Frequently Asked Questions
General
IS my story interesting enough for a book?
Yes! I have yet to encounter someone with a dull or boring story. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, providing a vast array of captivating anecdotes for everyone.
Will my children and grandchildren really want to read my book?
Even if you consider your life ordinary, rest assured it holds an immense fascination for your descendants. Just think about how captivating it would be for them to uncover your untold stories—persevering through your challenges, understanding your deeply held values, and discovering your childhood dreams. Wouldn't you love to grant them the gift of this insight into your life, providing them with a sense of wonder and connection to their roots? Embrace the opportunity to be a source of fascination and inspiration for future generations.
will anyone care about my book?
Each person's life possesses its own intriguing essence, and while it may seem like a cliché, it remains an undeniable truth. Magazines like People and Parade stand as a testament to this fact, as they beautifully chronicle the extraordinary tales of seemingly ordinary individuals. History has shown us time and again that people are naturally drawn to the untold stories of others because narratives hold the power to unravel not just the lives of those recounted but also to illuminate aspects of ourselves and our understanding of the world around us.
only famous people have biographies written about them, RIGHT?
Many accomplished people indeed have their biographies sitting on library bookshelves. Unlike those whose biographies appeal to the masses, your biography can serve a more personalized, meaningful, and intimate purpose for a select few, such as your family and close friends or beyond, if you wish.
I've built a successful career, amassed wealth, and provided for my family. Isn't that enough?
The answer is both yes and no. Financial security is undoubtedly crucial, but it’s not the sole pillar of a successful family.
This is where biographies come into play—a powerful yet often underestimated tool in the arsenal of affluent families. A biography is more than just a chronicle of your life; it is a repository of wisdom, ethics, and life lessons. It is a means to document your journey, successes, failures, and the pivotal moments that have defined you.
But why is a biography so vital? Consider this: It allows your family and others to walk in your shoes to understand the challenges you’ve faced and the choices you've made. Like a time machine, a biography transports your family into your world, allowing them to learn from your triumphs and setbacks while being inspired by your legacy.
To better understand the power of leaving a legacy, it’s important to recognize that legacy isn’t just about the wealth you accumulate or the assets you leave behind. It’s the narrative of your life, imprinting your values, principles, and experiences on the tapestry of your family’s history. It’s the stories told around the dinner table, the lessons learned through generations, and the wisdom passed down from parent to child.
Legacy is also about ensuring that your family’s future generations are enriched with the knowledge, values, and principles guiding your journey. It’s about leaving behind a roadmap—a biography of your life—that can serve as a guiding light for your heirs. As you contemplate the concept of legacy, it’s essential to recognize that it extends beyond material wealth. While financial security is undoubtedly crucial, true legacy encompasses the intangible treasures of wisdom, love, and character. The moral compass directs your descendants even when you’re no longer present.
Your legacy can inspire your family to dream big, work hard, and persevere in facing challenges. It can instill the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness. It can be a testament to your values, such as integrity, honesty, and resilience.
This is where biographies come into play—a powerful yet often underestimated tool in the arsenal of affluent families. A biography is more than just a chronicle of your life; it is a repository of wisdom, ethics, and life lessons. It is a means to document your journey, successes, failures, and the pivotal moments that have defined you.
But why is a biography so vital? Consider this: It allows your family and others to walk in your shoes to understand the challenges you’ve faced and the choices you've made. Like a time machine, a biography transports your family into your world, allowing them to learn from your triumphs and setbacks while being inspired by your legacy.
To better understand the power of leaving a legacy, it’s important to recognize that legacy isn’t just about the wealth you accumulate or the assets you leave behind. It’s the narrative of your life, imprinting your values, principles, and experiences on the tapestry of your family’s history. It’s the stories told around the dinner table, the lessons learned through generations, and the wisdom passed down from parent to child.
Legacy is also about ensuring that your family’s future generations are enriched with the knowledge, values, and principles guiding your journey. It’s about leaving behind a roadmap—a biography of your life—that can serve as a guiding light for your heirs. As you contemplate the concept of legacy, it’s essential to recognize that it extends beyond material wealth. While financial security is undoubtedly crucial, true legacy encompasses the intangible treasures of wisdom, love, and character. The moral compass directs your descendants even when you’re no longer present.
Your legacy can inspire your family to dream big, work hard, and persevere in facing challenges. It can instill the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness. It can be a testament to your values, such as integrity, honesty, and resilience.
Can’t I just Write My LIFE STORY?
You can if you have the time and motivation. But let’s be honest; writing a life story is hard work. It requires time, energy, focus, concentration, inspiration, and a masterful method, all of which I possess.
Do I really need to hire a biographer?
While writing your life story may seem like a good idea, there are several compelling reasons why hiring a professional biographer is often a wiser choice. These reasons are:
Objectivity: I approach my subjects with objectivity. I can provide a balanced and impartial perspective on your life, which may be difficult for you to achieve due to internal bias and emotional attachment.
