Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Much depends upon the scale and complexity of the task (especially in terms of research, content and choice of format) and the existing workload of your dedicated LifeScribe, but generally most commissions require 2 - 3 months. If the work is needed more urgently, this may also be possible but would also depend upon the subject's availability for interviews and the timely provision of images to enhance the Memoir, Tribute or Life Story. Urgent orders might also incur a supplementary fee and express delivery charges. If time is on your side, we would advise allowing 6 months or more as there are likely to be aspects of the subjects life that may come to you as an afterthought, or perhaps you might wish to include seasonal outdoor photography. Please anticipate your needs as far in advance as possible as the best work is rarely the work that is rushed.

The nature of our work requires us being given access to personal archive material, first hand accounts and family structures. In most cases, you will upload whatever imagery is to be included, or send the imagery to us by registered post (at your expense) for us to scan. However, if you are unable to get the imagery to us, we could potentially meet with you, perhaps in your own home, to scan documents and take photographs (all with your approval). Be assured that we operate to the highest standards of integrity and encourage the signature of a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to commencing whereby we guarantee we will not share any of your personal information with third parties beyond the purpose of storage and compiling, editing and publishing the written work and will delete all research items after an agreed delay once you have signed off the final draft and confirmed that the finished work is to your satisfaction. Your personal data (name, contact details etc.) will also be handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Please see our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for further information.

Yes, of course. Our service is bespoke, and the formats proposed are recognised as being of an optimal size that suits most needs. We will happily explore alternative solutions with you and provide you with a customised quote since the price is likely to be affected.

Yes, you can add more pages. Additional pages incur additional cost and we invite you to consult the Formats and Pricing page for details. If an adjustment is needed to the overall bill, this will be communicated in good time and a final invoice will be issued once final costs are known.

Our principal and preferred language is English, however we have experience of working on bilingual (French/English) publications and can arrange for the subsequent translation of your memoir into multiple languages, however we do not write the initial version in any language other than English.

Yes, indeed. We offer Gift Certificates of various amounts in partial payment but can also accept full payment up front or pledges of full payment in instalments. We would then provide you with a Gift Certificate and a letter advising the recipient of the gift as to how to redeem it and the process involved.

Yes of course! After reading the draft (for which we would need to charge our LifeScribe's time), we would nevertheless recommend several hours of interviews in order to discuss and explore any elements that could perhaps be added or expanded upon.

Generally, the memoirs we work on are for non-commercial use and are priced as such. That said, we can help you develop your memoir for commercial purposes if self-publishing, however we would recommend you work directly with an established publishing house if not going down the self-publishing route.

The customer retains copyright of the finished work once the work has been paid in full. If the customer is not the subject of the Life Story, the living subject will of course retain copyright over the content they have divulged during the interviews or provided in the form of a drafted memoir. Should the memoir be written posthumously without being based upon a draft memoir by the subject, the copyright is again retained by the customer following full payment. The gifting of vouchers to an individual likewise gifts any claim to copyright and does not equate to a share of copyright unless the vouchers purchased are not gifted to an individual but represent a collective purchase, in which case the group retain a collective copyright requiring the approval of each member of the group to approve any reproduction of the finished work once the order is complete and the finished product delivered. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that all imagery they have provided to be included in the Memoir / Life Story / Tribute is free of copyright or is licensed to be used in the context of the Memoir / Life Story / Tribute and to inform LifeScribe promptly of any images that do not meet these criteria. Likewise, LifeScribe will be responsible for ensuring all imagery it sources for inclusion in the memoir is covered by license where applicable.

Yes, the number is unlimited, however the price will need to be adjusted accordingly and may require prepayment. We invite you to contact us to discuss your needs. Remember, the more books ordered, the more you will be helping to combat Climate Change!

For the efficiency of time andin the interests of the environment, we prefer to conduct our interviews online using a Video Conferencing platform (such as Zoom, Teams, Google Meet etc.), however, if a face-to-face interview is preferred or required, we will travel anywhere in the UK, and even abroad if needed, so long as time and travel expenses are covered, as well as expenses for food and accommodation if needed.

Yes, either your LifeScribe is able to provide this service or we can outsource to a professional photographer matching the style of photography best suited to the book.

If your budget allows, we would highly recommend giving each guest/family attending the event, a copy of the book as a keepsake to take home with them. The books created by LifeScribe on behalf of our clients are generally not for public retail and, therefore, to receive a copy would mean so much to those in attendance.

