Editorial
Home »
Mar 3, 2022
The coronavirus has made the past few years very challenging for everyone across the globe. LifeBook, as the only global autobiography service headquartered in a 17th-century barn in the UK, […]
Read More
Feb 4, 2022
Everyone has a book inside them, so they say! And when it comes to writing the story of your life, no one can do it better than you. But unless you’re a professional, writing a book is not easy. If you want to turn your memories into beautiful words your family will cherish, then hiring a ghostwriter could be for you. Here’s how.
Read More
Dec 3, 2021
“How much is your life story worth?”, asked The Sunday Times recently. It’s a hot topic, as more people than ever are penning their memoirs with the help of companies including LifeBook, the world’s leading private memoir and autobiography service. The Sunday Times article explores why it has become such a phenomenon.
Read More
Nov 23, 2021
We all want to be remembered. Even if you bequeath a financial inheritance to your family, most of what we leave behind are memories. A life well lived will be how you are remembered by those around you. The actions and choices you make from now will help define what your legacy will be. Here are 5 ways of leaving a legacy.
Read More
Oct 27, 2021
Journalist Saul Kamionsky, South African Jewish Report, spoke with Johannesburg born LifeBook founder Roy about his memories and business philosophies. Roy reveals how a gift a teacher made to a 7-year-old boy departing South Africa for a new beginning in Jersey was the opening chapter of a very eventful life.
Read More
Oct 6, 2021
You can’t insure your memory, but you can insure your memories by writing them down. The nature and processes of memory have fascinated scientists for thousands of years, but much is still shrouded in mystery. In this piece, we delve into what we do know to answer that age-old question: what is memory?
Read More
Sep 22, 2021
Everyone experiences loneliness sometimes. But despite the world being more connected than ever, many of us find that loneliness becomes a long term part of our lives. Not only can it be unpleasant, but it can take a heavy toll on our health, especially for the elderly. If you are struggling, here are some great tips for tackling loneliness.
Read More
Jul 27, 2021
While memories fade, stories can last forever. We all enjoy the telling of our family stories – important events, traditions, adventures and misadventures! Our family stories are powerful and even if we’ve heard the stories many times before, it seems to stir something within our souls. Why is this? We take a look at why our family stories are so beneficial to us in so many different ways.
Read MoreMar 8, 2021
In this video, bookbinding expert Francis Atterbury and LifeBook’s founder Roy discuss our approach to making high-quality memoirs and, more importantly, why the choice of materials and bookbinding methods are so important. Francis has a long experience of making books and helped us establish our new way of making premium memoirs in 2018.
Read More
Feb 11, 2021
Most recently, two extraordinary women have stood out, not only as scientific pioneers but also as very important players in the fight against Covid-19: Katalin Karikó and Sarah Gilbert. Their vital work has helped in the development of effective vaccines against the virus and, in turn, the saving of many lives around the world.
Read MoreFeb 5, 2021
Here at LifeBook we often come across the reluctant author who has been gifted a project. However, once they see the immense value their finalised memoir brings to family and friends, they are happy they agreed to go ahead. John was one of them; his memoir is a joy to read for his son and granddaughter. She finds that he was born under a Mulberry bush really funny.
Read More
Jan 27, 2021
27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. We set our busy lives aside and remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. At LifeBook we have several authors whose families were affected by the Holocaust. Susan and Ian Goldsmith wrote their memoir Survival and Success in 2019.
Read More
Dec 22, 2020
They say hindsight is like 20/20 vision but 2020 is a year we may try to forget. Having said that, there have of course also been wonderful moments this year. All of us at LifeBook wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and health and happiness for 2021. It will take strength and courage to make sure the future will be a better place.
Read More
Dec 11, 2020
How do you go about finding the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones? A gift that is unique and special? The holidays are around the corner, and that means we are all making our lists, checking them twice, and racking our brains for gift ideas for those who managed to earn a coveted spot on the list of “nice.”
Read More
Dec 8, 2020
Many of our LifeBook authors grew up during the Second World War and, in their memoirs they describe the typical Christmas celebrations of the time. Even if many of us struggle with the restrictions Covid-19 imposes, today’s Christmas festivities are, in comparison, a luxurious affair for most people.
Read More
Nov 23, 2020
As with any traditional event, customs change over the years, and gifts are becoming popular at Thanksgiving. Customised and experience presents are particularly favoured as many people move away from material possessions. Perhaps, you want to express your gratitude to a loved one with a memoir this year.
Read More
Nov 4, 2020
Writing your autobiography or memoir with LifeBook is the perfect winter project that will put a smile on your face. It means regular conversations with an interviewer chosen just for you. It’s a chance to look back and reflect. It’s a project that can occupy as much or as little time as you like.
