Frequently asked questions

No. Speak naturally or share your memories in everyday messages. I’ll guide the conversation, structure the material and write the manuscript.

The price covers the agreed conversation format, writing, photographs and revisions. If your story needs more than that, I’ll agree the extra cost with you first.

Yes. If you move to Signature Story within 30 days of receiving your One Hour Story, the amount you actually paid, up to US$88, is credited and the finished story can become part of the larger book.

US$88 includes up to 60 minutes by phone or seven days of guided text chat, 1,000–1,500 edited English words or 1,800–2,500 Chinese characters, 6–10 designed pages, up to 10 photographs, two revision rounds and a reading PDF. One final language is included. This is a digital service with no printed book.

US$200 includes up to 90 minutes by phone across one or two sessions or seven days of guided text chat, 2,500–3,500 edited English words or 4,000–6,000 Chinese characters, 24–40 designed pages, up to 30 photographs, two revision rounds, a reading PDF and one standard printed-cover hardcover. One final language is included. You approve the final proof before printing. Standard shipping is included to non-remote addresses in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Other destinations, remote areas, offshore islands and overseas territories: contact us before ordering. Applicable import duties and taxes are additional.

For One Hour Story and Keepsake Story, choose the included phone interview time or seven calendar days of guided text chat from an agreed start date. Chat is asynchronous: send memories when it suits you, and I’ll reply with follow-up questions. The story length and photo allowance stay the same.

Photographs, letters, voice notes, journals, documents and memories from relatives can all help. Start with what you already have. Photo sizes and placement are arranged to suit the story; several photographs may share a page.

Use the language you are most comfortable speaking. Each service includes one final book language. Ask me if you want two languages in the same book.

Your project is private. I use the material to produce your book and publish nothing from it without your written permission.

I’m Zexin Zhao. I conduct the interviews, check the material, write the story and make the final edits. I may use software to transcribe a recording or organise notes.

Up to four hours of interviews, with written sharing available by arrangement, 8,000–12,000 edited words, 60–80 designed pages, up to 30 photographs, two revision rounds, digital files and one clothbound hardcover with a full-colour interior.

Keepsake Story includes a standard printed-cover hardcover with a cover designed for your story. Signature Story includes a choice from the standard cloth, foil and endpaper options. Extra copies, specialty papers, leather, presentation boxes and custom sizes are available by quote.

One Hour Story is usually ready about seven business days after the call or chat period and receipt of your photographs. The seven-day chat period is for gathering your story, not a finished-book delivery promise. For Keepsake Story, I confirm the writing, proof and production schedule for your order; printing starts after your final approval, and transit depends on the destination, courier and customs. Signature Story usually takes six to eight weeks once the interviews are finished and we have the photographs, letters and notes you want included.

All three fixed-price packages include two revision rounds. Each round means sending me one complete set of comments on the story or proof. You can correct facts, names, tone and wording. New interviews, chapters, major changes of direction or substantial new material are priced separately before I begin the extra work.

Ordinary details are often the parts families miss most. If something is hard to include, we can soften it, leave it out or come back to it later. Nothing goes in without your approval.

Only with everyone’s permission. If you prefer not to record, we can work from live notes, voice notes or written responses.

One Hour Story is delivered digitally with no shipping charge. Keepsake Story includes one standard printed-cover hardcover. Standard shipping is included to non-remote addresses in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Other destinations, remote areas, offshore islands and overseas territories: contact us before ordering. Signature Story includes one clothbound hardcover, with shipping quoted separately. Applicable import duties and taxes are additional.