Images should be actual size and scanned to ideally 300dpi. Imagery is acceptable in the following formats : JPEG, PNG, PDF Documents should either be scanned as PDF's or provided in WORD or EXCEL. Sound Files should be provided in MP3 format. Video Files should be in either MP4 or .MOV. We reserve the right to not accept files that we believe to be of bad quality or offensive in nature. Please ensure that you only provide imagery for which you have the necessary permission or authorisation to use. All imagery should be individually numbered (for reference purposes) and any accreditation clearly provided (either in the digital title of the file, or on a separate document with reference number of the relevant images clearly identified.

An E-Book Tribute is, quite simply, a digital version of a written tribute, designed to be read on a tablet. In its simplest form it is mainly text with some images inserted. In its more dynamic form, it can include more imagery, effects, animations and links, creating a more immersive experience.

Unlike a printed book, an E-Book doesn't require a print process and can be more easily updated and shared. The cost of producing multiple copies is therefore negligible. While it does require the reader to possess a suitable device (computer or tablet), nowadays most people are suitably equipped and it is much easier to travel with than transporting numerous books. E-Books also provide a more interactive experience for the reader, especially if the content is more dynamic than simply text.

A Visual Tribute is a short video celebrating the life and/or achievements of an individual. Whereas the industry standard nowadays seems to be a basic sequence of still images set to music, LifeScribe takes Visual Tributes to a whole new level!

LifeScribe's Visual Tributes are bespoke and creative. A mix of still and video footage and narration, the content of our Visual Tributes grows in complexity in line with the options chosen. We don't rely entirely upon the client's archive material (although the more the merrier) and can enhance each production with interviews, researched material and even providing the narration in poetic form.

Visual Tributes are best suited to senior milestone birthdays and funerals. In each case the Life Story is rich with life experiences, friendships and achievements to relate. At funerals, a Visual Tribute can either enhance or replace a spoken eulogy, or simply provide a comforting, visual accompaniment during the moment of reflection. At weddings, a Visual Tribute can be used to help introduce the bride or groom to his or her new family. In a professional context, a Visual Tribute would be highly suited to either a retirement party or to a lifetime achievement award ceremony.

Crematoriums are increasingly the preferred option for funerals, however many crematoriums lack the charm of traditional churches. Almost all, however, have large LCD screens, perfect for Visual Tributes that will more than make up for the venue's lack of charm.

We recommend that Visual Tributes last no longer than 15 minutes, however much depends upon the context. For instance, as a backdrop to a moment of reflection at a funeral, a Visual Tribute would be no more than 5 minutes, often accompanied by a single piece of music. As a Eulogy, this could run to 10 minutes and, as a celebration of a milestone birthday or of a life in general, fiends would be happy for it to stretch to 15 minutes. Anything above this enters the realm of documentaries, a format we can also produce if needed.

Yes, indeed. We offer Gift Certificates of various amounts in partial payment but can also accept full payment up front or pledges of full payment in instalments. Gift Certificates must be redeemed within 12 months of their Date of Purchase.

An Audio Tribute is the sound equivalent of Visual or Printed Tributes. It can vary in length and content, depending upon your preference. In its simplest form, it might be a straightforward narration, similar to a spoken Eulogy, lasting 5 or 10 minutes. A more complex Audio Tribute, could include background sound effects to create a more immersive experience, or perhaps inclusion of personal messages, testimonials or even some bespoke verse in honour of the individual.

One only has to consider the global success of audiobooks to appreciate their appeal. Although Audio Tributes may not have the full dimension of Visual Tributes, they offer their audience the ability to listen and imagine while either relaxing in an almost meditative mood or carrying out another activity simultaneously, such as driving, cooking, gardening or painting. Some may even choose to listen to an Audio Tribute as a comforting catalyst to help them fall asleep. Consider also the person whose life is being celebrated - if a singer, a musician, a writer or someone visually impaired, then sound would have been their world.

Upon completion, we provide Audio Tributes as an MP3 audio file that is password protected for you to download safely. Should you wish to receive the audio file in an alternative format (CD, USB etc.), especially for gifting purposes, this is also possible at extra cost.

A Display Tribute is a series of exhibition panels, celebrating the life and achievements of a dear friend or personality, for guests to peruse during a reception or wake in the person's honour.

The quantity of the display panels depends largely upon the space in which they will be exhibited, however we generally find that 12 panels suffice to tell the Life Story in a structured, creative and compelling way. This includes one cover/title panel that introduces the rest of the display. Should space be limited, a Condensed Display of 6 panels is also possible.

The size of the display panels depends largely upon the space in which they will be exhibited, however we find A1 panels [594 x 841 mm or 23.4 x 33.1 inches] work well and serve as the standard format for our quotes. That said, we are adaptable and can work with other formats, although a site-visit would be advisable in order to appreciate the look, layout and optimisation of the venue.

