As a My Life Story client, all you really need to do is sit back, relax and reminisce. I will do all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to enjoy this remarkable journey.

  • Intro meeting

    Introductory chat

    The process begins with an introductory chat – at your home if that suits you – where you can discuss your vision for the project and which of my price packages is the best fit. I will explain the process in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Ultimately, this is your chance to make sure you feel totally comfortable working alongside me on this very special project. There is no obligation at all. This meeting is completely free of charge, unless it is more than 10 miles from my base in Stroud, and then travel costs would be charged.

  • Interviews

    Interviews

    Next comes the fun bit: putting the kettle on and reminiscing in the comfort of your own home. It’s no different really to just chatting to a friend or relative. You will simply have the time and space to explore your memories, while being guided by me to extract the most interesting and important details. Don’t worry about trying to remember everything. Clients are often amazed by how many memories are sparked by some gentle prompting – those tales that make your family special, those triumphs and challenges that have shaped your life, those stories of your ancestors that would otherwise be forgotten. I will record our interview sessions and transcribe them at a later date.

    You can decide which photographs you would like to include in your book and supply them to me during our last interview session. These can either be digital or hardcopy images.

  • Editing

    Editing

    Once we have completed your interviews, I will develop the transcripts into a professionally edited draft. Your voice will be carefully maintained for your reader to easily recognise.

    My rigorous editing process includes fact-checking items in the public domain, weeding out inaccuracies and repetition, the inclusion of linking sentences to allow the story to flow naturally, and the use of my house-style to ensure consistency throughout.

    I will post you an initial hardcopy draft of your edited story, which you can read and amend as you wish. I want you to be thrilled with your book, so I’ll do whatever you need for it to be a complete success.

  • Design and printing

    Design and printing

    All of your requested changes will be incorporated and this text will then be typeset, along with the scanned photographs at the back of your book. After giving it a final polish, I will send you a second draft to check.

    Once you are totally happy with your final draft, the files will be sent to the printers and, within a few weeks, your glossy book will arrive on your doorstep.