How many words does a life story need to be?

The question of how many words a life story should be is often one of the first queries asked of a professional life story writer.

Here’s a list of elements that contribute to how we determine your ideal life story word count.

• How much material there is to work with?

Sometimes we need to make a start to see just what the story shape needs to be

• What budget you have for writing and production?

The amount of money you have to spend on the project can influence how many words you might reasonably expect for your investment.

• The time period of focus

It’s not always necessary to take a cradle-to-grave approach. If you are wanting to focus on a specific period of life we may be able to achieve a wonderful story in less words than a ‘whole of life’ project.

• The stamina of subject

Consideration as to what time the subject can commit to the project is important.

• What research exists or can be incorporated?

For example, old letters, diaries and even internet research can contribute significant story matter to the text.

• Any deadlines that need to be met

If there is a special occasion or a deadline that needs to be met there may be some simple and understandable limits to how much time can be spent gathering information and writing the story.

• Who the story is for?

A professional writer will always work to the highest possible standards in their writing but there can be a difference if a story is being written for a ‘family and friend’ audience, compared to being written with a view to future publication.

• What medium are you choosing for your story?

There are so any options. Would you like a traditional printed text based book, or do you have a series of photos that can be used as a story basis with long captions? There are many ways to tell a story especially when we add in the growing range of digital options such as a story website, audio, video and on.

I have found a good place to start with my clients is to quote on 20,000 words, 40,000 words and 60,000 words.  The upper amount is the length of a regular sized novel, however, even the shorter number of words involved in a 20,000 word project offers plenty of scope to tell the highlights of a person’s life with the right storytelling techniques.

Some people are natural storytellers, and the flow is easy to achieve. Others need more time settling in and opening up.  Sometimes we find stories grow with the telling and the task can be bigger than anticipated. Flexibility is key. This is the human part of life story writing.

Whatever is needed or wanted – it’s your call.

 

About Lindy Schneider

Lindy is an accredited Life Story Writer with peak body Life Stories Australia, where she also holds a board position. She is an experienced biographer and memoirist who relishes bringing people’s stories to the page.