Your story, in your words.
Write a memoir that captures your journey.
People are interesting. You have a great story; you’ve overcome challenges, had adventures, and learned things along the way. Maybe you want to share that message widely, or maybe you just want to capture the memories for the next generation. That’s where I come in.
My Ph.D. focussed on life writing and I’m adept at capturing your story, in your voice. There’s a catharsis to the process of writing a book; it’s an endeavour not to be entered into lightly, but it’s a journey I adore, and one I’d be privileged to guide you on.
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Step one: interview.
If I’m going to write as you, then I need to talk to you and get an idea of your values, your interests, and the essence of not just what you have done, but how you have done it and why you want to tell the story.
This process is pretty intense. It’s also a lot of fun. We will laugh, quite possibly cry, and delve into the past, present, and future along the way.
I will also talk to friends and family members to get some surrounding information. We’ll be great mates by the end of it, and I’ll be able to write in your voice.
Timeframe: two to three months. -
Step two: draft.
By this point, you’re probably beginning to feel as though writing a book is lots of talking. I’ll transcribe everything that we have covered and sift through to create an accurate outline.
Once we’re agreed, I’m off and writing. I’ll send through the first chapter or two to make sure we’re on the right track and the voice sounds like you. Then it’s over to me to get my head down and create a manuscript. This stage is one of the longest, and I generally have a milestone at the halfway point to check in on how we’re going.Timeframe: two to three months.
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Step three: publish.
We’ve made it through half of the book so the second half tends to follow on a little quicker, it’s like the final kilometers of a marathon. Then we’re into edits, revision, and a full second draft.
Once we’re happy with the final product, I send the manuscript off to a copyeditor who will proof read, make sure it all flows well, and pick up any errors that we have collectively missed.
After the manuscript is returned, you have a book of publishable quality. I do the writing, not the publishing, but have industry contacts who can guide you through that process either with or without an agent depending on your goals.That’s it. You’re an author.
Timeframe: three to four months.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
That’s what it boils down to, right?
Each project is different in scope so it’s hard to give complete answers. It might be more than the numbers below. It might be less. But you just want an idea, so here’s the ballpark:
Time: Allow for nine months minimum to a year.
Cost: Be thinking in the realms of $30,000 - $125,000 +GST.
Variables: Number of interviews, word count, scope, historical research, photography, and review rounds.