FAQs
We've gathered the questions our clients ask most often - about the process, privacy, pricing, and what it's really like to work with us. Don't see yours? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact us6 Questions
What does the process look like from start to finish?
Our process unfolds in five stages: interview, writing, graphic design, printing, and delivery. We begin with in-person recorded conversations at a time and place comfortable for you — no scripts, no prep work. Our writers then craft your manuscript, our designers build the layout and integrate your photos, and your finished hardcover books are printed and delivered to your door. You're involved at every review milestone, and nothing moves forward without your approval.
Do I need to prepare anything before the interviews?
Not at all. You don't need to write a single word, prepare notes, or organize your thoughts in advance. Our founders Chad and Grant Harbour personally lead each session, asking thoughtful, guided questions that draw out your memories naturally. Many clients tell us the interviews feel more like a meaningful conversation than a formal process. If you'd like to gather a few old photos beforehand, that's always welcome — but it's entirely optional.
Where do the interviews take place?
We come to you. Interviews take place in your home or any setting where you feel most at ease — a familiar environment tends to bring out the richest memories. Sessions typically run one to two and a half hours per day to keep the experience relaxed and never exhausting. Family members or close friends who can add perspective to your story are also invited to participate by phone.
How many rounds of revisions are included?
We work collaboratively until you are completely satisfied. After each major milestone — manuscript draft, design layout, and final proof — you review and share your feedback. We revise and refine until the work is exactly right. Our goal is a finished book you're proud to put in the hands of the people you love most, so we don't rush the process or cap revisions arbitrarily.
Can family members be involved in the memoir process?
Absolutely. Many of our most cherished memoirs include perspectives from spouses, children, siblings, or longtime friends. We can conduct supplementary interviews with family members by phone to enrich the narrative with voices beyond your own. If a loved one is gifting the memoir to a parent or grandparent and would like to coordinate the project on their behalf, we're very experienced with that arrangement as well.
What happens to my photos?
During your in-person interview sessions, we carefully scan and digitize your cherished photographs. Worn, faded, or damaged images are lovingly restored by our design team and woven throughout the layout of your book. Your originals are returned to you in the same condition they were received. All digital files are stored securely and are never shared or used outside of your project.
5 Questions
Is my story completely private?
Yes — completely. Every project is covered by a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed before any work begins. Your story, your interviews, your photographs, and your manuscript are never shared, published, referenced, or repurposed in any way without your explicit written consent. What you share with us stays entirely within your project team and ultimately within the pages of your private book.
Who owns the copyright to my memoir?
You do — 100%. Upon completion, full copyright ownership of your manuscript, design, and finished book transfers entirely to you. Life Stories Company retains no rights to your work whatsoever. We are ghostwriters and producers in the truest sense: our name never appears on your book unless you wish it to.
Can I include sensitive or difficult topics in my memoir?
Yes. Our writers are experienced in handling deeply personal, sensitive, and complex life experiences — including loss, hardship, health challenges, business failures, and family dynamics — with empathy, discretion, and skill. Many of the most powerful memoirs we've produced involve difficult chapters alongside the joyful ones. How much detail you choose to include is always entirely your decision.
Will my memoir ever be published publicly?
Only if you choose to publish it. The vast majority of our projects are private memoirs intended solely for family and close friends. Your book will never appear in bookstores, on Amazon, or in any public domain without your express direction and permission. If you ever do wish to explore public publication, we can guide you through that path — but the decision is always and only yours.
Is the consultation confidential?
Completely. Everything you share during your complimentary consultation — including your story, your family background, and your reasons for wanting a memoir — is held in strict confidence. We treat every conversation as if the NDA were already in place, because building trust begins before the contract is signed.
5 Questions
How much does a private memoir cost?
Project investments typically range from $95,000 to $175,000. This includes everything — interview sessions, manuscript writing, editorial services, proofreading, graphic design, photo restoration, hardcover printing, and delivery of your finished copies. Because every memoir is completely bespoke, the final investment is shaped by the scope of your story, the number of printed copies, and your design preferences. A detailed, no-obligation quote is provided after your complimentary consultation.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. Projects are structured with milestone-based payments tied to key stages of the work — typically at contract signing, interview completion, manuscript delivery, design approval, and final print production. We're happy to discuss a payment schedule that works comfortably for you during your consultation.
