If you’re a family historian, you may have piles of stories and records collected. Knowing how to bring those all together into a cohesive book can be a challenge. If you are just getting started, here is a brief explanation of the usual process (along with some tips to make things easier!).
How to Record Your Own Family History
- Step 1 – Figure out why you want to make a family history book. Is your goal to preserve some essential records, photos, and stories in one place? Are you hoping for an easy-to-read collection or stories? Or are you seeking to build a structured narrative of your family’s history?
- Step 2 – Collect stories. This could involve interviewing relatives, searching genealogical records, or looking through journals to find key moments to record.
- Step 3 – Organize the stories. Based on your goal, decide how you hope to format your book, and fill in your outline with the stories you’ve chosen.
- Step 4 – Add a few significant photographs. The trickiest part here can be knowing which photos to use. Narrow your choices down to ones that are meaningful and that, if possible, are connected to the stories being told.
- Step 5 – Edit your manuscript. Editing usually comes in phases, focusing on the big picture first and then the little things. Take the time you need to make sure the organization is working the way you want it to before worrying about smaller edits.
- Step 6 – Typeset and design. During this phase, fonts are chosen and checked for consistency, and the design is solidified. This is a process too, and it can often be done with the help of a publisher or book printer.
- Step 7 – Proofread. This is the last check for errors and typos and the last chance to make any changes to design.
- Step 8 – Press. The book is sent off to a printer or publisher to be printed!
I know, I know. It definitely seems like a lot of work, and it is! But bringing stories together into a form where they can be easily read and enjoyed is incredibly rewarding, and you don’t have to do it alone! I offer services to help with both the early and later stages of the writing process. Take a look at my services page for more information.
Resources
These are just a few of my favorite resources for family historians.
- http://genealogybookpublisher.com/genealogy-links-resources/
- https://irongate.com/about-us/ — Iron Gate has a list of family history organizations and self-publishing guides to help you in your journey.
- https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/family-history-publishers
- https://www.familytreemagazine.com/storytelling/writing/publishing-your-family-history/ — This is one of my favorite articles on publishing your own family history.
