The Life Story Book Process
The preservation of a personal history is an important goal with a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. Long after monetary bequests are spent, the stories of who we are and where we came from will remain behind as a priceless legacy for future generations. The process utilized by LifeSketches, therefore, has been carefully developed and fine-tuned in order to create the best possible end product.
Step 1: A complimentary consultation will be scheduled to discuss the scope of the project, identify narrator/s, and define a budget.
Step 2: Once estimated charges and timelines have been agreed upon, the interview process will begin. Paula Stallings Yost will meet with you to demonstrate any recording devices and to help you become comfortable with the idea of sharing your story through a series of relaxed conversations. Her vast experience as a journalist, along with her knowledge of effective memory triggers and interview techniques, will quickly put you at ease and result in the gathering of important details key to the production of the most complete story possible.
Step 3: Taped interviews will be transcribed verbatim. The transcript then will be edited and gently massaged into an interesting, comprehensive narrative manuscript, demonstrating Yost’s journalistic talents and creativity but always maintaining the true voice of the narrator.
Step 4: The manuscript will be provided to the narrator for revisions and final approval.
Step 5: Book production will begin. With Yost’s assistance, photographs, family tree information, and other meaningful memorabilia will be chosen for inclusion. Next, a creative team (graphic artist Marion Johnson and photo restoration specialist Roger Johnson of The Memory Works in Sedona, Arizona) will layout and design a one-of-a-kind book that will be custom bound to your specifications. Once you have approved the final book materials, design and layout galley, printing will begin.
Step 6: Books will be delivered, and a book-signing celebration may be held in honor of the narrator.
Interior Book Design & Layout Sample
In cooperation with The Memory Works, Sedona, Arizona
Oral History
The production of an oral history would simply mean stopping after Step 2 above. Clients will be provided with original tapes or CD’s, as they prefer, encased in an attractive, archival keepsake case.
A client may decide a simple transcript would make a nice addition to the audio record and may choose between a verbatim copy or one that has been cleaned up a bit. The transcript will be printed on archival, acid- free paper and spiral-bound or placed in an attractive keepsake notebook. Audiotapes or CD’s also will be provided.
Editing Assistance
Perhaps you already have written your story and just need editing help. We will be happy to work with you on that basis as well. Sometimes we even work with clients who wish to have a diary or journal converted to book form. No problem. We can assist you with everything from basic proofreading to copy editing to substantial editing or ghost writing.
Self-Publishing Assistance
We also can help you locate and qualify for discounted pricing from a viable print-on-demand source for books with a smaller budget. For more information, visit http://www.lifesketch.iMemoryBook.com
The spiritual extension of estate planning, an ethical will may best be explained as a method of ensuring that one’s values and heritage will be preserved for future generations. It can be something as simple as a legacy letter setting out last thoughts and wishes. Other options include drafting an obituary, specifying funeral and interment arrangements, offering guidance for a memorial service, providing a chronology of life events, documenting the original source of sentimental or material possessions, and explaining the personal reasons or feelings behind bequests. We can help you achieve these goals.