What does Your True Story actually do?
I create custom books that capture your stories, memories, and milestones. That might be a personal memoir, a company history, a cookbook, an art book, a children’s story, or a legacy/tribute book. I guide you from “idea” to a finished, beautiful book you can hold in your hands.
Who do you typically work with?
I work with individuals, families, founders, non-profits, small businesses, and agencies. The common thread is that you have a story, legacy, or body of work you want to preserve and share—but you don’t have the time, systems, or experience to turn it into a book.
I'm not a writer. Is this still for me?
Absolutely. Most of my clients don’t see themselves as writers. My job is to interview you, organise the material, shape the narrative, and handle the writing, editing, and design. Your job is to show up, talk honestly, and give feedback.
Do you work with clients outside Canada?
Yes. Most projects happen remotely by video call and email. I’ve worked with clients in multiple time zones, and we’ll find a rhythm that suits us both.
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been writing, editing, and shaping books for over 20 years and have 20+ published titles as an author, plus many private, commissioned books for clients, families, and organizations.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes. You’ll find selected samples on my "Museum" page. Some books are private or confidential, but I can usually share a few pages or anonymized excerpts so you can get a sense of style and quality.
What if my story is not that interesting?
Most clients feel this way at first. My job is to ask the right questions, spot the themes, and show you how meaningful your story is to the people who love you—or to the customers, donors, or community that relies on your work.
Do you offer ghostwriting? Will your name appear on the book?
Most projects are ghostwritten. That means the book appears under your name or your organization’s name. Unless we agree otherwise, my name doesn’t appear on the cover.
What does the proceess look like from start to finish?
While every book is unique, most projects follow this pattern:
We talk about your goals and scope.
I gather material (interviews, documents, photos).
I shape the outline and sample pages.
I draft the manuscript and refine with your feedback.
I design and lay out the book.
We finalize files and prepare for printing.
I deliver your books and we celebrate!
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on the scope and how quickly you can review material. As a rough guide, most books take between 3–12 months from our first conversation to a delivery—what I call from soul to shelf.
How do the interviews work?
We meet online or by phone. I ask structured and open-ended questions to draw out your stories, memories, and insights. The conversations are recorded so I can focus on listening and later turn them into polished prose.
How much time will I need to invest?
You can expect to spend 90 minutes per interview, and as much time as you like (within reason) reviewing drafts. I handle the heavy lifting—writing, organising, editing, and design—so your time stays focused and meaningful.
What if I already have some writing done?
Perfect. I love when my clients have spent time pondering and putting words on pages. We can easily build on your existing material. I’ll review what you have, identify what’s working, and suggest what we still need. Sometimes we keep your voice almost as-is; other times we revise and expand.
Can we include photos, documents, recipes or artwork?
Yes. Visuals are often a big part of these books. I’ll guide you on what to gather and in what resolution, and we’ll place them throughout your book in a way that supports the story.
What if I change my mind about the structure partway through?
It’s normal for a project to evolve. We build in checkpoints where you can react to outlines and draft sections. If the scope changes significantly, we’ll discuss it and adjust the timeline and fee if needed.
Will the book sound lime me?
That’s the goal. I pay close attention to your natural language, rhythm, and stories. I’m shaping and polishing your thoughts, but the voice should feel authentic to you and your audience.
I'm nervous about being vulnerable. How much do I have to share?
You’re always in control. We can decide together how candid or reserved the book should be. Nothing is included without your consent, and you can draw clear lines around topics that feel off-limits.
What if I want to include difficult or sensitive topics?
We can absolutely hold space for grief, conflict, trauma, or mistakes—gently and respectfully. We’ll talk about who the book is for, how much detail is appropriate, and how to frame difficult moments in a way that feels honest and safe. I'm open-minded and respectful.
Do you fact-check everything?
You are the primary source for your story. I’ll flag anything that seems unclear or inconsistent and may suggest checking certain dates or details. For company histories or public claims, we may agree on a fact-checking step with your team.
Can other family members / team members contribute?
