Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Everyone’s got a story worth telling.
But not everyone can write it.
That’s where the opportunity lies.
According to recent industry data, the biography writing market has grown by 37% since 2020, with remote services leading the charge.
Why Life Story Writing is Booming Right Now
Let’s face it – people are obsessed with leaving their mark.
The pandemic made everyone realize life is short.
Plus, the older generation is sitting on disposable income they’re ready to spend.
Here’s the kicker: 78% of Americans say they want to write their life story, but less than 2% ever do it.
The Business Model Breakdown
What You’ll Need to Start
- A laptop
- Strong writing skills
- Good interviewing abilities
- Basic recording equipment
- Project management tools
That’s it. No fancy office. No expensive gear.
Core Services You Can Offer
Basic Package ($2,500-$5,000)
- 5-7 interview sessions
- 100-page memoir
- Basic editing
- Digital copy
Premium Package ($5,000-$10,000)
- 10-12 interview sessions
- 200-page memoir
- Professional editing
- Hardcover copies
- Photo integration
Legacy Package ($10,000-$25,000)
- Unlimited interviews
- Full family history
- Professional editing
- Audio recordings
- Custom publishing
- Multiple copies
How to Find Your First Clients
Start Local
- Retirement communities
- Local Facebook groups
- Community centers
- Religious organizations
Go Digital
- LinkedIn (goldmine for executives wanting memoirs)
- Facebook ads targeting 55+ demographic
- Partner with estate planners
- Join relevant subreddits
The Process Blueprint
- Initial Consultation
- Set expectations
- Choose package
- Sign contract
- Collect deposit
- Interview Phase
- Schedule sessions
- Record everything
- Take detailed notes
- Ask follow-up questions
- Writing Phase
- Transcribe interviews
- Organize timeline
- Draft chapters
- Add context
- Revision Phase
- Client feedback
- Family input
- Final edits
- Formatting
- Delivery
- Final product
- Additional copies
- Digital files
- Testimonial request
Scaling Your Business
Automation Tools
- Calendly for scheduling
- Rev.com for transcription
- Grammarly for editing
- Canva for covers
Team Building
Start solo, then add:
- Junior writers
- Editors
- Project managers
- Sales team
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t:
- Undercharge early on
- Skip the contract
- Rush the process
- Ignore intellectual property rights
Making Your First $10K Month
The math is simple:
2 Basic packages ($5K each) = $10K
or
1 Premium + 2 Basic = $12.5K
or
1 Legacy package = $10K-$25K
Recent market research shows biography writers charging $100-$200 per hour on average.
Marketing Strategies That Work
Content Marketing
- Blog about family history
- Share writing tips
- Create case studies
- Start a YouTube channel
Partnership Marketing
- Estate planners
- Funeral homes
- Retirement advisors
- Family counselors
Direct Marketing
- Email sequences
- Direct mail to affluent areas
- LinkedIn outreach
- Facebook groups
Tools of the Trade
Essential Software
- Zoom for interviews
- Google Drive for storage
- Scrivener for writing
- Quickbooks for accounting
Hardware Needs
- Quality microphone
- Backup drive
- Good headphones
- Reliable internet
Setting Up Your Home Office
Keep it simple:
- Quiet space
- Good lighting
- Comfortable chair
- Professional background for video calls
Client Management Tips
- Clear communication
- Regular updates
- Set boundaries
- Manage expectations
The Future of Life Story Writing
The market is expanding.
Digital preservation is trending.
Audio biographies are gaining popularity.
Virtual reality memoirs are on the horizon.