Memoir writing services: what are your options?

Writing a memoir or life story book is something many people think about, but far fewer actually complete. Not because the story isn’t worth telling, but because the process can feel overwhelming.

Where do you start? Do you write it yourself? Do you get help? And if so… what kind?

The truth is, there are several very different options available, each with its own trade-offs in cost, effort, and quality. Understanding these options is the first step toward choosing the right path for you (or a loved one).

1. Writing your memoir yourself (DIY)

The most straightforward option is to write your memoir on your own. This means starting from a blank page, organising your memories into chapters, and gradually shaping your life into a story. For some, this is a very personal and rewarding process, but it can also take time and discipline to see it through.

Pros:

• It’s the most affordable option
• You have full control over your story
• It can be a deeply personal and reflective process

Cons:

• Knowing how to structure a compelling life story
• Staying consistent and finishing the project
• Turning memories into something readable and engaging

Many people begin here, but it’s common to get stuck partway through.

2. Q&a, DIY subscription platforms (low cost, self-led)

The next step up is using a Q&A subscription service. These platforms are designed to make memoir writing easier by prompting you with questions over time. Your responses are then compiled into a templated book. It’s a simple and accessible way to begin, especially if you’re unsure where to start.

Pros:

• Affordable (typically low-cost subscription)
• Easy to start
• Good for capturing memories gradually

Cons:

• Still requires a lot of time and effort
• Limited personalisation
• Little to no human support
• The final book can feel like a collection of answers rather than a flowing story

This option works well if the goal is simply to capture memories, but less so if you want a polished, narrative-driven book.

3. Hiring a ghostwriter (premium, done for you)

At the other end of the spectrum is working with a professional ghostwriter. In this case, you share your life story through conversations, and a writer turns it into a finished manuscript. This can produce a very polished result, with minimal effort required from you.

Pros:

• High-quality, professionally written result
• Minimal effort required from you
• Strong storytelling and structure

Cons:

• Expensive (often several thousand dollars or more)
• Less hands-on involvement in the writing process
• Requires finding someone you trust and are comfortable with

This is a great option if you want a premium, hands-off experience, but it’s not always accessible or necessary for everyone.

4. Publishers (traditional & hybrid)

Some people consider publishing routes when thinking about their memoir. Traditional publishing involves pitching your story to agents or publishers, which is often competitive and suited to high-profile stories.

Hybrid or self-publishing allows you to pay for services like editing and design, giving you more control over the final result.

Pros:

• Professional production
• Personal support
• Potential for wider distribution

Cons:

• Expensive (often $5,000+ dollars or more)
• You often still need to write the manuscript yourself
• You’re usually tied to their timeline/process

For most people creating a life story for their family, this route can feel unnecessarily complex. However if you’re looking to have your work published for marketing and distribution, this is likely the best route for you.

5. Full-service memoir companies

There are also companies that specialise in creating memoirs from start to finish. These typically include interviews, writing, editing, and book design, offering a fully guided experience with a high-quality end result.

What they offer:

• Structured interviews
• Professional writing and editing
• Book design and printing

Pros:

• Guided, end-to-end process
• High-quality finished product
• Professional support throughout

Cons:

• Often expensive (similar to ghostwriting services, can be several thousands of dollars)
• Less flexibility in how involved you want to be

These services are ideal if you want a completely managed experience, but they can be out of reach for many families.

6. A more balanced option: hybrid memoir services

In between doing everything yourself and handing it all over, there is a more balanced option. Hybrid memoir services are designed to give you guidance and support, while still keeping your voice and involvement at the centre of the story.

These aim to combine:

• The affordability of guided platforms
• The human support of professional services
• The structure needed to actually finish the book

My Stories Matter

At My Stories Matter, our goal is to make memoir creation accessible, personal, and genuinely enjoyable, without the high costs or impersonal tools.

Based on the pricing and approach, it sits right in the middle of the options above.

What makes this approach different:

1. Real human support

You’re not left alone with prompts. You work with real people who help guide your story from start to finish.

2. Dedicated design

Every book includes a dedicated designer, so the final result feels like a proper book, not just a printed document.

3. Coaching and guidance

You also get support through coaching sessions, helping you:

• Structure your story
• Overcome writer’s block
• Bring your memories to life

4. Accessible pricing

At around $450, it’s:

• More supportive and personalised than low-cost platforms
• Far more affordable than ghostwriters or premium memoir companies

Choosing the right option for you

When deciding how to create your memoir, it helps to think about three things:

1. How much support do you need?

If you’re comfortable writing on your own, a DIY or guided platform may be enough. If you’d prefer some help shaping your story and staying on track, having real support can make the process much easier.

• Less/no support → Writing it yourself or using a subscription service
• More/full support → A guided or hybrid service with real human help

2. What kind of book do you want?

Think about how you’d like the finished book to read, both for you and for the people you share it with.

• A simple, template-style book → DIY or subscription platforms (based on answers to questions, easier to create but less personal and less flowing)
• A more polished, engaging story → Hybrid services or full-service support (structured, readable, and shaped into a meaningful story)

3. What’s your budget?

There are options at a wide range of price points. For many people, it’s about finding something that offers the right level of support without feeling like a big investment.

• Lower cost → DIY or basic guided tools
• Mid-range → More personalised, supported services
• Higher investment → Fully done-for-you options

Final thoughts

There’s no single “right” way to write a memoir, but there is a right way for you. For some, that’s sitting down and writing every word themselves. For others, it’s handing everything over to a professional.

But for many people, especially those who want a meaningful, high-quality life story without the overwhelm or high cost, a hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’ve been thinking about writing your memoir, we’re here to make it simple and personal.

At My Stories Matter, you’ll work with real people, get guidance to shape your story, and have a beautifully designed book to share with your family - all without the high cost of traditional services.

If you’d like a bit of help getting started, feel free to explore your options or chat with our team. Your story deserves to be told.