 words, 40,000 words and 60,000 words (with 60,000 being the length of an average book).
Is there a deadline?
I typically provide a completed manuscript as a Word document, but I can also assist with creating a printed book or photo book (self publishing), or the submission process with publishers.
I make life story writing a beautiful process for the subject. Telling one’s story is more than just an exercise in capturing words, it’s a way of creating a legacy of thoughts, meaning and emotion for a family that endures as a precious reminder of life, love and connections.
Ready for the next step. Email me lindy@lindyschneider.com.au
