Hiring someone to write your life story is a deeply personal decision. You’re trusting them with your memories, your voice, and your legacy. Before you choose a memoir writer, it’s worth asking a few important questions to ensure you find the right fit.
1. Have You Written Memoirs Before?
Memoir writing is very different from writing novels, biographies, or business books. Ask about their experience with memoirs and life stories specifically. A good memoir writer will be more than happy to share their experience and insight with you.
2. How Will You Capture My Voice?
A good memoir should sound like you, and not the writer. Ask how they ensure your personality, humour, and style come through in the finished book.
3. What Does the Process Look Like?
Will there be interviews? Phone calls? Zoom meetings? How many drafts are included? Knowing the process helps set expectations from the start.
4. Who Owns the Copyright?
Once your memoir is complete, make sure you understand who owns the finished manuscript. Most professional ghostwriters transfer full rights to the client. If this is not the case, then be sure to ask them why.
5. Can I See Examples of Your Work?
Even if confidentiality limits what can be shared, many memoir writers can provide writing samples or testimonials that demonstrate their style and experience. Perhaps you could share a brief memory with them and ask them to write a short piece. It’s important to know that the memoir writer can capture your voice.
6. How Long Will It Take?
Every memoir is different, but it’s helpful to have a realistic timeline from first interview to finished manuscript. It takes time to write a memoir, and a writer needs time to ensure your memoir matches your personality. They will usually be happy to share it with you along the way to ensure you’re happy.
7. How Are Sensitive Memories Handled?
Life stories often include emotional or difficult experiences. Ask how your memoir writer approaches these conversations with sensitivity and respect.
8. What Happens If I Remember Something Later?
Most people continue remembering stories as the project develops. Find out how additional memories and revisions are handled.
9. Will You Help With Publishing?
Some memoir writers offer publishing advice or introductions, while others focus solely on writing. It’s worth knowing what’s included.
You can find information on self-publishing HERE
10. Do I Feel Comfortable Talking to This Person?
This may be the most important question of all.
You’ll spend many hours sharing personal memories together. Choose someone who listens well, asks thoughtful questions, and makes you feel completely at ease. If at any time you don’t feel happy, be sure to discuss this with your memoir writer. They can only help if they know there’s a problem.
Final Thoughts
The right memoir writer won’t simply write your story. They’ll help you discover it, shape it, and preserve it in a way that feels authentic to you.
Choosing the right person is about more than experience. It’s about trust, empathy, and the confidence that your memories will be treated with care. An experienced memoir writer will share their work along the way and offer you the opportunity to make changes if needed.
If you’ve been thinking about writing your memoir, asking these ten questions is the perfect place to begin.
“The best memoir writers don’t just ask questions. They listen for the story only you can tell.”
Ready to Start Your Memoir?
If you’ve been thinking about writing your life story but aren’t sure where to begin, our free Memoir Starter Pack is the perfect first step. It includes practical guidance, helpful prompts, and information about the memoir writing process to help you get started with confidence.
Leave a Reply