FAQ's
Why did we start Tell Me A Story?
A close friend’s father has been very successful in life, particularly in business and philanthropy. As we searched for the details and secrets to his success, we got different stories from our friend and his brother. A short time later, their father fell ill, and it dawned on us that if we didn’t ask their father directly, his stories would be lost forever.
In the meantime, we had each given a product called Storyworth as a gift to our own parents. With Storyworth, the storytellers jot down answers to a question they are given once a week. With Storyworth, our parents struggled with these weekly questions and quickly lost interest in their projects.
Not ones to give up, we recognized there was a need for a product that captured someone’s life story, but it had to be easy for the client and, at the same time, pay close attention to every detail of their story was needed to capture its authentic essence. We thought, why not create it ourselves?
We are driven by the belief that every life story deserves to be celebrated. At Tell Me A Story we create beautiful, personalized storybooks that honor individual experiences and preserve memories for family and friends to cherish forever.
For individuals looking to preserve and honor their life story, Tell Me A Story is a custom storybook company that curates personal legacy books through its uniquely collaborative, intricate, and thorough process. Unlike its competitors, Tell Me A Story creates custom books, committing a superior level of detail, attention, and talent to each project. Additionally, the company sets itself apart by prioritizing a comfortable, accommodating, and safe storytelling experience for clients.
Karen is a writer and Carolyn is a graphic designer – a perfect combo for creating beautifully written and designed custom life story books.
In the meantime, we had each given a product called Storyworth as a gift to our own parents. With Storyworth, the storytellers jot down answers to a question they are given once a week. With Storyworth, our parents struggled with these weekly questions and quickly lost interest in their projects.
Not ones to give up, we recognized there was a need for a product that captured someone’s life story, but it had to be easy for the client and, at the same time, pay close attention to every detail of their story was needed to capture its authentic essence. We thought, why not create it ourselves?
We are driven by the belief that every life story deserves to be celebrated. At Tell Me A Story we create beautiful, personalized storybooks that honor individual experiences and preserve memories for family and friends to cherish forever.
For individuals looking to preserve and honor their life story, Tell Me A Story is a custom storybook company that curates personal legacy books through its uniquely collaborative, intricate, and thorough process. Unlike its competitors, Tell Me A Story creates custom books, committing a superior level of detail, attention, and talent to each project. Additionally, the company sets itself apart by prioritizing a comfortable, accommodating, and safe storytelling experience for clients.
Karen is a writer and Carolyn is a graphic designer – a perfect combo for creating beautifully written and designed custom life story books.
How does the process work?
Tell Me A Story begins with four one-hour Zoom sessions. Before the first Zoom session, Karen sends question to you in advance that will guide you as you meet and tell the stories of your life. During these sessions you will have the opportunity to reflect back on important milestones along with the values that have guided you throughout your life.
Your words are then written into a text, in your voice, capturing your stories forever. You will be sent the text to review for accuracy. In the meantime, you will send us your photographs for the book which we will retouch and edit. The story and photos are then laid out in a one-of-a-kind custom book. You will have one more opportunity to review the layout before it goes to print.
Your words are then written into a text, in your voice, capturing your stories forever. You will be sent the text to review for accuracy. In the meantime, you will send us your photographs for the book which we will retouch and edit. The story and photos are then laid out in a one-of-a-kind custom book. You will have one more opportunity to review the layout before it goes to print.
What if my photos are not on my computer or phone?
Tell Me A Story has an easy and adaptable photo procedure. We guide you through scanning printed pictures or you can send them to us, and we will scan them for you for an additional cost. All your photos are returned to you in the same format as we receive them.
Can you do both of my parents at once?
Yes. Tell Me A Story does couples books as well. Each person has an opportunity to tell his or her story and they can tell stories of their life together as well
Do you have any other products?
At Tell Me A Story, we can capture any special moment in your life. We can create a custom book with the stories and photos from a treasured family vacation, an important era, or a career highlight, among others. We also do milestone birthday books where your closest family and friends tell stories about you to commemorate this special occasion. We have also created beautiful bridal shower recipes books, complete with family recipes and photos of the couple-to-be. Each Tell Me A Story book is custom designed to meet our client’s needs.
Can I purchase extra books?
Yes. You can order extra books after you have received your first book. The price depends on the size and type of the book you are ordering.
Can I edit or add to my stories?
You will have two opportunities to review your book before it goes to print. The first is after the text of your story has been written. You will be able to edit or add to the text at that time. The second is when your story is in layout form which will include your photos. At that time, we ask you to review the photo captions for accuracy.
How long does the process take?
The process from start to finish usually takes around two months. Much of the timeline, though, will depend on how quickly the storyteller provides edits to the text and photos.
My loved one has passed away. Can you still do a project to help remember them?
Yes. We do memorial books to preserve the stories of loved ones who have passed away. We interview people who knew the loved one well and combine their stories to create a loving tribute.
Do you only allow one storyteller per book or is there an option to have more than one storyteller?
We allow for one or more storytellers per book if their stories are intertwined. We often do couples books, allowing for each person to tell his or her own story and including combined stories from the two of them
Is shipping included?
Domestic shipping is included for the storyteller’s book.