Read More
Oct 28, 2020
It is often said that Britain is a country built on immigration and it is certainly true that over the millennia, the country has seen the influx of people from around the world, all of whom have shaped British society.
Read More
Oct 15, 2020
With the world facing many more difficult months in its battle with Covid-19, the population of elderly people who live both inside and outside care homes will continue to be seriously affected by one of the most mentally debilitating scourges of modern life – loneliness.
Read More
Sep 30, 2020
Barbara Thompson MBE is a legend of the global jazz scene, and her career has spanned nearly five decades. Her influence will continue throughout 2020, with the release of her autobiography, upcoming appearance on Channel 4’s 24 Hours in A&E, and the continued appeal of her music.
Read More
Aug 25, 2020
In the past 70 years, the prevalence of affordable air travel has led to a seemingly smaller globe as people of all ages have the opportunity to travel. Retirees especially, who may have never been abroad until well into adulthood, are discovering the world and building memories.
Read More
Aug 14, 2020
While Europe had been fighting the Nazis on home territory, another limb of the war was being simultaneously fought many thousands of miles away in the Pacific. This conflict ended on 15th August 1945. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
Read More
Jul 31, 2020
At LifeBook, we’re often asked what the difference is between a memoir, an autobiography, and a biography. Although there are differences, a LifeBook can be whatever you want it to be. The beauty is that, however you refer to it, it is your story, captured for generations to come.
Read More
Jul 24, 2020
Over the years, LifeBook has helped many autobiography authors who grew up on a farm. When they were children, harvesting was a very manual affair. Today, technology has enabled a different, and very efficient, practice.
Read More
Jun 19, 2020
In our modern world, we are surrounded by images. In fact, we are almost obsessed with images. Smartphones allow everyone to snap photos in an instant and immediately share them with friends, family and on social media. When they come to creating their own memoir in decades to come, what a wealth of photos they will have at their disposal.
Read More
Dec 10, 2019
At LifeBook, we’re lucky that our authors often pop into our offices. It might be to see finished memoirs prior to beginning their own, to meet with their project manager, or to collect their finished books. That’s exactly what Richard did, he was keen to return to LifeBook to thank the team personally.
Read MoreNov 18, 2019
For the past three years, the UK has been in political turmoil following the referendum that has led to Brexit and for one author, Ian Goldsmith, it was that potential for unforeseeable change that provided the trigger for creating his LifeBook, which he wrote in conjunction with his sister Susan Ramsdale.
Read MoreAug 20, 2019
Andrew Crofts is a world-renowned ghostwriter, and he recently visited LifeBook. He chatted to LifeBook’s founder Roy about the use of ghostwriters and the private autobiography industry as a whole. Andrew was most interested in the way LifeTime Memoirs separates the interviewer from the ghostwriter.
Read MoreAug 15, 2019
LifeBook’s founder Roy and members of the production team went to visit Geoffrey Spriggs at his business, Spriggs Florists, to personally deliver the copies of his memoir and to interview him about his experience. He also shared the story of when he met the Queen while working at Buckingham Palace.
Read More
Jul 23, 2019
If retirement is just around the corner, congratulations! After years of hard work, you have reached the third phase of your life when your time will It is an opportunity to start new projects allowing for continued personal growth and maintained mental health. Writing a memoir is a truly enjoyable, and often cathartic, exercise and a great gift for family and friends.
Read MoreJul 17, 2019
With incredible generosity, LifeBook author Alan Beckett arranged an event to celebrate his memoir project and promote the LifeBook experience in the Staffordshire area. He invited his project team, and LifeBook’s founder Roy, to speak and to have an exquisite lunch with 120 of his close friends and associates.
Read More
Mar 7, 2019
World Book Day is upon us, and we here at LifeBook couldn’t turn down a chance to don the garb of our favorite literary characters. We love the work World Book Day has done for many years promoting reading amongst young children. Do check out their website and grab some £1 book tokens to share some stories of your own!
Read More
Feb 27, 2019
Starting a journey with LifeBook can feel a little daunting for new authors, but when they discover I share their passion and commitment, the respect and trust between us build. As the weeks roll by, our bond grows and we find ourselves greeting each other like old friends. It is a blessing and a privilege.
Read More
Jan 17, 2019
Every time a LifeBook memoir author visits us is a cause for celebration, but Bryan’s visit was particularly special as, upon collection of his newly created memoir, he would become our fastest-ever author to print his (having only invested in the private autobiography 21 weeks prior to his visit!).
