A scrapbook open to a black-and-white family photo and a family tree tracing the Dumbarton and Grunder families from Ohio across Europe, alongside a recording device, coffee cup, and saucers on a wooden table.

Custom books and memoirs

When you decide to have our personal or family history put together in book form, the options are nearly endless.

If you are interested in producing a memoir, or sharing the story of living family members, you might choose to focus on an important chapter from your or your loved ones’ lives, or a full story up until this moment. You may decide to write your own story, have it ghost written or something in between.

If you would like a family history book focused on distant ancestors, loved ones who are no longer living, or both, you can again choose a scope that works for your timeframe and budget.

Projects fit into three basic categories:

A sign that reads 'PHOTO 1ST' with decorative lines and a diamond shape in the center, framed by a red and black border.

A photo book designed and laid out with storytelling as well as beauty in mind. A typical book may include

  • 50-100 photos

  • a mix of brief and deep captions providing context for each image

Typical price range:
$600–$1,500
plus printing‍ ‍

A presentation slide with the word 'KEYNOTE' in bold black letters on a light background, decorated with a geometric line design and a dark red border.

A book that combines narrative and photos and that

  • is focused on a particular chapter of a person’s life
    (ex: an immigrant’s journey; life on a war-time homefront; working life in a vanished industry; participation in an historic event, etc.)

  • may involve research or interviews

Typical price range:
$3,000-$8,000
plus printing

A logo with the word 'ODYSSEY' in stylized black text on a light gray background, framed with a black and red border.

A book that tells a life’s story or a family’s story over generations and that

  • involves research, interviews, or both

  • incorporates graphic elements, such as maps or family trees, in addition to photos

  • includes significant narrative, divided into chapters

Typical price range:
$10,000 and up
plus printing

Things to know

  • These are highly collaborative projects! We will be in conversation throughout the project so that you can provide as much (or as little) direction as you wish, and get a finished project that meets or exceeds your expectations.

  • In general, and especially if your book is meant to coincide with an important milestone, be aware that a keynote project may take a few months and an odyssey up to one year to complete.

Things to think about

Every project is different, but here are a few general questions to think about, especially if you are not sure what type of book you might be interested in.

  • What balance do you envision between photos and narrative? Would you like your book to be photo-focused, with brief introductions and extended captions to aid in telling your story? Or would you like to rely on narrative to drive the story, with photos illustrating key people and moments?

  • Would you like to include graphic elements, such as family trees or maps?

  • Is your story your memoir, or the story of other living people? If so, personal interviews will likely be part of your package.

  • If you are interested in a family history that traces the lives of ancestors, so you have a lot of information already, or will you need to add research to your package?

  • Are you uncertain and just have a lot of questions? There is no obligation attached to a consultation.

Schedule a consultation