While every project is different, each follows a thoughtful scope of work and a natural rhythm that guides the process from beginning to end. Betsy tailors the experience to your goals, your story, and the materials you wish to include, while keeping each step clear, collaborative, and manageable. Here is how the process generally unfolds.

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1. Meet in person or on Zoom

Our work together will be as collaborative as you like. We’ll begin with a conversation about your ideas, vision, and questions regarding the process of writing a family history, organizational story, or similar project. For example, do you have a specific theme or focus area in mind? In any case, The Story of You will provide you with a list of questions to collect vital information and prompts to get your ideas flowing. We will also create a timeline.

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2. Conduct interviews 

The number of hours required for interviews varies greatly; it depends on the specifics and projected length of the book. Typically, one or two people are the primary sources of interviews. We can also seek out brief interviews with other family members or close friends. This is your project, and we’ll structure it as you see fit. Also, it’s helpful to know that it takes about three hours to transcribe one hour of a recorded interview.

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3. Organize and Curate 

​Depending on how many photos or graphic items are to be included (packages vary by price), we’ll review these pieces and determine where they fit into your book. The Story of You will provide sources for photo scanning. Betsy will seek out historical photos as well. Your treasured photos and mementos will greatly enhance the book, adding to its visual beauty and completing the storytelling effort. At this time, front and back covers are created.

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4. Research, write, edit, and revise 

​Based on our conversations — and integrating historical research and photos to enhance the content — The Story of You will create a narrative that allows your tale to unfold in an interesting, inclusive manner. You will have every opportunity to review the copy, make changes, ask questions, etc. To emphasize again, this is your story, told your way. Once you’re happy with the final draft, we’ll proceed to the next step.

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5. Layout and design 

The Story of You creates a designated number of scrapbook graphics to enhance the beauty of your book. I work with a graphic designer, who designs the layout and brings everything together.

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6. Review 

You will review the book, give approval (or make any small, last-minute changes), and sign off on the final project once changes are made.

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7. Print 

​Depending on how many photos or graphic items are to be included (packages vary by price), we’ll review these pieces and determine where they fit into your book. The Story of You will provide sources for photo scanning. Your treasured photos and mementos will greatly enhance the book, adding to its visual beauty and completing the storytelling effort. At this time, front and back covers are chosen.

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8. Deliver 

The printing process usually requires about two to four weeks. We can print as few or as many copies as you like.