Why Write?
Writing a life story can create order from chaos as you view your life as a whole rather than a sum of parts. It can be cathartic by getting it all out. It can give you gratitude for what you have achieved and insight into how it was done. It can be empowering and connect you with people, both past and present. It can be an opportunity to pass on life’s lessons, or just stroll down memory lane.
Writing Styles
When I write your life story, it is usually in the form of a biography and written in the 3rd person; he, his, she, her, it. A memoir or autobiography falls into the ghostwriting category and is written in the 1st person; I, we, me, us. It appears to be written by you, but your personal ‘ghost’ plays a big part, often with your input. A memoir is a type of writing where the author provides an account from personal experience. It is a type of autobiography but usually only deals with a certain period of time or follows a theme in the writer’s life. A biography or autobiography is usually a chronological account of their full life up to that point.
The Process
Through personal interviews, individual resources and extensive research by the writer, the story unfolds. For Sunshine Coast residents, interviews are usually once a week for a maximum of two hours. The process can take up to three months and the length of the book depends largely on the amount of information available but the average is 30,000 words. Once completed, with photographs, your story can be published online (included) for easy accessibility or can be printed as a book (extra cost).
Publishing Options
Online publishing of your story is the easiest and cheapest way to get maximum exposure and easy accessibility through platforms such as Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Overdrive. This can expose your book to a worldwide audience, or just to the people you supply the link to. You can supply the book for free, or include a cost. Online formatting and publishing of your story is included in your cost.
Hard-cover books can be printed with an ISBN and barcode for retail sales. This can be an economic alternative if you need hundreds of copies and have an outlet to market them.
One or two copies - soft or hard-cover - can be printed but can be expensive.
Cost.
Each story and client has its own scope, personal resources, amount of detail, number of participants, required research and logistical speed bumps. However, most personal stories of around 30,000 words (and pictures) can be written for between $6,000 - $8,000. This includes online formatting and publishing (if required), cover design, proofreading, a hardcopy of the manuscript and a digital copy. A 50% deposit is required, with the remaining 50% paid on completion. At the halfway mark, any additions, deletions or changes can be made, and again prior to final completion.
Business stories usually need more time, more interviewees, more research and result in a bigger word count and a lengthier book. Given the extra requirements, these stories are usually written for between $10,000 - $15,000, but the promotional and possible commercial benefits can significantly outweigh the cost.