Your story, in your words.
Write a book about the life you’ve led.
People are interesting. You’ve had adventures, built something, learned a few things the hard way, and you’d like it written down, for your family, your industry or both. That’s where I come in.
My PhD was in life writing, and capturing your story in your voice is what I do best. Writing a book can be cathartic, and it takes real commitment. It’s the work I love most, and I’d be glad to guide you through it.
How it works.
Step one: interview.
If I’m going to write as you, I need to know you: your values, what you’ve done, how you did it and why you want to tell the story. It’s intense and a lot of fun, and we’ll laugh along the way.
I’ll also talk to friends and family. We’ll be great mates by the end of it, and I’ll be able to write in your voice.
Timeframe: three months.
Step two: draft.
By now you’ll feel as though writing a book is mostly talking. I transcribe everything and build an outline, and once we’ve agreed on it, I’m off and writing.
You’ll see the first chapter or two early, so we know the voice sounds like you, then a chapter or more every month, with a check-in at the halfway point.
Timeframe: five months.
Step three: publish.
The second half tends to come quicker, like the last kilometres of a marathon. Then we’re into edits and a full second draft, and a professional copyeditor checks every line.
After that, you have a book of publishable quality, and I can guide you through publishing, with or without an agent.
That’s it. You’re an author.
Timeframe: four months.
this is where it gets good
At a glance.
- 20 or more interviews, about 30 to 90 hours in total, with you and, if you’d like, the people who know your story
- Every interview transcribed, included in the fee
- An outline we agree on before writing starts
- A chapter or more every month, with a check-in at the halfway point
- Three rounds of review
- A professional copyedit
- A finished manuscript of 55,000 to 70,000 words
- About 12 months from first interview to finished manuscript, and up to 24 if I manage design and print
How much will it cost and how long will 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 12 to 24 months. The longer timeframes include design and print management.
Cost: Be thinking in the realms of $90,000 to $190,000 + GST.
Variables: Number of interviews, word count, scope, historical research, photography, and review rounds.
…her ability to write as if she were me is uncanny! Highly recommend her services to anyone thinking of writing anything - especially if you have an amazing story or idea but don't know how to articulate it.
