Tips on writing a family history or memoir--for yourself and family or for publication
Families often lose their histories through the generations, which may explain why genealogy — the process of trying to trace and recapture that history — is hugely popular. Learn how to preserve your precious family memories for future generations, whether you simply want to print a few copies on your computer or publish a hardcover book to sell to the general public
Excerpt
WHY YOU SHOULD CREATE A FAMILY HISTORY
Usually people have one of two reactions to the idea of writing a family history: "Can I publish my family history and make a lot of money?" or, "My family has no history worth writing." Both of these are unrealistic. The following sections explain why.
Can I Publish My Family History and Make Money?
People ask me — a freelance editor — to help them write their individual memoirs or family histories. Sometimes they expect to submit their manuscripts to publishers because they think their stories are so interesting and unusual that everyone will want to read them. However, unless you or members of your family have achieved some celebrity or notoriety, the general public usually won’t be interested in your story. Publishers don’t often publish memoirs of ordinary people unless they have been in the midst of extraordinary circumstances.
In addition, most people are more interested in their own family background than in yours, and most families have stories of overcoming great hardships somewhere in their history. Nearly all families have memories of love and sacrifice as well as of great tragedy. And, in general, families would rather read their own stories than yours.
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