Tips for engaging family
history writing
You've done
the research
If you're like the clients we've worked with you, have
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birth, marriage, and death dates
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factual details
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some historical context
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occasional anecdotes or stories
... The question is: how do you tell the stories, not just the facts? how do you sew this all together into a readable, engaging book?
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We know
family history books
NextGen Story has experience creating compelling family history books that engage readers. Recent books include:
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Puritans, Quakers and Witches: 500 Years of the Hoyt/Haight Family by Nancy Penrose (released 2023)
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Our Homes on Indigenous Lands: Stories of My Ancestors Across Turtle Island by Mali Bain (released 2022)
Whether you publish for family or share your book with the world, creating an readable, engaging family history is worth the time.
After all, these books are a gift not just for now, but for generations to come.
Learn from our Experience
Family history can feel like a list of "begats" - let us help you craft a clear, compelling narrative.
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From our experience working with family historians who have successfully become authors, we've learned a thing or two.
NextGen's structural editor gets 'into the weeds' of each book, providing comments on structure, flow, and sequence.
Check out the tip in our handout - and when you're ready for your structural edit, send us a note.
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Your future readers will thank you.
Testimonials
Without NextGen Story our family’s precious book would not have been made.
Sam M, NextGen Story Client
Mali's knowledge, skill, and intuitive strategy have guided me along the way to make stronger connections with my family's past.
Janis D, NextGen Story client
