What’s the difference between your life stories and a biography?
A biography is a detailed account of someone’s life that generally boasts a broad timeline extending from birth to present/death. More often than not, biographies are formal and objective in tone, and include a great deal of historical research. A biographer is likely to interview several people to gain personal insights into the subject’s life.
Our life stories can cover a similar timeline, be more formal, and include lots of historical detail and interviews with multiple people as well; however, they can also focus on a shorter period of life, be humorous or playful in tone, have just one interviewee, and/or prioritize more sentimental details from memory over researched facts. In short, our life story books are designed to be flexible in order to meet the needs and interests of each individual client.
Do you write life stories in first person?
All of our life stories refer to the subject of the life story book in third person. We believe that using direct quotes about/by the book’s subject is far more effective in bringing her/him to life in words than mimicking voice and speech patterns in the first person. We’ve also found that many people on the shy side feel more comfortable this way. Our services include neither autobiographies nor ghostwriting.
Can I read a sample life story book?
Why, yes! We have one that you can read cover to cover right here. You can also view images of this same sample and read it (scroll all the way down) on our Explore page.
How long does it take to complete a life story book?
A typical book takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. Shipping may add an additional 1-2 weeks. If your project requires any special accommodations or you and any other interviewees need additional time to complete the preliminary questionnaire, schedule an interview, or reply with book feedback, then that may extend the timeline. I will send you a goal timeline when we first start our work together so you always know exactly where we aim to be each week.
Is there a way to surprise someone with a life story book?
Yes! The Mosaic Package is designed with exactly this idea in mind. Instead of interviewing the subject of a book directly, the Mosaic is a compilation of favorite stories from various people about one special person. Check out our services for more details.
I don’t live nearby. Can I still work with Woven Life Stories?
Of course! I offer Skype or FaceTime audio and video options for interviews, in addition to traditional phone calls for those individuals who are less comfortable with these newer platforms. All my packages include up to 60 miles of driving, so that I can provide an initial in-person interview for local interviewees (if desired). If it’s important to you that all interviews be conducted in person, I’m happy to discuss pricing in more detail with you, whether it requires additional driving or flying.
What if we forget to include an important story during our interview(s)?
Rest assured, in case you remember an important anecdote or recollection after the interview phase has concluded, we can still make arrangements to include it in your book. You will be charged $100 per 15-minute increment of interview time necessary to capturing any stories of this nature. This fee includes all related tasks including transcription, writing, and any reorganization of the book.
We have lots of photos for the book but they aren’t digital. Can you help?
I would be happy to provide you with tips and resources to help you digitize your photos. I can also take care of this step for an additional fee.
Can I include a dedication in my book?
Definitely. This is something I will ask you to consider once I start writing your book. I will follow up closer to the completion of a draft to hear your final thoughts.
Do you create any books with dimensions other than 6x9”?
All of my packages are priced with a 6x9” book in mind as the final product; however, I’m open to discussing the possibility of other sizing options for you: 8”x10”, 10”x8”, 12”x12” or 13”x11”.
I want more than just 3 copies of my life story book. Is that possible?
All of my packages include the cost of 3 book copies, but you can most certainly order more. Let me know how many you’re interested in and I can make them available to you at cost plus S&H and a $5 processing fee.
Can I gift a life story package?
Absolutely. Please contact me directly with more information about the package you’d like to gift, the name of the recipient, and the occasion that prompts this gift.
Do you also write full-length biographies?
Yes, I do! Please connect with me if you are interested in a full-length biography so we can discuss your needs in greater detail.
Oh, phew. All of my questions are answered!