Often a memoir or an autobiography will come along that captures the attention of the public. But what is so interesting about these moments is how often they come from people who were not previously well-known or famous.
StoryTerrace, a unique company dedicated to helping individuals and families transform their life stories into professionally crafted autobiographies and memoirs, has also recognized this. They believe there is a gap in the market to provide a platform for people to capture and preserve their personal narratives, ensuring that their stories endure through beautifully designed and expertly written books.
In this review, we will explore the key aspects of Story Terrace’s services, including the quality of writing, the interview process, the range of packages offered, and the overall experience for clients.
Our goal is to provide you with an objective assessment of what StoryTerrace has to offer, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether their services align with your storytelling and legacy preservation needs.
Whether you are looking to chronicle your own life journey or capture the experiences of a loved one, this review will help you evaluate Story Terrace’s suitability for your project. I’ve given the overall rating in the box below, then we’ll dive into the formal review.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story Terrace Overview
StoryTerrace, founded in 2014 by Rutger Bruining, is a company with a compelling vision; to ensure that personal stories and life experiences are documented, preserved, and celebrated for generations to come.
Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the field of life storytelling. Rutger Bruining’s inspiration for StoryTerrace came from his realization that many incredible life stories go untold and are lost to time.
To address this, he created a platform that connects individuals with skilled ghostwriters, ensuring that their personal narratives are transformed into beautifully written and professionally designed books.
StoryTerrace’s commitment to preserving stories and creating tangible legacies has garnered attention and praise from clients who seek to share their unique life journeys. With a global network of experienced writers and a passion for storytelling, the company has made it their mission to make the process of turning memories into memoirs accessible and enjoyable.
In the following sections of this review, we will dive into the specific services and experiences StoryTerrace offers to those looking to transform their stories into enduring literary works.
How does Story Terrace work?
StoryTerrace offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to capturing and preserving life stories. Their services include a multi-step process that involves interviews, writing, editing, design, and publishing. Here is a detailed guide to how StoryTerrace works.
Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation where you discuss your storytelling goals, preferences, and project scope. StoryTerrace provides insights and helps you choose the most suitable package based on your needs.
Matching with a Writer: StoryTerrace matches you with a professional ghostwriter based on your project’s specific requirements. The writer is selected to ensure compatibility with your story and your preferred writing style.
Interviews: A series of in-depth interviews follow, conducted by the writer. These interviews are crucial for capturing your story’s unique details, memories, and emotions. StoryTerrace often records these interviews to transcribe and reference them during the writing process.
Writing and Editing: Once the interviews are completed, the ghostwriter begins crafting the narrative. They work closely with you to ensure the story’s authenticity and voice align with your vision. After the initial draft, the manuscript goes through thorough editing to enhance clarity, coherence, and storytelling quality.
Design and Layout: StoryTerrace’s professional designers create a customized book cover and layout. The result is a beautifully designed book that reflects the essence of your story.
Review and Approval: You have the opportunity to review and approve the final manuscript and design. StoryTerrace accommodates revisions and changes based on your feedback.
Publication: Once everything is finalized and you’re satisfied with the work, StoryTerrace assists in the publication process, making your story available in both print and digital formats.
Ownership: You retain ownership of your story, and the book is credited to you as the author, while the ghostwriter remains anonymous if preferred.
Delivery: You receive your professionally printed and bound copies of the book. You can also choose to make it available for sale on various online platforms.
Story Terrace Pricing
Story Terrace’s pricing model is broken down into three tiers, each with its own set of included services. Full details of this can be seen below.
Junior Writer – $2700 USD
- – 55-60 page hardcover book
- – 4 hours of interviews
- – Dedicated editorial sessions
- – 7 month production schedule
- – 33 pages of text containing 7,500 words
- – Include up to 20 photos
- – 4 full color hardbacks plus a digital copy of your book
Senior Writer – $4950 USD
- – 80-90 page hardcover book
- – 6 hours of interviews
- – Dedicated editorial sessions
- – 7 month production schedule
- – 55 pages of text containing 12,500 words
- – Include up to 30 photos
- – 4 full color hardbacks plus a digital copy of your book
Premium Writer – $9050 USD
- – 115-125 page hardcover book
- – 10 hours of interviews
- – Dedicated editorial sessions
- – 7 month production schedule
- – 90 pages of text containing 20,000 words
- – Include up to 40 photos
- – 4 full color hardbacks plus a digital copy of your book
Downsides and alternatives to Story Terrace
While StoryTerrace offers a unique and personalized approach to capturing life stories, there are some downsides to consider.
Cost: The comprehensive services provided by StoryTerrace can be expensive. The price depends on the complexity of the project and the chosen package. For those on a budget, the cost may be prohibitive.
Time-Consuming: The process of interviews, writing, editing, design, and publication can be time-consuming. It may take several months to complete a project, which may not be ideal for those looking for a quicker turnaround.
Limited Writer Selection: While StoryTerrace matches you with a writer, you may have limited input into the selection process. This could lead to a mismatch in writing style and personality.
Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal and often intimate details of your life story with a stranger during interviews can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
Limited Control: You have less control over the writing and editing process compared to self-publishing or working with a freelance writer. Some may prefer to be more hands-on in shaping their story.
One-Time Service: StoryTerrace offers a one-time service, and there may not be ongoing support for future projects or additional content.
Alternatives to StoryTerrace
Self Publishing: If you enjoy writing and are willing to invest the time and effort, self-publishing your memoir or life story can be a cost-effective alternative. There are many resources available to help with the self-publishing process.
Freelance Writers: Hiring a freelance writer to assist in capturing and writing your story offers more control over the process and can be more budget-friendly.
Legacy Writing Workshops: Some organizations and professionals offer workshops and courses in legacy writing, allowing you to learn the art of capturing your story independently.
Online Memoir Platforms: Several online platforms offer tools and templates to help you write your memoir and publish it, often at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the choice between using StoryTerrace and an alternative option depends on your budget, time constraints, and preferences. Consider what matters most to you in preserving and sharing your life story.
Story Terrace Review – Closing Thoughts
Story Terrace undeniably has created an interesting and potentially valuable proposition for those seeking to preserve their life stories in a professional and well-crafted manner.
However, it is important to consider that this premium service comes at a cost, both in terms of finances and time. For those with budget constraints, a penchant for more control over the process, or a desire for quicker turnaround, alternatives like self publishing, working with freelance writers, or exploring legacy writing workshops may be more suitable.
Still trying to figure out how you’d like to publish your memoir? We have a resource team available to discuss your options. Just click the image below to schedule a free call and we’ll see what the best path forward is.
