What It’s Like to Work with a Biographer
Each story is different and unique. Forget templates, packages, and production lines. The following outlines the typical format your project may take, along with what each includes.
Full Memoir Ghostwriting
The complete record of a life in a voice that is unmistakably their own. Susan conducts extensive interviews over multiple sessions, researches supporting material, and produces a finished manuscript ready for publication or private distribution.
Who it's for: Founders, executives, public figures, and private individuals with a story worth preserving
What's included: Research, all interviews, full manuscript, revision rounds, final copyedit
Timeline: 9 months to a year
Investment: Custom quote: projects typically begin at $5,000
Legacy Letters
A collection of handwritten letters, preserved and transformed into a beautifully bound keepsake book, this service is especially meaningful for veterans and their families, while welcoming anyone who wishes to gather and protect the words of those who matter most.
What’s included:
Careful transcription of handwritten letters into a clean, readable format
Light editing for clarity while preserving each writer’s voice
Thoughtful organization of letters, diaries, or journals into a clean, readable format
Custom-designed interior layout for a timeless, keepsake-quality book
Guidance on printing options for private or family distribution
A lasting way to hold onto the voices, memories, and sentiments that deserve to be kept close.
The Process
1. Initial Consultation: We discuss specific timeline, goals and target audience. We cement expectations and set a start date. Initial start up down payment begins at $5,000.
2. The Research Phase: Create a written summary and draft chapter outline, collaborate with key contacts, family, friends, clients, etc., and research and verify historic events to correlate w/personal memories.
3. Organize: Assist in determining photographs for the book, and write each chapter and submit for review/revision monthly.
Estimated Schedule:
Meet weekly either in person or by phone.
I typically work on your book 10-20 hours per week. The average time to completion is 9 months to a year. Average cost starts at $1500/month
Upon publication, you will receive 30 hardbound books or 40 paperback books. You retain all of the rights to your work.
Once the book has a first draft, the manuscript is delivered for review and then revised accordingly. $2000 will be due upon delivery of the completed manuscript.
Production of the book includes:
finalizing the book for publication by Susan the Scribe Publishing, including professional editing/text placement/graphic design of cover/placement of photos.
obtaining the ISBN number
determining the quantity of printed books and cover type
One bound proof copy is printed for final review. Upon approval, the book is produced. Client retains copyright and all future rights to the book.Final publication fee is approximately $6,000-8,000 and you receive 40 paperback books, or 30 hardcover books.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Approximately 9 months to a year
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Call Susan at 904-962-5131. There are several ways to approach the writing of your story, and Susan will help you choose the right one for you.
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You own it.
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As confidential as you desire it to be. If you request complete privacy, so be it.
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Not at this time, although I may find uses for it in the future.
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I am a publisher, Susan the Scribe Publishing. I will take your book from the first interview to the published memoir. I have a staff of graphic designers, editors and printers. I can do it all, and prefer to have it that way in order to give you exactly what you desire.