How long does a memoir project take?
Most projects are completed within six to twelve months from the first interview session to the delivery of your finished books. The timeline depends on the complexity and length of your story, the number of revision rounds, and print production scheduling. We never rush the process — your memoir deserves the time it takes to be done beautifully. If you have a meaningful deadline such as a milestone birthday, anniversary, or reunion, please let us know and we will do everything possible to accommodate it.
What does the consultation cost?
Nothing at all. Your initial consultation is completely complimentary and carries no obligation. We'll discuss your story, your vision for the finished book, and the scope of work involved — then provide a detailed custom quote for you to consider at your own pace.
Are there any costs not included in the quoted price?
No. We believe in complete transparency. Your quote covers every stage of the project — from first conversation to final delivery — with no surprise fees. If you choose to add something during the project, such as additional printed copies or the audio memoir option, we'll discuss that cost openly before proceeding.
5 Questions
Will the memoir actually sound like me?
That is our highest craft. Our ghostwriters are trained to listen deeply — not just to your words, but to your rhythm, your humor, your way of seeing the world. The recorded interviews give us a rich foundation to capture your authentic voice on the page. Every client who has read their finished manuscript has told us it sounds unmistakably like them. That is the standard we hold ourselves to.
Do I need any writing experience?
None whatsoever. You don't need to write a word, type a sentence, or organize a single thought before we begin. Your only role is to show up, be yourself, and share your stories in natural conversation. We handle everything from there. The joy of working with a professional ghostwriter is that your story gets told in the most beautiful possible way — without any of the labor falling on you.
How long will my finished memoir be?
Most private memoirs run between 250 and 350 pages, though this varies considerably based on the richness of your story and how much ground you want to cover. We don't aim for a target word count — we aim for a manuscript that does justice to your life. Some of the most treasured memoirs we've produced have been beautifully concise; others span generations. We'll guide you toward what feels right during the consultation.
What is the audio memoir option?
As an optional add-on, your interview recordings can be transformed into a narrated audio memoir — allowing future generations to hear your story told in your own voice. It's one of the most personal and moving things we produce. Imagine your grandchildren, decades from now, hearing your laugh, your pauses, your stories exactly as you told them. We handle all the production, editing, and formatting of the final audio files.
Can I see a sample of your writing before committing?
Yes. During your complimentary consultation, we're happy to share sample pages from past projects so you can experience the quality, tone, and style of our work firsthand. We want you to feel completely confident before any commitment is made. If you are still interested after the consultation, then we are happy to mail you some physical copies for your review.
4 Questions
What is a company history book?
A company history book is a professionally written, beautifully designed narrative of your business — from its founding story and early struggles to its growth milestones, culture, and values. It can serve as an anniversary keepsake, a legacy document for the founding family, an onboarding resource for new employees, a gift for long-tenured staff, or a heritage piece for investors and clients. We've produced company histories for businesses of all sizes and industries, from regional family-owned companies to nationally recognized brands.
How is a company history different from a memoir?
A company history focuses on the arc of an organization — its founding, evolution, people, challenges, and achievements. A memoir focuses on an individual's personal life journey. That said, the two often overlap beautifully: many of the company histories we produce weave in the personal story of the founder, making them richer and more human. We can scope your project to be purely institutional, deeply personal, or anywhere in between.
Who do you interview for a company history?
We typically interview the founder or current leadership, key longtime employees, and where relevant, major clients, partners, or board members. Our team is experienced in conducting executive interviews and handling sensitive corporate history with discretion. We also research archival materials, press coverage, and internal documents to ensure your company's story is told with depth and accuracy.
We're approaching a significant company anniversary. How far in advance should we start?
We strongly recommend beginning at least eight months before your target delivery date — ideally eighteen months for larger or more complex organizations. Company histories often involve more research, more interview subjects, and more archival material than personal memoirs, and the result is worth doing at a proper pace. If your anniversary is sooner than that, please reach out and we'll give you an honest assessment of what's achievable.