I’ve just finished Jennifer Campbell’s recent book Start and Run a Personal History Business published by Self-Counsel Press. If you’re thinking of making personal histories a business, you owe it to yourself to get this book. Jennifer knows her stuff. She’s been a professional personal historian since 2002 and prior to that had a 25 year career as an editor, writer, and interviewer… Read more.
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Thanks Dan. My copy of this book arrived last week. I’ve been considering a business as a Personal Historian and Archivist. I came across the APH website and somehow made my way to your site. I am truly appreciating your blog, your experiences, and your resources. Recently I have been part of a Narrative Legacy project at my church. With this, I interview an individual based on four questions, transcribe notes from the digital recording, and then write a narrative. A copy of the narrative goes to the church as part of a collective story. One 93-year old gentleman was directed my way due to a more in-depth story desired. After five interviews, we have roughly 11 hours of recorded information. I will transform these interviews into his story, pro bono, as one of my first Personal History clients. I am ready to read “Personal History Business” before I proceed beyond his story so I can formulate a steady business path. Thanks again for helping to inspire me!
Diane
Denver, Colorado
@Diane Felt. Thanks for taking the time to drop me a line, Diane. I’m glad you’ve found my blog helpful and wish you well as you establish your personal history business.
Hi Diane. Thanks for buying my book–I hope you find it useful as you launch into this wonderful field. It sounds like you’re well on your way. Think about joining like-minded colleagues in the Association of Personal Historians (APH), if you haven’t already, where you’ll meet inspiring and helpful people like Dan. He’s truly one of APH’s “treasures”!
Dan, thank you for re-posting the book review. Jennifer
@Jennifer. Thanks for you’re generous praise of my efforts, Jennifer. And I’m happy to re-post my review of your book. It’s a must read for anyone starting a personal history business.
Dan and Jennifer,
I’ve been using this book as my bible as I get my dream going!
I’ve found the information in both the book and this blog to be so helpful; what started as a far away dream is now nearly within my grasp! I have never been so excited to get going on my adventure as a personal historian. I have a lot to learn (I’m getting a bit bogged down in the legalities/registering business/pricing structure nitty gritty stuff, but I have set up interviews for my very first sample. My next steps are to get legal and of course I want to register with APH.) I’m 26 and work in retail, but I am getting everything aligned so that one day, I may focus my efforts into this full time. I wish to express my gratitude for all that you do in the field to guide and inspire novices like myself! Thank You
Melissa McConnell
@Melissa. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how useful you’ve found my blog. I’m certain Jennifer will also be delighted to know that her book has been of such help to you. It sounds as if you’re going about setting up your personal history business in a thoughtful and organized way. It’s a wonderful profession and I wish you all the best as you head out on this new path in your life.