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The authors have gathered the names, dates, and locations. They also have the dusty photographs, handwritten letters, and fragmented memories of grandparents and ancestors. However, the raw data is not history; it is just raw material.
The profound moment comes when authors realize that those scattered facts represent an epic and irreplaceable story, i.e., their family’s legacy (or that of another prominent and well-known family). It is up to authors to weave them into a unified and enduring narrative. Such a transition (ranging from genealogist to storyteller) is indeed daunting but also rewarding.
Family history book publishing has challenges in its structural aspect. Authors spend time organizing decades and centuries of scattered information, photographs, and oral histories into a cohesive and beautifully printed book that future generations will cherish.
A lack of a stepwise framework can put this project in a conundrum. It can leave precious memories stranded in either digital files or dusty boxes.
This blog post will serve as a brief yet essential blueprint for transforming research into a legacy book. The process will be demystified to help authors obtain a clear roadmap going from initial research organization to professional design, editing, and final publishing.
There is no need to let those priceless stories fade. It is time to honor one’s ancestors and create a memorable family heirloom.
Why is family history book publishing and writing worth it?
Writing a family history is a good way of strengthening bonds in families. These books help preserve family heritage and pass on relevant information about the family tradition to future generations. In family history books, the achievements and struggles of ancestors are recorded so they won’t be forgotten.
The stories and lessons learnt from reading family history books help create memories and moments that help bind families together. They further educate future generations about their roots & ancestry, values, and morals that make the family what it is today.
Yet, despite all the benefits family history book publishing has, the task is not a walk in the park. It requires hours of research, brainstorming, questions to be asked, and collaborating with family members, and most of all, completing the entire book properly.
Keeping all of this in mind, here are tips from experts on creating a proper family history book:
Having a plan in place
Before authors set out to write a family history book, it is important to have a plan of how they intend to begin and hit their set objective of writing and finishing the book. They must ask themselves simple questions regarding what they want to achieve by writing this book.
That way, they know and understand the book will be only for family members. If the family is well known (i.e., like the Astor or Lincoln family), then it can be for the entire public. Another factor in having a plan would help them know the scope of their literary work.
Authors must also consider whether the book will be written in a storytelling format or a basic narrative with facts and figures about the family. Those who choose the former would have a bigger history book designed and written like a novel compared to the latter. It would also take more time to complete.
Now consider the length of time authors want to start and finish their history book. If they want to finish it within a month, then they should consider collaborating with family members or hiring professional ghostwriters to help with writing.
Gathering information
After authors understand how they want to write the family history book and the objective they intend to achieve at the end, the next step is to gather all the needed information to successfully write their family history book.
They must conduct a good amount of research about their/others’ families to collect relevant data and information about each family member that they would feature in their history book.
The research can be in the form of an interview where they prepare a list of questions to ask family members about themselves and their relatives. Whilst they answer the questions, authors can take notes, and compile detailed & specific information. They can also record responses on camera or a voice recorder.
Making sections in the research
Now that all the detailed information has been gathered about the family’s ancestry, this step should be about dividing the research into sections. This helps authors determine the number of chapters, parts, or sections the family history book should be made up of.
They can decide to divide their research into nuclear and extended families, or direct and indirect ancestral links. Authors can also organize their research into parts, like the fifth generation to the present-day generation. Also, they can make one part for the present or first generation, the mid parts for the mid ones and the last one for the first or current generation.
Creating the story
This step is the most important step, as the format they use in writing their family history book will determine the way the audience will appreciate the book and whether or not it will be a success.
When it comes to self publishing for family history book and publishing it traditionally, authors must start with a captivating introduction. The kind that would draw readers into the story and compel them to read every word in the book.
Authors need to think about an interesting historical point or a present-day fiction story they have read. Then they need to study how the introduction and storyline were written. Watching online videos and reading text on storytelling helps them formulate the way they write.
Editing the story
Now that the first draft of the story, they should read through each line and edit where needed. Authors can hire a professional editor to help go through the task, or they can do it by themselves.
Is editing important? Those who are looking to self-publish your family history book will tell you that editing is important because there are certainties where authors may miss out on important information and stories. The book needs to be perfect; otherwise, it may spill out too much information that may not be needed. It needs to be useful to readers.
Furthermore, authors need to edit their book to check for grammatical mistakes, punctuation, and spelling before they publish it. They can also send the draft to family members to read through and send in their feedback.
Adding the needed designs and visuals
After all the editing and revision work has been done, and the authors are satisfied with the end draft, they can now move on to the step where designs and visuals can be added. Those images, documents, and important visuals can be collected and fine-tuned. They are a key part of family history book publishing.
Copies of the documents, photos, and other visuals can be made. They can be added wherever necessary in the book. Charts and diagrams of family trees can be made wherever necessary. Moreover, adding other designs, such as book covers and page design, would make the family history book more interesting to read.
Sharing it with others
Now comes the final step of writing the family history book. After following through the previous steps and compiling the book, it is now time for the authors to share it with family members and relatives. If it is as desired, then they can share it with others, too.
Words of encouragement to authors
Authors must understand that writing a family history book means they are leaving beautiful gifts to the next generation of people. They can understand where they came from and what they are made of.
This will not only make the authors feel inspired but also pass that inspiration along to others. They may also send copies to relevant local historical societies. Their mission is to capture the beauty and essence of their family and their stories, to compile what they can to give future generations a wonderful context. To the world, it is a product they will surely love.
Over to You
Family history book publishing and writing does require a good amount of accurate research. In fact, it is something both families and the world will certainly admire, cherish, and love. Such books are not only an accurate depiction of families and their history but also a collection of memories cherished for life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can an author choose which stories to include in the family history book?
A: An author should definitely focus on pivotal, high-impact stories illustrating their ancestors’ character or major life transitions. Not every fact needs to be a chapter. This also makes the family history book publishing cost the least of worries.
Q: Can authors include photos in such books, and what quality is needed?
A: Yes, photos are crucial. They must scan all physical photos at 300 dpi (dots per inch) at least. This helps ensure they look sharp and professional in print.
Q: Is it necessary to hire a professional editor for such books?
A: An editor ensures factual accuracy, narrative flow, and consistency, transforming your research into a polished, credible legacy. Hence, it is a requirement that also reduces the family history book printing cost.
Q: Should authors use fiction techniques to fill in gaps?
A: Authors only need to use speculation sparingly. Stick to facts and use narrative techniques only to make the known facts more compelling and readable. Otherwise, they can face lawsuits for libel and slandering.