WHAT WE DO
About Our Books
We write your story for you. After sitting down with you, either virtually or literally, and learning about your treasured memories, we write a customised, and personalised, story honouring your experience.
Your story is then presented back to you in a handcrafted, hard-cover book, made by us especially for you using traditional bookbinding techniques.
At the end of our work together you will have the perfect gift to share with your loved ones!
“The book Brenda created for my husband and I was perfect. It was our love story.”
– Kate B.
Our Process
interviewing
We start with the interview process. These are held in person, over the phone, or online. Depending on the scope of your story and the project, there may be one or more, interviews. Having previously established the basic premise of your story – the path to finding your beloved, funny family quips or personal growth for instance – we will have some initial questions prepared. That said, we will also allow the interview to wander as needed, and may ask some background questions for clarification as we’ve found many stories start before we realize they do.
writing
After the interview, your work is done and we begin writing your experience. We frame it as a short story, poem, or memoir, depending on what form suits your story and which style you prefer. The tone, and indeed some of the language, of the writing will be taken from the interview as we are here to honour your story and your history.
Bookbinding
Once the writing is completed, we begin the process of bookbinding and transforming your piece of history into the perfect gift for both yourself and your loved ones. The books are covered in imported decorative papers made specifically for bookbinding, and are sourced from around the world. The style of the paper (marble, floral, geometric print for example) is chosen based on the tone and concept of the book. Colour options can be chosen by you, or you can leave it up to us to decide.
sewing and assembly
We then sew the book pages by hand, build the hard cover case-binding, and glue it all together using a small, hand-made book press. Once the glue has dried and your story is snuggled safely between the covers, it is ready to be delivered! We can deliver locally in person or arrange shipping as needed.
Please note that your privacy is protected throughout the entire process. The books created by Our Storied Lives are meant for you. The stories they hold are presented as remembered by you. They are a written record to be cherished by both yourself and your loved ones.
Our Process
interviewing
We start with the interview process. These are held in person, over the phone, or online. Depending on the scope of your story and the project, there may be one or more, interviews. Having previously established the basic premise of your story – the path to finding your beloved, funny family quips or personal growth for instance – we will have some initial questions prepared. That said, we will also allow the interview to wander as needed, and may ask some background questions for clarification as we’ve found many stories start before we realize they do.
writing
After the interview, your work is done and we begin writing your experience. We frame it as a short story, poem, or memoir, depending on what form suits your story and which style you prefer. The tone, and indeed some of the language, of the writing will be taken from the interview as we are here to honour your story and your history.
Bookbinding
Once the writing is completed, we begin the process of bookbinding and transforming your piece of history into the perfect gift for both yourself and your loved ones. The books are covered in imported decorative papers made specifically for bookbinding, and are sourced from around the world. The style of the paper (marble, floral, geometric print for example) is chosen based on the tone and concept of the book. Colour options can be chosen by you, or you can leave it up to us to decide.
sewing and assembly
We then sew the book pages by hand, build the hard cover case-binding, and glue it all together using a small, hand-made book press. Once the glue has dried and your story is snuggled safely between the covers, it is ready to be delivered! We can deliver locally in person or arrange shipping as needed.
Please note that your privacy is protected throughout the entire process. The books created by Our Storied Lives are meant for you. The stories they hold are presented as remembered by you. They are a written record to be cherished by both yourself and your loved ones.
“It is an honour to have opportunities to sit down and learn about people’s stories. To be trusted with most treasured memories and be given the privilege to create something beautiful with, and from, them is truly rewarding.”
– Brenda, Our Storied Lives Founder
Pricing
We offer three package outlines for books and projects of varying scope.
Package I
One interview encompassing one memory, with background (approximately 1-1.5 hours in length)
1 short story/memoir/poem, approximately 25-35 pages in length
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: our first date, our wedding day, how I met my loved one, favourite memories of mom/dad, I finally achieved…
*$225.00 +HST
PACKAGE II
Two to three interviews (each approximately 1-1.5 hours in length)
One short story, with or without sections, encompassing a longer period of your history approximately 40-60 pages in length
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: how our family grew, family histories, finally achieving my dream job, the funny things that happen on the way to life etc.
*$300.00 +HST
PACKAGE III
Four to six interviews (each approximately 1-1.5 hours)
One short story with sections, approximately 65-100 pages
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: family histories, immigration stories, building business stories, lifelong love stories, personal histories of growth and achievement.
*$400.00 +HST
Because of the highly personalized nature of the books, we are unable to accept returns. We strive throughout the interview and writing process to understand and honour your story as told by you. However, should you feel, after the interview process but before the book has been completed, that you no longer wish to complete the project, we will offer a 50% discount on the price of the project to account for the time spent working on the project to that point, and no book will be created for you.
Once the book has been completed we will be unable to offer a refund due to costs incurred throughout the process.
Pricing
We offer three package outlines for books and projects of varying scope.
Package I
One interview encompassing one memory, with background (approximately 1-1.5 hours in length)
1 short story/memoir/poem, approximately 25-35 pages in length
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: our first date, our wedding day, how I met my loved one, favourite memories of mom/dad, I finally achieved…
*$225.00 +HST
PACKAGE II
-
Two to three interviews (each approximately 1-1.5 hours in length)
-
One short story, with or without sections, encompassing a longer period of your history approximately 40-60 pages in length
-
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: how our family grew, family histories, finally achieving my dream job, the funny things that happen on the way to life etc.
*$300.00 +HST
PACKAGE III
Four to six interviews (each approximately 1-1.5 hours)
One short story with sections, approximately 65-100 pages
One hand-bound, hard-cased book
Examples of types of stories: family histories, immigration stories, building business stories, lifelong love stories, personal histories of growth and achievement.
*$400.00 +HST
Because of the highly personalized nature of the books, we are unable to accept returns. We strive throughout the interview and writing process to understand and honour your story as told by you. However, should you feel, after the interview process but before the book has been completed, that you no longer wish to complete the project, we will offer a 50% discount on the price of the project to account for the time spent working on the project to that point, and no book will be created for you.
Once the book has been completed we will be unable to offer a refund due to costs incurred throughout the process.
aDDITIONAL COPIES
For some books, you may wish to purchase extra copies for family members or other loved ones. Each extra copy of the book will be $55-75 each, depending on the length of the book.
DELIVERY & SHIPPING
Delivery fee will be waived if within one hour of Our Storied Lives Homebase and will be negotiated for distances outside of that area.
Shipping will be via Canada Post or courier, depending on client’s preference. Shipping costs will be approved by, and covered by, the client.
Create your Dream Project
Not seeing what you’re looking for? If your project falls outside of the above parameters please reach out for a custom quote or package based on your ideas.
