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Design for You 

Always be aware that you can design your own book. More and more people are doing so as we coach them through the process. We know what to do and when and we are happy to share that with you. And  there is no charge. And if you need editing assistance, we can help.

If we design, this is how the process works.

We take your Word or WordPerfect Disk with the stories you have written, and the original photos you send, and design your book using a publishing program.

If you have a book whose design you like, send it along for us to see (we return it). You can place post-notes near items in the book you especially like and write a note about your wishes. If there is a particular font you like, tell us. And if you wish, we can loan you several sample books others have done so you can get an idea what you like. After you have reviewed them, we ask that you return them.

If you do not have ideas yet, our designers read some of the stories to get a feel for the book, consider if the author is male or female, younger or older, and they come up with ideas.

Then we create a design for the front matter and first chapter and send it to you to approve before we go further. You can choose to go with our design or you can make suggestions about what items you wish changed and to what.

1) Number each photo (or document) on the back, 2) print the pages of your stories (pencil a number on each page so we know which page goes where), and 3) so we know where each photo should be placed, write the number of the photo in the margin next to the text on a particular page.

And we will want to know if there are photos you wish on a full photo page.

If more than one photo goes on a "photo page," sketch out on a blank sheet of paper little boxes and place a number in each so we know which photo goes where. Be aware that crowding too many photos onto a page may not look good. And remember to factor in enough room so we can add the captions.

If you want any of the photos turned sideways (called "landscape" style), tell us. Otherwise we will assume you want them "portrait" style.

You may send us black and white photos and color photos to scan as black and white. If you wish color photos as color in the book, we need to explain how that is done.

Create a list of captions for the photos and number each one to match the numbers on the back of the photo. Save this list of captions on the disk you send us. When writing your captions, use capital letters where you want them. Decide if you want your captions in italics or not.

Some people add a date (1984) on captions, because they feel it will be helpful to those who read the book later. They try to add last names too, for the same reason. And sometimes, they add the city/state where the picture-taking occurred and/or the special event that was taking place.

If you have a recent "copyrighted" photo (it is stamped on the back), you will need written permission from the copyright holder for us to place it in your book. We have never known any company to refuse such a request when they know it is for a family or organization, and not for sale to the public at large.

We do not group-scan photos because lights and darks cannot be effectively managed for each photo. Thus, we scan and handle each photo separately.

During the design process, please be available by phone so we can call with questions.

With your computer disk, printed pages as a guide, and photos, we begin our work.

When we complete the design work, and before the manufacturing process begins, we create and send you the book as an E-book file, so you can see exactly how it looks. Minor changes at this point cost you nothing. Once you have approved the final E-book file, then we send you a printed proof of the entire book. If you then wish to make changes to what you have previously requested, the re-design work is an hourly charge. We make the changes and send you those new pages to approve.

Once you have signed off on the printed proof, we place it in production for the number of books you have ordered.

Design work can take two weeks for a small book or longer for larger projects. If you wish to see a book we have designed, we are happy to send it for you to review and return.

You can read many questions and answers under Frequently Asked Questions.

  • If you have Pedigree Charts, Family Group Sheets, etc, to include in your book, they can be scanned and reduced to fit. See a Posterity Photo Chart. Click to see examples.

Think you're not a writer? Read Why People Don't Write, Concerns, FAQ 
and see the section Tell A Story for simple ways to begin. 

See an example of a Photo Section within a book.

If you need want someone to look over your writings, grammar, punctuation, etc, or other editing help, we offer that service.

 
Search for Family, place, or phrase you are looking for. Click Enter on your keyboard.      

For quick links to many pages, see Our Site. And at the top of each page are links to related pages.

We are happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to call us 1 800 360-5284, or use our Question Form.

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