Introduction

Memoir writing can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering a chance to reflect on one's life and share it with others. However, deciding whether to write your own memoir or hire a professional author can be a significant decision. This guide delves into the pros and cons of each approach and helps you make an informed choice based on your goals and skills.

The Importance of Skill Set

Your writing skills should be the primary consideration when deciding between writing your own memoir and hiring a professional author. If writing is not your forte, hiring a ghost writer can be a wise choice. As a famous example, Ozzie Osbourne's autobiography, while written during a period when he admitted to having dyslexia, turned out to be highly entertaining and well-received, indicating the potential success of ghost-written memoirs.

Professional Help for Structuring

One of the most important aspects of memoir writing is creating a structured outline. This helps maintain control and ensures that the story flows coherently. While some authors, like the well-renowned Gene Eugenio, can write complete books for a modest fee, others may need to be hired to ask key questions that help reveal the inner details of your story. This ensures that your memoir will have a rich and detailed narrative, which is essential for a compelling read.

Learning from Experts

If you lack writing skills but still want a high-quality memoir, hiring a professional author can be highly beneficial. These experts know the rules and best practices for memoir writing, which can elevate the quality of your final product. A professional can ask insightful questions that help you recount every significant moment, ensuring that your memoir is not only accurate but also engaging.

Goals and Intentions

Your intentions for writing your memoir also play a crucial role in your decision. If your goal is to create something that can be handed down to your family, writing it yourself can be more meaningful. Your personal touch and emotional investment will make the memoir more authentic. However, if your intention is to have a widely read and commercially successful memoir, you might benefit from hiring a professional author. They can provide the expertise needed to create a compelling story that resonates with a broader audience.

The Commercial Reality

It's important to consider the commercial aspect of memoir writing. Very few memoirs achieve significant commercial success, with most selling fewer than 1000 copies. If your primary goal is to earn money, the odds of achieving this through memoir writing are slim. It's essential to evaluate whether the potential earnings from memoir sales will cover the costs of hiring a professional author and other expenses involved in the process.

Cost and Time Consideration

The cost and time required to hire a professional author should also be factored into your decision. Professionals often charge for their services, and the process can be time-consuming, requiring you to provide detailed answers to their questions. Conversely, writing your own memoir can be more economical and faster, especially if you have good writing skills.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to write your own memoir or hire a professional author ultimately comes down to your skills, goals, and intentions. While writing your own memoir can be more personal and cost-effective, hiring a professional author can result in a more polished and well-structured narrative. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each approach will help you make the best choice for your project.

Keywords

Memoir writing, professional author, ghost writer