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

1. Initial Consultation

• Set expectations
• Choose package
• Sign contract
• Collect deposit

2. Interview Phase

• Schedule sessions
• Record everything
• Take detailed notes
• Ask follow-up questions

3. Writing Phase

• Transcribe interviews
• Organize timeline
• Draft chapters
• Add context

4. Revision Phase

• Client feedback
• Family input
• Final edits
• Formatting

5. 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.