Do I own the copyright of the book?
Yes, the copyright for the book will be exclusively yours.
Do I need an ISBN number? How do I get one?
Yes, part of our service includes providing an ISBN number for every book we produce. This also relates to the question below where books lodged with the British Library require an ISBN number.
Why is your minimum quantity 7 books?
We automatically send a copy to the British Library, which is a legal requirement, and it is advisable to send an additional 5 copies to other deposit libraries. This ensures that your book is part of the national archive, an important record of social history for future generations.
Can I sell my book?
Yes, we automatically enter the details of your book into various databases which inform the book trade that your book has been published. We also promote your book on our website at www.memoirsbooks.co.uk, where people can order online. The level of appeal your book is likely to have to the wider public will determine how many are sold. While you’re unlikely to make a fortune, selling your own book can be satisfying and fun. We can also try to get publicity for your book in local papers and magazines. We can recommend independent bookshops which might stock your book on a sale or return basis. Clients are often amazed at how word of mouth brings enquiries from far and wide. Libraries are often anxious to have copies and some museums will sell them through their shops. We can advise on all this.
Is my story good enough to produce a book?
Many ordinary people have interesting and colourful experiences to tell. If you want to put your story on record - or just write about one part of your life - then it’s worthwhile, even if it will be read only by family and friends.
I don’t need lots of books, only a few for friends and family.
You can have as many or as few books as you like.
Can I have a bigger book?
There are no limits other than practicality - the bigger the book, the more pictures and text it can carry. It's all available at Memoirs – just contact us at info@memoirsbooks.co.uk
Can I get more copies printed later?
Yes. We keep digital files of your book indefinitely. We can also provide this file on disk if you wish, though it’s unlikely that you will be able to edit it further yourself because of the specialist software we use to produce the file.
Will you take care of my photos?
Yes, we take great care of all the material you supply to us and return it as soon as possible by secure delivery.
How long will it take?
Again, it’s largely up to you. If you ask us to start from scratch with interviews, you will receive a first proof of the words within 3 weeks after completion of the interview stage. After you return the proof, we will design the book within 3 weeks and send another proof. When you’re happy with the proofs, they can go to the printer, who delivers in about 5 weeks.
I’ve already written my story – can you make it into a book?
Yes. part of our service includes editing, rewriting or improving your text by our skilled editors. But if that’s not what you require, we can just take your text and turn it into a book.
Can Memoirs turn other written material into books?
Yes, we can produce textbooks, novels, short stories, poetry, children's books with illustrations – anything you want in book form.
Frequently asked questions
Click here to listen to
the interview
Our editor Chris Newton was invited to talk about our service on Radio 4
Call 01285 640485 or email info@memoirsbooks.co.uk
Autobiographies
& Family Histories