Sharing

Lynn Kettleson, writer and creative director, has a special talent for helping people establish a theme, connect the dots and fill in the color to weave a narrative … in their own voice. 1. You can be sure that it will get done, and get done professionally. You might think about doing it yourself, or asking a family member, but do you have skills in writing a biography that highlights essentials, captures the subject’s voice, and is fun to read? And if you’re trying to meet a deadline for a special occasion …

Books last. They can be reprinted on demand. They can be left on a coffee table for visitors to pick up and thumb through. You have a full story, not just a list of dates and events. You have connected the generations and brought life to the family tree. You have added insight and depth to a life that may even provide inspiration for future generations.

Would a video be easier? Maybe, but who will sit through it again? Does the subject feel comfortable in front of a camera? Who will update the technology when it changes? It will be more complete. We know where to start and where to end. We begin with a detailed questionnaire, and ask the interview subjects to take notes in preparation. Experience. As a writer, editor and former journalist, I’ve conducted thousands of interviews and written hundreds of biographical profiles.

This is a good choice for an individual or couple to tell their story from their own perspective – a series of chapters about important highlights and events. We begin by providing a list of questions and ask you to jot down notes about areas you want to cover. This is a good time to check with family to find out what they would like to include. But, in the end, it’s your story. We will then conduct from two to four hours of recorded interviews at your convenience. This allows us to get the details and color that flesh out your narrative and make it interesting. While we begin the writing, we ask you to compile and provide not more than 30 photos. The final book is typically 30-50 pages. The entire process from start to finish usually takes about two months. You can publish one book or multiple copies, including an electronic version. Our fee is $2,500 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Printing costs are not included.

Would you like your story to go beyond your own memories to include researching records, interviewing people beyond the main subject or seeking out other details? Maybe it’s a history of your great-grandfather gleaned from some interviews with those who knew him, combined with other historical materials, and records. We’re equipped to put together such a story and compile it into a book that you will treasure. We have the experience to create what you envision – and maybe more. Get in touch with us and we’ll discuss your project. We will provide you a proposal to achieve your vision, with the budget and timetable for completion.

Is your organization reaching a milestone or a significant event that you’d like to mark by capturing its history? Are the founders and key contributors beginning to retire and move away? Or do you have a business story to tell, lessons learned to share with others? We have experience working with organizations and individuals to help them create create their narratives. We base our histories on discussions and interviews with key individuals who were present at the beginning, or a key junctures of the organization’s and part of the corporate history. We will meet with you to discuss the scope and expectations for your project. Then, we’ll provide you with a written proposal designed to achieve your objectives, together with a budget estimate.