Expertise: I am trained and experienced in interviewing and storytelling. I have the skills to dig deep into your life story, gather relevant information, and present it in a compelling and coherent narrative.
Interviewing Skills: I am a skilled interviewer who knows how to ask probing questions and elicit meaningful insights.
Writing Proficiency: Writing a biography is a complex task that requires strong writing skills. I am adept at crafting engaging and coherent narratives, ensuring that your story is not only accurate but also well-written and captivating.
Time and Commitment: Writing a biography requires dedication and commitment. Hiring me allows you to maintain your focus on your life, career, and family responsibilities without the added burden of a lengthy writing project.
Editing and Quality Control: I work with an editor to ensure the final biography is of high quality.
Legacy Preservation: I am likelier to produce a biography that stands the test of time. Your story deserves the best treatment to ensure that your legacy is accurately and effectively preserved.
Objectivity: I approach my subjects with objectivity. I can provide a balanced and impartial perspective on your life, which may be difficult for you to achieve due to internal bias and emotional attachment.
Expertise: I am trained and experienced in interviewing and storytelling. I have the skills to dig deep into your life story, gather relevant information, and present it in a compelling and coherent narrative.
Interviewing Skills: I am a skilled interviewer who knows how to ask probing questions and elicit meaningful insights.
Writing Proficiency: Writing a biography is a complex task that requires strong writing skills. I am adept at crafting engaging and coherent narratives, ensuring that your story is not only accurate but also well-written and captivating.
Time and Commitment: Writing a biography requires dedication and commitment. Hiring me allows you to maintain your focus on your life, career, and family responsibilities without the added burden of a lengthy writing project.
Editing and Quality Control: I work with an editor to ensure the final biography is of high quality.
Legacy Preservation: I am likelier to produce a biography that stands the test of time. Your story deserves the best treatment to ensure that your legacy is accurately and effectively preserved.
I’M ONLY IN MY 50s. I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME, RIGHT?
The undeniable truth is that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Each day that passes brings with it the uncertainty of what the future holds. Given this uncertainty, it becomes imperative to seize the opportunity to begin a biography as soon as possible. Keep in mind:
Limited Time: Time is a finite resource, and as we age, our lives become busier with responsibilities and commitments. Waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin may mean missing out on capturing valuable memories and experiences. Starting sooner rather than later ensures that you have ample time to document your entire life journey.
Regret Avoidance: One of the most common regrets people express at the end of their lives is not sharing their stories and experiences with their loved ones. By starting now, you can prevent this regret and preserve your story for future generations.
Health and Unpredictability: Health issues can arise unexpectedly and limit our abilities. Documenting your life story while in good health ensures you can do so with clarity and energy. Waiting until a later date might make the process more challenging or even impossible.
The Gift of Wisdom: Your life story is not just about you; it’s a gift to your family, friends, and society. Your experiences, lessons, and insights can guide and inspire others. By delaying telling your story, you deny those around you the opportunity to benefit from your wisdom.
Legacy Today: Why wait to leave a legacy? Your life story can shape the future and inspire those who follow you. Starting now means you can begin building that legacy today, ensuring that your story will endure long after you’re gone.
Peace of Mind: As you age, there can be a growing sense of urgency to record your life’s experiences and ensure your story is told how you want it to be. Starting now can bring peace of mind, knowing you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your narrative.
The uncertainty of tomorrow should serve as a potent reminder that the time to begin documenting your life story is now. Take advantage of this meaningful endeavor that holds the potential to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting legacy.
Limited Time: Time is a finite resource, and as we age, our lives become busier with responsibilities and commitments. Waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin may mean missing out on capturing valuable memories and experiences. Starting sooner rather than later ensures that you have ample time to document your entire life journey.
Regret Avoidance: One of the most common regrets people express at the end of their lives is not sharing their stories and experiences with their loved ones. By starting now, you can prevent this regret and preserve your story for future generations.
Health and Unpredictability: Health issues can arise unexpectedly and limit our abilities. Documenting your life story while in good health ensures you can do so with clarity and energy. Waiting until a later date might make the process more challenging or even impossible.
The Gift of Wisdom: Your life story is not just about you; it’s a gift to your family, friends, and society. Your experiences, lessons, and insights can guide and inspire others. By delaying telling your story, you deny those around you the opportunity to benefit from your wisdom.
Legacy Today: Why wait to leave a legacy? Your life story can shape the future and inspire those who follow you. Starting now means you can begin building that legacy today, ensuring that your story will endure long after you’re gone.
Peace of Mind: As you age, there can be a growing sense of urgency to record your life’s experiences and ensure your story is told how you want it to be. Starting now can bring peace of mind, knowing you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your narrative.
