Services and Pricing
Tell your story your way
From recording treasured memories to creating a complete memoir.
Choose the level of support that’s right for you.
YOUR STORY IN YOUR WORDS
Let's record your stories
Recorded interviews are the easiest way to start preserving your memories. It’s particularly convenient for people who don’t like writing, or have a physical impairment – like failing eyesight or arthritis – that makes writing difficult.
The way it works is simple. I’ll visit you at home – or we can meet online – with a voice recorder and a structured set of questions to get us started. You don’t need to do any preparation; just bring your memories.
Over 90 minutes, I’ll ask you some questions about a particular time or aspect of your life. Many people like to record their memoirs chronologically, so our first interview will probably focus on your childhood and experiences of primary and high school.
Then, in subsequent interviews, we’ll talk about your working life, relationships and family, and favourite hobbies and interests.
We’ll agree on a plan for each interview before we get started, but may make a few diversions along the way if something new crops up that we feel is worth recording.
After the interview, I’ll transcribe all of your words using my AI-powered software. Then I’ll edit and format the transcript into a readable, attractively presented Word document that you can share with family and friends.
We can meet as many times as you like to record all of the stories and memories you want to share.
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The price of a 90-minute life interview starts at $125, and varies depending on the amount of editing and formatting work that is needed.
I am happy to discuss this in more detail with you before we get started.
YOUR MEMORIES IN AN INSTANT
Put your stories online
You may have already heard of a ‘blog’. It’s really just a fancy name for a website that is constantly updated.
Most people don’t realise that starting a blog is a fast, easy and fun way of recording your life memories, and sharing them with the world.
If you’re a little daunted by the idea of publishing your memoirs as a book – and it’s true, it can be a significant project – then blogging might be for you.
The beauty of a blog is that you can write your memories one story at a time. As each story is finished, you simply publish it on your blog. Then it’s available right away for the whole world to see.
You can even add stories about things you are doing right now. Did you go to a great concert last night? Have you just got home from a picnic with the grandkids? Write a few paragraphs about your outing, and add it to the blog!
Most blogging software is free to use. All it costs is your time.
Blogging is great for people who like to write, and want to work on their life story independently.
I can provide training in how to start your blog, and even help with the writing if you like.
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The cost of setting up a website to share your life stories will depend on how much writing and technical support you need.
Generally it will range from $300 to $500 for a start-up package.
CAPTURE YOUR STORY
Learn how to write
Some people who are interested in publishing their life story would prefer to do the writing themselves.
But not everyone has the skills to turn ordinary life events into compelling, readable prose that will keep their family and friends turning the pages from start to finish!
That’s where I come in.
I’ve been a writer and a reader all my life, and I have an instinctive ear for a good yarn. I know how to extract the golden nuggets in any tale that will make the reader sit up and take notice.
I also have extensive editing experience, so I’ll make sure your stories flow easily, and that all the little nuts and bolts of grammar and punctuation are taken care of.
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Writing and editing coaching provided, at an hourly rate of $60 (GST inclusive).
YOUR LIFE IN PRINT
Publish your book
Some people want to publish their life story as a book. But it’s a big undertaking, which is probably why most of them never get around to it!
That’s where I come in.
I have extensive experience in writing, editing, working with images, and managing designers and printers – all the things you need to produce a beautiful life story that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.
Not only that, but planning and organising projects is one of my superpowers.
I’ll make sure we’ve got a solid plan before we start, so you know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it, and that all of the little details involved in producing your life story are taken care of efficiently and to a high standard.
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The cost of publishing your memoirs as a book varies greatly depending on many factors.
They include whether you want to write it yourself, the number of copies you want to print and the desired format.
There are many different options available, depending on your individual preferences and your budget.
I am happy to provide a detailed quote before we start work on your book.
So... What's Your Story?
FAIR, TRANSPARENT PRICING
Quality and value
My pricing is designed to be fair and represent good value for money.
As I am being trusted with my clients’ precious life stories, the provision of a high-quality product is very important to me.
I am happy to provide an estimate before we start on your project.
PRESERVE TODAY. INSPIRE TOMORROW.
What's Your Story? is based in Masterton and works with clients all over New Zealand.
Get in touch and let's chat about your life story project.