Read MoreJan 15, 2019
Another autobiography was added to our LifeBook library recently. A professional photographer, Nigel’s book features magnificent photo collages of some of his best work; not forgetting to mention that he is the proud owner of one of our favorite LifeBook dustcovers. Nigel is also one of the faces in our TV campaign.
Read More
Jan 11, 2019
In these digital days, we’re bombarded with selfies, tweets, text messages and voice messages. As a ghostwriter for LifeBook, receiving a fresh 90-minute interview with an author gives me permission to mute my iPhone, unplug all my devices, don a pair of headphones and tune into the pleasure of listening, as a person, dips back into his or her past.
Read More
Dec 14, 2018
The authors whose memories I’ve helped to write for LifeBook come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some grew up ‘making do’, while others had well-off parents; some had easy childhoods while others struggled. However, one thing mentioned by nearly all of them is how things have changed during their lifetimes.
Read More
Nov 27, 2018
If you’re thinking about how to create your life story, a little bit of planning can make the process simple and enjoyable. There’s often a pattern when authors begin the process of writing their life stories. First, they don’t know where to start. Then, they cover every major milestone as if crossing a stream by jumping boulder to boulder.
Read More
Nov 21, 2018
LifeBook project manager Nathalie Garcia talks about a project she initiated making a documentary called WAR TOWN, which looks at the British Army history, military architecture, sports in the military and the civilian stories, all set in the small town of Aldershot between 1914–1918. The project got her an invitation from the queen.
Read More
Oct 26, 2018
One of our most accomplished writers, Fay Wrixon, came to visit our Godalming office. Fay wanted to discuss a new bespoke project she is about to begin with LifeBook. Fay has written many books with us in her capacity as a ghostwriter and wanted to meet more members of the growing LifeBook team.
Read MoreSep 7, 2018
Alan Beckett, LifeBook author, shares his experience of filming our TV commercial and his experience of working with his dedicated project team. He sums it up with: “I might not be the most important client of LifeBook, but everyone there has always treated me as though I am – it’s been wonderful and thank you”.
Read More
Sep 6, 2018
LifeBook’s Natalie talks about hers and Paul Vicker’s involvement in The EDGE Project. The project uses film, photography and media to engage young people to run initiatives based on the historical heritage of Aldershot and, in particular, the home of the British Army. EDGE supported Paul Vicker’s book launch to thank him.
Read More
Aug 10, 2018
We are very grateful for all of the support YPO has provided. Our founder Roy Moëd, a member of YPO, has been promoting the private autobiography journey as ‘A Project to Live For’. Among other things, YPO produced a video capturing the essence of LifeTime Memoirs and Roy’s passion for caring for aging parents.
Read More
Aug 3, 2018
From Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers, the story of SteelFab, Inc. is a highly illustrated corporate history that chronicles the rise of what began as a small family business in ornamental handrails in the 1950s and is now a leader of the steel fabrication trade. It was the first American corporate history project the bespoke team completed.
Read More
Jul 20, 2018
Golf fans across the world turn their attention to the UK in anticipation of the 147th Open. Competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in sport, golf’s best from all corners of the globe have converged in their attempts to attain the Claret Jug (not to mention the £1.42 million for the winner). One of LifeBook’s own will be in Carnoustie to watch the final two rounds.
Read More
Jul 13, 2018
On the face of it, interviewing might seem like an easy job. Surely, anyone can ask questions and listen to the reply? We have key selection criteria but the overriding principle is to provide an interviewer to whom the author will feel comfortable revealing their innermost thoughts and personal details.
Read More
Jul 5, 2018
The LifeBook team was delighted to wish Ralph Etigson a very happy birthday recently by gifting the centenarian two new handmade copies of his autobiography “Who am I?”. Ralph, who has just turned 102, was thrilled to receive his books, and he particularly enjoyed looking through the book’s photos. Ralph’s autobiography was one of LifeBook’s first projects.
Read More
May 28, 2018
The Royal wedding fever hit the UK on 19th May and everyone is still talking about it. The LifeBook barn is buzzing about who wore what, how incredible Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked together. Everybody loves a royal wedding, as evidenced by the legions of well-wishers who lined the streets of Windsor.
Read More
Feb 14, 2018
Emma Lowndes, blogger and caregiver, shares what she thinks is one of the most important parts of a care plan: the bit that attempts to convey a little of the life history, passions, interests and preferences of the person being cared for. That way, helpers don’t just see an ‘old person’; they see the individual. When she is of age she’ll commission a memoir.
