FAQ

Raconteur specializes in writing books for people age 65 and older.

You will receive a list of recommended photos prior to your interviews. After your writer hears your story, she will provide a customized photo checklist of photos that would complement the narrative. Throughout the process, our team will advise you. 

If you choose in-person interviews, your writer will go to your home with a scanner and scan your photos on-site. If you choose remote interviews, your writer will help guide you in selecting and scanning photos for inclusion.  

Your story will be told from your own point of view. That means the book will be written in first person, using the word "I" to tell your story.

The books are often printed and delivered within eight months to one year of the initial interview.

Interviews last for about three hours and are ideally held on consecutive days or every other weekday for two weeks. If health or other concerns warrant shorter interview times, we are happy to accommodate. Typically, the writer interviews the subject for 10 to 30 hours, depending on the scope of the project. 

Different book lengths include different numbers of photos, typically ranging from 75 to 100. However, we can include as many or as few as you like.

You have full control. We only write what you tell us. Should you dislike something you shared, you can remove it during the review period.

Every book is different in page count, size, and material, which affects the cost. In general, hardcover heirloom book copies cost between $20 and $40.

Since we do all the heavy lifting—writing for two to five months, conducting research to fact-check, proofreading upwards of five times, advising on photo selection, picking photo placements and captions, and designing the book—our subjects only have to invest time in participating in interviews, answering follow up questions, locating photographs, reviewing the manuscript, and approving the formatted book. 

We can send you an introductory package to present as a wrapped gift. The contents will inform the recipient about their guided life story preservation journey.

Oftentimes, yes. We have completed several books that blend our writing with that of our subjects. Prior to the first interview, we would review a copy of your writing, decide what to include in your book, and customize our interview questions accordingly.

A Raconteur writer can travel to you or interview you remotely.

You can either order bulk copies to distribute yourself or have our team set your book up for sale on major online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Please call us to discuss publishing options further.

We ask questions that begin with family history and childhood memories and then progress chronologically to the present.

Although no action is necessary on your part, if you are eager to begin, you can jot down memories, names, or dates, speak to family members about certain stories to include, and locate memorabilia such as family photos, letters, and documents.

Although no action is necessary on your part, you are welcome to jot down special memories and notes about stories to include in the tribute book.

Every cover is one-of-a-kind. Once our team gets to know you and your story, we will design a cover that fits you.

In-person interviews usually take place wherever you are most comfortable, such as your home or office. We can also conduct remote interviews.

Your writer will conduct your interviews. She will spend time getting to know you personally and in-depth before she crafts your life story.

Most of our clients pay a deposit upon scheduling interviews, then in monthly installments throughout the duration of the project.

You can pay via check, bank transfer, PayPal, or cash.

Every book is different in page count, size, and material, which affects the cost. In general, hardcover heirloom book copies cost between $20 and $40.

Life story books are tailored to individual stories. There is no one size fits all. In order to assess how extensive of a life story you or your loved one will need, we must receive a filled-out quote request form or speak on the phone. After reviewing the form or having a brief conversation, we will be able to provide a cost estimate.