What I’ve Published So Far
Since 2015, I’ve periodically self-published private family history books for my parents, sister, and aunts. Below is a brief description of each edition I’ve done and the different approaches I’ve taken.
- First edition (summer 2015) – For each side of my family printed the full book-style report from my desktop software.8.5×11 paperback from Lulu.
- Second edition (December 2016) – For each side of my family printed the full book-style report from my desktop software and stories from my private family history blog. 8.5×11 paperback from Lulu.
- Third & Fourth editions (December 2018 & 2019) – This is where I introduced the current generation of family history narrative books, organized by couple and including chapters for only direct-line ancestors with enough to write about. I printed these on 8.5×11 format at Staples.
- Introduction of More Family History (December 2020) – I wanted to start publishing stories of non-direct line relatives (and even some non-relatives) as well as some of the more interesting research processes I went through. This was a relatively small book and cost less than $3 to print in paperback at B&N Press. I was really happy with the quality of this little book and it served as a nice placeholder book until the next version of the larger narrative was ready to go.
- Fifth editions (December 2022) – This was the big year… I printed hardcover 6×9″ versions at B&N Press of both lines’ narratives as well as a new edition of More Family History. I was very pleased with how these turned out, except for the fact the cover art was a little bit off center. I didn’t have enough time to order proofs before giving these as gifts (the turnaround time was several weeks), so I had to live with it.
- Forthcoming sixth editions (December 2025, most likely) – A relative asked me why I didn’t just combine the More Family History stores into the main book and the more I thought about it, the more I liked that idea. So, in addition to new updates, I’m now structuring the new book in three major sections: Direct-Line Ancestors, Ancillary Stories, and Appendix: Research Notes. Stylewise, I think I may tweak it as well. Currently, paragraphs are not indented and there is extra space between paragraphs. I may forego that and opt instead for indented paragraphs and then remove the space between paragraphs.
One of the big changes I’d like to make is to tape an envelope on the inside cover that holds a (thin?) folded family tree of direct-line ancestors. It’s tough to give a good overall visual of the family structure to readers in a 6×9″ format book.
How I Am Structuring and Compiling My Book, Which May or May Not be Right for You
TK – this section’s next!
Other Resources
- A Recipe for Writing Family History by Devon Noel Lee and Andrew Lee