Read More
Feb 7, 2018
We are very grateful for YPO’s support of LifeBook’s quest to help people supporting their parents better. Roy, our founder. was interviewed by YPO for their website about what inspired him to start LifeBook. It’s great to see such an amazing organization showing an interest in Roy’s campaign to help people care for their parents.
Read More
Jan 31, 2018
Harvey White became consultant surgeon at The Royal Marsden Hospital in 1976, and later held similar positions at King Edward VII Hospital for Officers, and The London Clinic. Harvey has also been much involved in charity work. He has kindly shared an editorial about dementia that he has written from personal experience.
Read More
Dec 7, 2017
Lore Graham and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, who had commissioned the project visited us at the office. She was given the project as a gift and initially, Lore wasn’t sure she could fill a book. However, with the help of her interviewer Sorraya and the rest of the team, the book took shape over the next few months!
Read More
Nov 9, 2017
We are very honored that LifeBook’s founder Roy has been included in Dr Tamara Howard’s new book, “Putting the soul back into business”. Tamara’s book is a documentation of a common phenomenon sweeping the world of business – the search for meaning and soul. Many companies are now seeking to be guided by an overarching purpose beyond profit.
Read More
Nov 6, 2017
We at LifeBook are proud to support the Strike a Light arts and heritage community that relentlessly works with children and community groups, such as Croydon Council. Strike a Light aims to strike a balance between art and heritage in a community-minded way that teaches and inspires, whilst helping to revitalise public spaces.
Read More
Oct 19, 2017
Dreaming a Nation, which follows the life of Sir Frederick Smith and charts the independence of Barbados, was produced by LifeBook for Sir Frederick’s family and the book is also available to buy via Amazon. This fascinating memoir has gotten raving reviews which we would like to share with you.
Read More
Sep 27, 2017
Having captured the fascinating story of the growth of one of the largest renewable energy companies in the world, we are now at the exciting stage of editing the manuscript. The recently retired chief executive has been here at the LifeBook office to give instructions to the editorial team to ensure his company’s story is perfectly told.
Read More
Aug 7, 2017
A huge thank you to Tom and Viebecke Vraalsen, who sent us this wonderful photograph upon completion of Tom’s LifeBook project in July and kindly gave us permission to post about it. We love to hear from our authors once their projects have completed and the books have been circulated among family and friends.
Read More
Jul 20, 2017
One of LifeTime Memoirs’ authors explains how she believes that the regular 90-minute interviews were just the right length so that she didn’t get tired or lose concentration. They also enabled her to check on the writing as it evolved and meant she could add things she had forgotten to say the first time she was interviewed.
Read More
Jun 13, 2017
LifeBook was featured in “Niche work if you can get it” on BBC Radio 4. The program was transmitted on the 17th January 2018 on BBC Radio 4. Nick Baker and his producer Leanne Coyle came to interview our founder Roy and other team members about the niche work they do and the service we provide.
Read More
May 18, 2017
Anyone looking to find a special gift for their father will know it is not always easy to come up with a gift idea that he doesn’t already have. Dad is most likely the sort who has already bought everything he needs – including your intended gift! What about a memoir? It is a very unique and personal gift for your father.
Read More
May 15, 2017
LifeBook was delighted to donate a memoir project for the Chickenshed Grand Auction to raise money and support their pioneering work through theatre and music! Many of the people Chickenshed have helped over the years were present at the auction and shared their amazing stories. Stories perfect for a memoir.
Read More
May 3, 2017
Caroline, LifeBook bespoke project manager, elaborates on why she decided to join LifeBook in October 2015. With an academic publishing background and a love for history and literature, it was a perfect fit. Last year she got the opportunity to manage a very interesting project. An autobiography written in Greek.
Read More
Apr 26, 2017
Every life story of our authors is fascinating and provides an important insight into each family’s history. LifeBook is proud to have been involved in the family autobiography of Julie Coker, former Nigerian television broadcaster and founder of the Richard Coker Foundation charity supporting anemia research.
Read More
Apr 20, 2017
LifeBook was honored to welcome Virginia Bayless and her daughter Brenda to the office for a coffee and cake presentation. Brenda’s final manuscript was over 152,000 words. We upgraded her memoir to our beautiful larger format hand-bound and stitched linen book and it is one of the biggest books in our library.
Read More
Apr 13, 2017
Afraid of the ticking clock? Not sure you’ll be aging well? The LifeBook team offers eight suggestions on how to age well: use it or lose it, embrace the senior moment, old dogs new tricks, a change is a good as a rest, there is more time than you think, tasks of aging, sandwich generation, and eat drink and be merry. Start practicing right away.
