Working with
the Personal History Editor
to create your personal history . . .

the Personal History Editor focuses on helping individuals share their memories in a written form. However, personal histories can take on a variety of written forms, including journals, memoirs, autobiographies, and online scrapbooks. So, how do you know which is best for you and your story? That's a good question and one of many that can seem intimidating. But, remember: the most difficult—and most important, and urgent—part of the process is just deciding to start! 

Don't overwhelm yourself and your decision to start with those worries. The goal of the Personal History Editor is to help you get started in a painless and organized manner. We'll discuss the options, teaching you along the way if you need instruction, then be with you, assisting and guiding you until your stories are shared. Most of the time, once you've made some initial decisions, started, and found a procedure you like, you'll surprise yourself!

Still not convinced you can do it? Or, are you still doubting the value of your life story? Don't—think about this: At one time or another, we are all great people in our own places.Then, think of the entire project as a sum of its parts. Those parts can include

• encouragement and coaching,
• proposing a methodology that is appropriate
     to your story and your goals,
• helping you write a draft presentation,
• editing and helping revise your draft,
• fact-checking and verifying facts,
• introducing pieces of relevant social history
     as desired (to place your stories into a
     historical and societal context for future
     readers),
• organizing the information, and, finally,
• helping you explore options for publication,
     whether you and your family want focused
     pamphlet-type stories, a Web site, a photocopied
     manuscript, or a professionally printed and
     bound book.

With the Personal History Editor at your side, you've got nothing to worry about—we've been doing this for years.

By the way, if you are interested in a non-print service that I do not provide (such as getting interviews recorded or creating a video biography), I refer you to the Association of Personal Historians—I am a proud member and supporter of APH and cannot brag enough about the members I have worked with over the years. They'll take good care of you.