If you’d like to have your book written or would like to discuss having a book written on behalf of a friend or loved one, the next step is for us to have a chat. Get in touch and we can talk through what you’d like to achieve and any questions you may have. I’m committed to making sure you’re totally happy with what I can offer before we move forward.
If you decide you’d like to go ahead and commission a Life Lyrics memoir, the overall process is as follows:
1. Have a Chat
As mentioned above, the first step in your book-writing journey is for us to have a chat about what you’d like to achieve. I’ll organise a call with you at your convenience to find out more about the book you’d like to write and will answer all your questions. I’ll explain all the finer details of the book writing process, your involvement, costs and more.
2. Complete Questionnaire
Once we’ve talked through the process and made sure you’re happy with all the finer details, the next stage is to get some ideas on paper. I’ll send you a questionnaire to get some key information from you. The aim of the questionnaire is to help me get a better understanding of who you are, your beliefs and dreams, and the moments in your life that have had the biggest impact.
3. Plan Interviews
The next step is for us to have some more in-depth conversations about your life story, think of them more as informal chats than interviews. We’ll schedule between four and six calls, each approximately an hour long. There’s no right or wrong here; all you have to do is talk and let your thoughts flow while I guide you to make sure we get a true sense of the stories you have to tell.
4. Review Manuscript
This is the really exciting bit. Within four weeks of our final call, I’ll send you over the first draft of your manuscript for you to review. It’s then over to you to suggest any edits, changes or additions that you’d like to make. You can do this by marking up the manuscript online, by hand on a printed version, or over the phone. Whatever you’re most comfortable with works perfectly for me.
5. Supply Photographs
Once you’ve approved the edited manuscript, it’s time to add in some colour. I’ll invite you to send me up to 25 photos and or documents to include in your book, along with the details of who they depict.
6. Approve Proof
With the photos placed in your book, I’ll send you a print-ready PDF for approval. This is your opportunity to check that all the details are correct and that you’re happy with the layout and order of all the contents. You’ll also choose a colour for the cover of your finished book.
7. Receive Your Book
With the final go-ahead from you, I’ll send your book to print. Within three weeks, you’ll receive a hardback copy of your book to read and share with your loved ones. Your book, written by you about your life; it’ll be one of a kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that you’re the right writer for my book?
Writing a memoir or autobiography and sharing your story is a very personal thing, which makes it really important to work with someone you feel comfortable with. The first step is for us to have a chat so we can get to know each other a bit better. After that, if you’d like to have a taster of what I can offer before committing, we can plan one further call, after which I’ll write the first chapter of your book. The taster chapter costs £200 and is yours to keep whether we proceed further or not.
What if I’m no good at writing?
You don’t have to write a thing if you don’t want to. In theory, you’ll need to jot some ideas down on the questionnaire I send you. However, if you’re not happy doing that, we can always plan an additional call instead and go through the questions together.
What if I can’t remember enough details about my life?
You’d be surprised how much you remember once you start talking. In fact, recounting your story is a great way to recall memories that you thought you’d forgotten. Looking at old photographs and talking to your loved ones can help too.
Will I need to liaise with lots of different people?
No, it’s just me you’ll be working with, whether that’s communicating over the phone or by email. I take great pride in helping other people tell their stories and make sure I’m in control of the process from start to finish.
What does it cost?
Writing a book isn’t a quick process, it takes a lot of time and effort. I charge £1,000 for a book of up to 10,000 words. However, if you’d like to create something longer or shorter, I can tailor the price accordingly.
How long will it take to write my book?
The time your book will take will be somewhat dependent on your availability for calls and for submitting feedback or edits. However, most books take about three to six months to produce. I’ll put a proposed timeline together after we’ve planned our initial calls, so you have a better idea of timescales.
When will I have to make payment?
If you’re happy to proceed after our initial consultation, I’ll ask you for a £250 deposit. Once the interviews are complete, I’ll send you the first chapter, along with an invoice for £450. The balance of £300 will be due on approval of the final manuscript, after which I will finalise your book and send you the printed version of the book.
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