The uncertainty of tomorrow should serve as a potent reminder that the time to begin documenting your life story is now. Take advantage of this meaningful endeavor that holds the potential to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting legacy.
WILL THIS BE WORTH ALL THE EFFORT?
Composing a book entails an immense amount of effort. Fortunately, you can bypass this demanding task by entrusting the project to a professional writer. I've dedicated my life to refining my craft, to handle the writing for you.
Process
What is your method?
Typically, I will create your story by weaving together insights from interviews with you. However, even before these conversations take place, we will outline a preliminary framework for your book's scope. Subsequently, we will coordinate multiple phone interview sessions. During these interactions, I will delve extensively into the episodes, moments, and personalities that are important to you.
My role entails crafting your interviews into a coherent manuscript that presents your story in a captivating manner. It won't be a mere transcription of the interviews; nonetheless, you will certainly identify your own expressions and wording as you peruse the book.
Upon completion, you will assess the entire manuscript, and I'll incorporate any essential adjustments before transitioning to the production phase of the process.
My role entails crafting your interviews into a coherent manuscript that presents your story in a captivating manner. It won't be a mere transcription of the interviews; nonetheless, you will certainly identify your own expressions and wording as you peruse the book.
Upon completion, you will assess the entire manuscript, and I'll incorporate any essential adjustments before transitioning to the production phase of the process.
How do the interviews work?
Interviews are conducted by telephone. A standard interview session typically spans 45 to 60 minutes, and the total number of interview sessions will depend on the biography package you decide to purchase. I will send you my list of interview questions in advance so you can prepare for each interview if you wish. We will coordinate a time that is mutually convenient to meet.
these interviews sound like they could be difficult, true?
Not so! I, too, don't adhere to traditional interviews. However, when you're being asked about your own life story - something you're undoubtedly the foremost expert on - it becomes an enjoyable and often cathartic experience, even fun. You won't be able to wait for the next interview session!
The essence of these sessions is less formal questioning and more akin to engaging in conversations with someone genuinely interested in your life. As a skilled biographer, I will only delve into subjects you feel comfortable discussing, and you can think of me as a new friend you've yet to meet!
The essence of these sessions is less formal questioning and more akin to engaging in conversations with someone genuinely interested in your life. As a skilled biographer, I will only delve into subjects you feel comfortable discussing, and you can think of me as a new friend you've yet to meet!
How do I get my photos to you?
You can share them with me by email, and I’ll upload them to your book.
Can I order extra copies of my book?
Yes! You can order additional books from my print vendor using the link I provide you. You'll be able to purchase them at my production cost.
How long does the process take?
Most books are written within 5 weeks (5 chapter book) + production time. Your biography will depend on the scale and scope of the project. Elegantly capturing your life story is a process that certainly requires time, as all good things do.
Can I see a completed biography?
Rest assured that all the biographies I've created are treated as private and confidential. However, you can view samples that some of my clients have willingly chosen to share, demonstrating their comfort with doing so. Here's a link to those samples: Portfolio
HOw do i pay for your writing services?
You can pay by check, credit card or ACH bank transfer. Checks are made payable to Jeremiah Kalb Writing, LLC. Fifty percent is due at the beginning to start the project. This guarantees my availability to you. The remaining 50% is usually due before starting the second half of the project depending upon the number of chapters.
How do I get started?
Let's start with a Discovery Call. Book yours here.
Cost
How Much does a biography package cost?
Commissioned biographies are bespoke projects—built from one-on-one interviews, research, and master-level storytelling. Each one is as unique as the life it captures.
My five-chapter biographies begin at $10,000. That includes everything: interviews, writing, editing, book design, printing, and unlimited collaboration.
Let’s compare:
It’s less than the cost of a new piece of fine jewelry or timepiece or two weeks abroad—only a masterfully crafted biography will never lose its shine or fade over time.
Now imagine gifting your parents a one-of-a-kind biography—something that captures who they really are, and preserves it forever. It’s less than what you’d spend on milestone gifts like once-in-a-lifetime trips or custom home renovation—only a masterfully crafted biography grows more meaningful with time.
And unlike any of those other things, you’ll still be grateful for this decision decades from now—when your kids are reading it, your grandkids are discovering it, and your parents’ voices come alive on the page.
You’ll work directly with me from start to finish—by phone, text, or email—so the final result reflects your vision perfectly.
If this resonates, let’s talk. I’ll build a custom proposal based on your goals.
My five-chapter biographies begin at $10,000. That includes everything: interviews, writing, editing, book design, printing, and unlimited collaboration.
Let’s compare:
It’s less than the cost of a new piece of fine jewelry or timepiece or two weeks abroad—only a masterfully crafted biography will never lose its shine or fade over time.
