Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a memoir?

A memoir is the story of your life written in your own words. Through our guided interview process, we help you capture your most meaningful memories, experiences, and stories. Our team then crafts these into a beautiful 12-15 page narrative that preserves your unique voice and journey for future generations. It's perfect for sharing your legacy with family or creating a meaningful keepsake.

2. How does the interview process work?

Our thoughtful interview process guides you through capturing your most meaningful stories and memories. We ask carefully crafted questions designed to help you remember important moments and express them naturally. The process is conversational and comfortable, allowing your authentic voice to shine through. You can take your time and complete the interview at your own pace.

3. What's the difference between a memoir and biography?

A memoir ($500) is your personal story told by you, perfect for preserving your own legacy in a beautiful 12-15 page format. A biography ($1500) is a collaborative tribute to honor a loved one, where up to 10 family members and friends can contribute their memories and perspectives. Biographies result in comprehensive 25-30 page narratives, while memoirs are more intimate 12-15 page stories. Both offer professionally crafted storytelling, but biographies provide richer, multi-perspective narratives about someone special.

4. How long does the process take?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the interview process and provide any photos or additional details. Once we have all your content, our professional team typically delivers your completed biography within 2-3 weeks. You'll receive updates throughout the process and can communicate with our team if you have any questions or additional memories to include.

5. Can I include photos in my story?

Absolutely! Photos bring your story to life. Memoirs can include up to 5 photos, while biographies can include up to 10 photos. These images are seamlessly integrated into your narrative, enhancing the storytelling and creating a more engaging, visual experience. Simply upload your favorite photos during the creation process.

6. What format will I receive my completed story?

You'll receive your completed memoir or biography as a high-quality PDF download. This digital format makes it easy to share with family members, print multiple copies, or store safely for future generations. The PDF is professionally formatted and designed to look like a published book.

7. What are enterprise partnerships?

Our enterprise partnerships allow organizations like community centers, alumni associations, or cemeteries to offer branded OriginStories libraries to their members. Partners earn commissions on every memoir and biography created through their custom library. It's a meaningful way to serve your community while generating revenue, with no long-term contracts required.

8. Who owns the rights to my story?

You own the complete rights to your finished memoir or biography. The story is yours to share, distribute, or publish as you choose. OriginStories may request permission to use anonymized excerpts for marketing purposes, but this is always with your explicit consent. Your personal stories and family memories remain completely private and confidential.

9. How do I get started?

Getting started is simple! Choose either a memoir to tell your own story or a biography to honor a loved one. After payment, you'll receive access to our interview platform where you can begin sharing your stories immediately. The process is self-paced, so you can take your time crafting the perfect narrative.

10. What is your money-back guarantee?

We stand behind our work with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you don't finish the interview process or are not completely satisfied with your initial draft, we'll provide a full refund, no questions asked. Our goal is to create a meaningful story that exceeds your expectations. We're committed to ensuring you love your finished memoir or biography.