Our Standard Service would be to provide the panels in poster format, rolled and delivered in a tube, and it would then be up to you to make the arrangements with the venue for their display. We can also look after the framing and mounting, but would need to charge extra for this service. New technology offers digital solutions for displays, rather than traditional print formats, and, while we are willing and able to explore and implement these solutions, you should be aware that the budget would be significantly higher.

A Display Tribute is best suited to receptions celebrating the life of an individual. These might include the wake after a funeral, a fundraiser for their medical treatment or a ceremony in their honour, be it for the unveiling of a memorial plaque or for a lifetime achievement award.

A Display Tribute can either be a stand-alone event or a complementary element in support of a principal event such as a milestone birthday celebration, a funeral or an awards ceremony. It allows guests to peruse the displayed Life Story at their leisure during the reception element of the event and also provides an additional visual signature to the event. Following the event, you may choose to share a PDF copy of the exhibition with the guests as a way of thanking them for their attendance and providing them with a keepsake of their own.

Our service is bespoke and therefore prices vary. Due to the time-consuming nature of the work, we are unable to accept commissions under £5000 (excl. VAT), however we invite you to consult our rough price guide and will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate following your free consultation during which we will establish your needs.

Yes. We can set up a payment plan, usually in 3 monthly instalments, the final balance due prior to dispatch of the deliverables. We also require a 50% deposit to be paid at the time of confirmation of the order and before work can commence.

Over and above the cost of researching, writing, typesetting, proof reading, printing etc., you would need to cover the cost of travel of your LifeScribe if they need to journey beyond 1 hour for the purpose of conducting interviews for the memoir. If the distance and timing requires an overnight stay, you would also need to cover the cost of their food and accommodation (minimum 3 stars). This would be detailed and agreed upon before the journey commenced.

In an effort to meet the needs of different customer profiles and budgets, LifeScribe proposes 3 Purchase Options : 1. BASIC PACKAGES Here you can select one of the many different formats as shown on the Formats and Pricing page (ie. the printed Assisted Memoir or Illustrated Life Story, the Standard or Dynamic E-Books, Visual Tributes, Audio Tributes, Display Tributes etc.). The price is based upon the parameters as listed and this may be the best option for you if you are confident your order will remain within those parameters. If, while work is in progress, there is the need to expand the number of pages or modify the content, we can adapt accordingly, any adjustments requiring your written approval as well as your commitment to covering the associated surplus costs. Payment for a Basic Package may be made either in a single payment or in 3 instalments, the first of which must cover at least 50% of the Package price as shown. The 2 other instalments will be paid using a direct debit arrangement. 2. GIFT CERTIFICATES Gift Certificates are the ideal solution for those wishing to make an individual contribution towards the cost of the Life Story of a friend or relative, or to collectively cover the cost as a group. Typical scenarios would be such as friends clubbing together to offer a wedding present, family and friends gathering contributions for an elderly relative's milestone birthday or as a souvenir gift for attendees at a funeral. For financial contributions of less than £1000, we suggest you run a separate collection.

A minimum deposit is payable upon confirmation of the order. Deposits are generally non-refundable beyond 14 days from the date of purchase, however, in exceptional circumstances, any refund or part-refund of the deposit will be entirely at the discretion of LifeScribe. Should you choose to cancel, you may still be liable for any costs already incurred. We would therefore encourage you to contact us prior to cancellation so that we can pause the work and provide you with an evaluation of any monies due..

Trees are essential to our survival and it is important that our work creates more trees for oxygen generation and carbon capture than are used in the production of our books. That is why we have committed to supporting Word Forest, a UK based environment and education charity that plants trees in the UK but predominantly in Kenya, where they grow up to 10 times faster than anywhere else on the planet. They also foster education and have a comprehensive programme of women's empowerment initiatives.2.5% of LifeScribe's annual profit (ex. VAT) will be donated to Word Forest, as our charity of choice. As per their website, £25 covers the cost of clearing scrub, planting and nurturing 10 trees, each locking in 1/4 Tonne of Carbon Dioxide once mature. These are mostly fruit-bearing trees that help to feed and provide employment for the local community. By choosing LifeScribe, you are effectively helping to combat climate change and to gift improved wellbeing and opportunities to communities in need. Thank you!

We take our clients' privacy very seriously. While our full Privacy Policy is available on our website below, be assured that we will not share your personal data with third parties without first receiving your written consent or if required to do so by law.

In order to create Life Stories on your behalf, we rely upon archive material (photos, recordings, letters and other documents) being supplied by each client, as well as information obtained through our own research and interviews etc. All material is securely transferred and stored, with digital files being deleted 3 months after project completion and any physical archives being returned to their source within 3 months following project completion.