Now imagine gifting your parents a one-of-a-kind biography—something that captures who they really are, and preserves it forever. It’s less than what you’d spend on milestone gifts like once-in-a-lifetime trips or custom home renovation—only a masterfully crafted biography grows more meaningful with time.
And unlike any of those other things, you’ll still be grateful for this decision decades from now—when your kids are reading it, your grandkids are discovering it, and your parents’ voices come alive on the page.
You’ll work directly with me from start to finish—by phone, text, or email—so the final result reflects your vision perfectly.
If this resonates, let’s talk. I’ll build a custom proposal based on your goals.
What MAKES UP THE COST OF commissioning a BIOGRAPHY?
Creating a biography involves various elements that contribute to its overall cost. While these factors contribute to the investment, they also ensure excellent value delivery. They encompass:
Interviews: Biographies require research into the subject's life, which involves conducting interviews with the subject and sometimes with family, friends, and colleagues, and accessing various resources. Interviews are necessary to gather accurate and comprehensive information.
Expertise of the Biographer: A skilled biographer brings expertise in storytelling and the ability to synthesize lots of information into a compelling narrative. Their proficiency adds value to the biography, but it also comes at a cost.
Time Investment: Writing a biography is a time-consuming process. The biographer needs to spend a considerable amount of time immersing themselves in the subject's life, understanding the context, and crafting a narrative that is engaging and accurate. This time investment is reflected in the overall cost.
Subject's Complexity: Some biographies involve subjects with complex lives, controversial aspects, or intricate relationships. Unraveling and presenting such complexities in a coherent and sensitive manner may require additional resources.
Editing: The biography undergoes a thorough editing process to ensure accuracy and coherence. Professional editing contributes to the overall cost of the project.
Production: Once the biography is written, there are costs associated with the production and printing of the book. These include cover design, typesetting, and printing.
The result is an engaging and accurate portrayal of an individual's life.
Interviews: Biographies require research into the subject's life, which involves conducting interviews with the subject and sometimes with family, friends, and colleagues, and accessing various resources. Interviews are necessary to gather accurate and comprehensive information.
Expertise of the Biographer: A skilled biographer brings expertise in storytelling and the ability to synthesize lots of information into a compelling narrative. Their proficiency adds value to the biography, but it also comes at a cost.
Time Investment: Writing a biography is a time-consuming process. The biographer needs to spend a considerable amount of time immersing themselves in the subject's life, understanding the context, and crafting a narrative that is engaging and accurate. This time investment is reflected in the overall cost.
Subject's Complexity: Some biographies involve subjects with complex lives, controversial aspects, or intricate relationships. Unraveling and presenting such complexities in a coherent and sensitive manner may require additional resources.
Editing: The biography undergoes a thorough editing process to ensure accuracy and coherence. Professional editing contributes to the overall cost of the project.
Production: Once the biography is written, there are costs associated with the production and printing of the book. These include cover design, typesetting, and printing.
The result is an engaging and accurate portrayal of an individual's life.
Guarantee
do you offer A guarantee?
Yes! Try my writing services with a risk-free trial. If you’re not delighted with Chapter 1, just let me know within three days of delivery for a full refund. No hassles, no hard feelings.
Beyond Chapter 1, I’ll make adjustments until you love what you read. Most edits are light and straightforward—just small tweaks to get everything exactly right.
Beyond Chapter 1, I’ll make adjustments until you love what you read. Most edits are light and straightforward—just small tweaks to get everything exactly right.
Your Qualifications
what writing experience do you have?
At the lowest end of the skill spectrum, some writers merely transcribe your words and arrange them chronologically, which is precisely what biography generators, memoir writing apps, and life story software do.
Moving up the ladder, more talented writers delve deeper, seeking out intricate details to craft vivid and compelling narratives. However, the most skilled writers genuinely comprehend your story’s underlying purpose and skillfully guide the narrative toward the destination you envision.
I fall into the latter group. I’ve been writing inspiring, powerful, and fascinating stories since 2009. Some of my subjects have included homemakers, business leaders, an environmental epidemiologist, a crop duster, a tombstone designer, a 103-year-old great-great grandma, a sushi roller, a Romanian immigrant, doctors, and many more.
I will write the kinds of stories that leap off the pages and into the minds and hearts of your family members.
Moving up the ladder, more talented writers delve deeper, seeking out intricate details to craft vivid and compelling narratives. However, the most skilled writers genuinely comprehend your story’s underlying purpose and skillfully guide the narrative toward the destination you envision.
I fall into the latter group. I’ve been writing inspiring, powerful, and fascinating stories since 2009. Some of my subjects have included homemakers, business leaders, an environmental epidemiologist, a crop duster, a tombstone designer, a 103-year-old great-great grandma, a sushi roller, a Romanian immigrant, doctors, and many more.
I will write the kinds of stories that leap off the pages and into the minds and hearts of your family members.