Yes. For many projects it’s helpful to include additional voices—brief quotes, stories, or memories from others. We can design a simple process so their contributions fit smoothly into the book.
Do you handle the design and layout as well as the writing?
Yes. I provide a complete service—from initial interviews to a fully designed book. If you already have a designer you love, I’m happy to collaborate with them.
Do you handle printing and delivery?
Yes. Printing and delivery are built into every package. We’ll confirm quantities (based on your package), paper quality, and binding options, and I’ll manage production and shipping so you receive finished books at your door. Additional copies beyond what’s included are easy to arrange.
Can I print more copies later?
Absolutely. You’ll also receive the final print-ready PDF files, so you can order additional copies anytime. If you’d like, I can also coordinate reprints for you so it stays effortless.
Can we create both a premium keepsake and a simpler version?
Yes. Some clients choose a high-end edition for family, founders, or donors and a simpler edition for broader distribution. We can design one main version and adapt it where needed.
Can I update or expand the book later?
Yes. We can revisit the files and create a second edition or add a new chapter. Updates are treated as a separate, smaller project.
How much does a project cost?
Every book is a custom creation. Pricing depends on length, complexity, interviews, research, and design. You can see pricing details on the Memoir and Milestone pages. After our initial conversation, I’ll send a clear proposal so you know exactly what’s included.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Typically, projects are paid in instalments. For example: a deposit to start, two payments during the draft stage, and a final payment on completion (delivery of physical books). We’ll agree a schedule that works for both of us.
Is printing included in the price?
Yes. The first print run is included in the fee. For additional copies, printing is quoted separately so you can choose quantities.
What if the scope changes?
If you decide to significantly expand the project—more chapters, more interviews, major structural changes—we’ll discuss it and agree on any adjustment to the fee before moving ahead.
Do you ever work with non-profits or community organizations?
Yes! The seed of Your True Story was planted in a strong community of regional and national non-profit organizations. We can design a pre-order or sponsorship model so that the project funds itself, or we adapt the scope to match your budget. I’m happy to explore options.
Who owns the rights to the book?
You do. Once the final invoice is paid, you own the content and design we’ve created for your project. You’re free to print, distribute, and share your book in any way you like.
Will you share my book publicly?
Only with your permission. Some clients are happy to have their projects featured in my portfolio; others prefer complete privacy. We’ll respect whatever you choose.
Can I publish or sell the book commercially?
Yes, of course, if that’s part of your goal. We can shape the book with a public audience in mind and discuss steps for ISBNs, distribution, and marketing if needed.
How do you handle sensitive or confidential information?
I treat your stories as confidential. Any recordings, transcripts, and drafts are stored securely. We’ll also decide what stays private and what appears in the final book.
Can you work under an NDA or white-label agreement?
Yes. I often work behind the scenes for agencies and organizations, with their branding front and centre and my role kept confidential.
Do I need my whole life story, or can we focus on one period?
We can do either. Some memoirs span a lifetime; others focus on a specific chapter—like a career, a relationship, a journey, or a turning point. We’ll choose the scope that best serves your story and your readers.
What if parts of my life are complicated or painful?
Most lives are! We can include difficult chapters with sensitivity and care, focusing on meaning, growth, and what you want to pass on—not on sensationalism.
Can my family read drafts and give input?
If you’d like them involved, yes. We can build in one or two moments where key family members read and respond, so the book feels true and respectful.
Why would a company or non-profit need a book?
A well-crafted history can honour founders, celebrate milestones, thank long-time staff or donors, and strengthen your culture. It’s also a powerful piece of brand storytelling for clients, partners, and recruits.
How do you gather material for a company history?
We combine interviews with founders, leaders, and long-serving staff, plus documents, photos, and existing marketing or archival materials. Then we shape it into a coherent, engaging narrative.
Can we align the book with a specific anniversary or event?
Yes. Many organisations commission a book for a 25th, 50th, 75th, or 100th anniversary, or as part of a major transition. If you have a date in mind, we’ll plan backward from there.