Read More
Apr 11, 2017
Jules talks about his memoir and the story behind the title “Life is for sharing”. “I wasn’t too ambitious, I decided that life was for living. I didn’t work too late or come in too early. I had a nice business, I didn’t have sleepless nights, and I just ran a business. I didn’t make big profits but enough to live on and I was happy that way.”
Read More
Apr 10, 2017
An autobiographical journey can bring renewed purpose and inspiration to older people. Moreover, all of the people who have gifted a LifeBook project to a loved one express the joy it has given the family, probing fascinating discussions and enabling amazing discoveries about the past.
Read More
Apr 7, 2017
The LifeBook team is very proud to announce the completion of Brian Hallard’s autobiography “The Real Life of Brian”. The project was gifted to Brian by his two sons who were present together with Brian and his wife Diana when he was being presented with his finalized copies in the library of a lovely private club in central London.
Read More
Apr 3, 2017
I have been making a living from writing for over 50 years, Indeed thinking about it, the importance of the written word to me goes back nearly 70 years as I am a product of Urdd Gobaith Cymru – the Welsh League of Hope – and I have a group picture including me, aged 5, having won some poetry prize – and I am not the youngest in the group!
Read More
Mar 30, 2017
Often the place to start when planning your memoir is to cast your mind back to your very first memories. Nobody really knows how those first memories cement themselves in your mind, but they often make for some great reading! My earliest memory was a time pottering around the kitchen at three years old, whilst my mother was sitting on the floor.
Read More
Mar 16, 2017
Experience the journey of a LifeBook autobiography by listening to testimonials from our clients, interviewers, and ghost-writers. We come across many reasons why our clients want to create or gift an autobiography, but whatever the motivation it can be cathartic and enlightening to be interviewed about your own life.
Read More
Mar 3, 2017
With these steps complete, you’re ready to get started on creating a written record of your life, that lasting legacy to pass on to your family and friends. If you feel you can’t manage that task unaided, our team at LifeBook will be happy to offer you all the support you need, from words writing, design, typesetting, and printing.
Read More
Feb 27, 2017
Perhaps you have always wanted to write your memoirs but have never found the time or maybe you have suggested to a relative that you would love to hear all about their life. LifeBook makes capturing your memoirs easy and enjoyable. With the help of the project manager and other team members, we make the process run smoothly.
Read More
Feb 21, 2017
At LifeBook, my role as an editor is not typical nor entirely conventional when it comes to that kind of work. Yes, quality control is important, but, unlike conventional editing, it is not my place to decide what is included or left out of a memoir. That decision is down to the author. Each memoir reflects the author’s life story as they see it.
Read More
Feb 21, 2017
The Diary of Anne Frank, the Diary of a Nobody, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13½, The Diary of Samuel Pepys – just four of the hundreds of diaries, fact and fiction, that have fascinated and entertained – and sometimes educated – us. A diary can be a window to the soul or a record of events – or perhaps both. Why not start your diary today?
Read More
Feb 17, 2017
Everyone has a story to tell and, yes, yours is every bit as interesting as anything you’ll find on the shelf in your nearest bookshop. Your life story is shaped by your experiences, your memories, and your own stamp on social history. Think about how many millions of people would recount the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II differently.
Read More
Feb 16, 2017
What do we really know about our grandparents and parents? A comment I hear so often is: “I know so little about my grandparents and even my own parents’ lives. What made them the people they became and what choices did they have to make in their lives?” When I read my mother’s memoir as an adult I understood where the root of her anger stemmed from.
Read More
Feb 16, 2017
To be a successful LifeBook ghostwriter, it’s essential to have the ability to capture and maintain the storyteller’s ‘voice’ throughout the book. Consider the difference between a biography and an autobiography. In a biography, there’s a distance between the writer and the subject. The opposite with an autobiography.
Read More
Jun 10, 2016
It’s hard to buy a Father’s Day present for a man who has everything. LifeBook specialises in helping people to record their life’s journey—a tangible embodiment of personal triumphs and hardships. For Bob and his sister, it was exactly the unique gift they were looking for to give to their 70-year-old father, Tom, based in Florida.
Read More
Apr 28, 2015
On the plus side, Grant Branton lives in a beautiful house with a view of Brighton’s seafront from his front door. The less good news is that he has terminal cancer and is not sure how long he has to live. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he has found his own special way of fighting back. He is writing his autobiography.
Read More
Jan 14, 2015
Are you considering writing your life story? Are your family and friends constantly nudging you to get your act together and pen your autobiography? Is the idea of it compelling but a bit daunting? Have you tried but do not know where to start? We have put together a few questions that will help to get you into an autobiographical frame of mind.
Read More