How We'll Do It

THE PROCESS

1. Getting Acquainted
As clients consider whether to retain Life Sentences Publishing, I invite them to a free get-acquainted consultation. During that time, we will discuss their expectations and the available options for attaining them. We also review the client’s life — charting his achievements, challenges, turning points and victories — and decide on the topics his project will cover (a specific milestone event or his entire life).

2. Pricing
Once we reach an agreement on the product and its content, I present the client with a price quotation and terms for payment. My fees are quite affordable and vary, according to the project.

3. Planning
The client and I next work out the number and schedule for interviews, the number of photographs and other materials to be scanned for inclusion, target dates for completing various steps in the process based on the client’s desired delivery date.

4. Transcript and Approvals
Following each interview, I present a typed transcription of the session to the client for review. The client is free to add or delete any part of the material. After making the revisions, I ask the client to sign off on the final version to document his approval before the final manuscript is developed.

5. Writing the Story
Next, I craft the client’s own words into an autobiographical narrative, a memoir, or a copyedited transcript of the interview.

6. Final Version
When the story is fully drafted, I return it to the client for review. At this point, it is the client’s responsibility to carefully proofread the material for accuracy regarding timelines, dates, names, locations, events, etc. I then correct all errors according to the client’s direction and present him the final version for his signed approval.

7. Layout
I design the layout of the project based on earlier input from the client and present him a PDF for inspection. I move the project to the final stage of completion once I receive the client’s final okay.

8. Delivery
I personally deliver the final product by the client’s expected due date. “Special Delivery” — perhaps at a special event with family and friends present — can be arranged for no extra fee.

CLIENTS HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL
OVER EVERY ASPECT OF THE PROCESS

Here, I confer with Tipton County resident Shawn Clements about the house he owns that was once home to President Barack Obama's 5th-great grandparents.