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Why would I want my own book?
A recent National Trust Survey showed that 57 per cent of adults aged over 15 could not name any of their great-grandparents. In a fast moving world the facts behind our families are quickly forgotten, so a book offering all the details of your family history is something to be prized. Everyone has a story to tell, so why not leave your family with a lasting legacy?

Can I really have my own book written?
Many people ask me how they can get their own, personal book written. Your life story, held in your hands, is something totally unique that can be read and enjoyed by family and friends alike and become a precious family heirloom for generations to come. 

An autobiography as a gift
Some children have brought the creation of a personal autobiography, beautifully captured, as a special and exceptional gift for their parents or grandparents so that the stories and facts behind their family history will be forever remembered.

How can this be achieved?
Whilst it’s often a case of thinking “I must write that down,” the idea of completing a whole book can be very daunting. As a professional writer, with a busy schedule of commercial books, I allow quality time for private commissions. With my fascination, respect and ease of working with people, I enjoy using my skills and experience to create autobiographies that are personally and individually crafted. I have written for many celebrities and I can do the same for you.

The following Frequently Asked Questions will guide you through how you can have the benefit of owning The Story of Your Life in print.  

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is the difference between a biography and an autobiography?
A biography is the story of a person's life written by someone other than the subject of the work, often using research and interviews from people that knew them. An autobiography is the story of a person's life written or told by that same person. I can do either, but whilst an biography is very time consuming, as it involves a lot of research and interviewing many people, an autobiography comes from just one person.

Can an autobiography be of two people?
Yes, I have written several books on more than one person from the performers Cannon and Ball to private couples. The story of individuals, how they met, their family life together alongside their professional achievements is the essence of many such books.

What is Ghost-writing?
This is where a professional writer is paid to write books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to another person. This is how your book would be written.

How will my book be created?
Most of my clients prefer me to start from scratch, which means I research questions, plan and interview you, transcribe, write, and format your book to a professional standard. However, I can also write your book from previously recorded interviews, or edit your self-written manuscript or memoirs. I offer a exclusive, personal and individual service to you.

How long will my book be?
A standard book is approx 30,000-50,000 words divided over 12 Chapters. 

How long does it take?
For a book in which I interview you, it takes about a year from the first interview to final delivery, with the final delivery date being agreed and contracted. I will require an estimated 4-6 interviews with you of approx 2 hours over a period of 8 months.

Will there be any pictures?
Yes, there are normally up to eight pages of photographs included in the book, with captions, chosen by you.

Is it Confidential?
Sometimes family stories are very personal and private and the details of any information or recordings are bound and protected by a confidentiality agreement.

How Much Does it Cost?
Writing is a very labour intensive activity and a very skilled one. My current rates are based on guidelines issued by the National Union of Journalists and for Ghost-writing a standard 40,000 approx word book are:

- Transcription from an existing manuscript                        £2,500- £5,000

 - Transcription from an existing tape/interview                  £5,000- £7,500

- Research, interviews, transcription, editing, formatting    £7,500-£10,000

How is the fee paid?
An advance of £1,500 is made on signature of the agreement with 11 equal further monthly payments. In certain cases, expenses such as travel and accommodation will be agreed upon and added to the basic rate.

How do I know what I’m getting?
I use a standard agreement for all my clients which is straightforward and easily understood. This contract details all the necessary processes and if you would like a sample copy to read, just visit my Contact Page.