Why commission a family memoir?
Over the years we all build remarkable stories and these are not only fascinating to hear, but bring joy to the teller, family and friends. Whether it’s a life of adventure travel, building a business, raising a loving family, something in between or altogether different, I capture the story of your mother, grandfather or other loved one before the details are lost forever.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, ideal for milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
Request more information:
While there are lots of journals and services available to capture family history and stories from older relatives, these sometimes feel like a burden — a book full of empty pages or an inbox of questions can become a daunting chore.
I take the responsibility off of you and your relatives. Instead of asking them to fill in books, I conduct 1-1 interviews to create a once-in-a-lifetime gift. This bespoke process offers many benefits, including:
— as an objective listener, I’ll ask questions others might never consider, and uncover stories that will be moving and surprising
— audio of your loved one’s voice — and their stories — that you can cherish forever
— sharing with me, a stranger, relieves any awkwardness and induces a more relaxed conversation
The end result is a hardcover book, with optional photos included, that your family can hold in their hands.
How does it work?
Fees
My standard ghostwriting package includes:
- 4 two-hour interviews
- ~12,000 word memoir with photos
- Complete audio files from all interviews (approx. 8 hours)
- Revisions and feedback
- Design, layout and printing of your hardcover book
Total cost: $2,500
What about your memoir?
Perhaps you want your own memoir. Do you have useful life experience and advice to offer readers? Have you experienced a difficult or traumatic event, and want to share your story for the benefit of others or as a cathartic exercise? Fees dependent on scope of project.
Why me?
- I am a memoirist and have published several personal essays.
- I’ve ghostwritten family memoirs for other private services.
- I’m a practiced interviewer, having interviewed dozens of people for my doctoral research and on my podcast.
- I hold an MA and PhD in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London.
- I’ve taught both BA and MA creative writing and literature courses, leading workshops and teaching the practicalities of writing.
- All of my ghostwriting projects are strictly confidential and I hand over all files upon completion of the project.
To learn more, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me, or request more information by providing your email address below.
Monica Cardenas 