An echo of love… of stories untold, and others that have been enjoyed time and time again. Afterglow has teamed up with Europe’s leading story telling company and their biographers. This is a way of capturing memories to paper... from love stories to life's challenges with a personal writer. The book can either be a personal memoir or a collective collaboration of family and friends in memory of a love one. This is a beautiful way to honour a person’s life and allows the reader to reflect, laugh, cry and love the stories which are held in the pages. The book can also become a family heirloom for generations to come to enjoy.

If you would like any more information, or have any questions please contact us on +44 (0) 845 308 8300 or email hello@afterglow.life or please fill out this form.

The Founder

Rutger Bruining the founder remembers… My grandfather told the most amazing stories: Stories about the time he was asked to join training for the national football team when the regular goalkeeper hadn’t shown up, and he flew into the goal with the ball pressed against his chest. And about the time he met my grandmother, after peeking from outside through the window of his home to check if she was ‘worthwhile’. The air filled with cigar smoke, as I would listen to him tell me story after story while we played backgammon.

It was only years later that I realised the adventures of my grandparents had never been documented in any way. I couldn’t recall the details of the stories that I had imagined so vividly back in years past. If only I had written them down!

“I promised myself that I wouldn’t let this happen to me and my stories.”

When I’d go on a road trip, for example, I would plan to capture the adventure. But on one such occasion I was so overwhelmed by the experience that halfway through I forgot to write everything down. Another time I lost my notebook on a bumpy night bus traveling through Argentina. Perhaps writing just wasn’t for me.

However, I was determined to create an opportunity for everyone to record their stories, to create a moment to pause and reflect, in order to relive the feeling of times past later on. Eventually this led to the simple premise upon which my business is based: a biographer for every person. A professional writer that fits with the person about whom the book is written. Together you can take a trip down memory lane to capture all of your anecdotes and turning points in your own memoir.

How it Works

Take the hard work out of creating your book with a hassle-free process managed from beginning to end by the expert team.

Writer Match
Tell the team a little about yourself and your ideal writer. The team will recommend a writer - sometimes more than one - who suits your project perfectly. It’s your book, so the final decision is yours! The Team can match you with a local writer who can visit you in person, or if you prefer, you can be interviewed by your writer over the phone or via video call.

Welcome Box
Once you have confirmed your writer, the team will send you a welcome letter explaining the process.

Questionaire
The questionnaires are designed to jog your memory and provide a structure for your interviews. They’re easy, fun, and bring back memories you haven’t thought about in years or even decades! You can also choose to purchase an additional interview session and forego the questionnaire.

Interviews
In-depth interview sessions with your writer form the backbone of your story. You can meet with your writer face-to-face, or talk by phone or via video call - whichever you prefer. Typical interview sessions are two hours long. If your package includes more interview time than this, it will usually be spread out over multiple sessions.

Write The Book
As your story emerges from your interview sessions, your writer will begin working on the text of your book. You will have regular opportunities to review and comment on the book as it progresses.

Cover and Book Design
While your writer is working on the text, you can upload photos via the online platform, and choose which chapters they'll appear in. You'll also be able to select a cover image and customise the appearance of your book.

Print and Delivery
Once we’ve got all the last details right, the designers will lay out your book’s cover and interior. You will have the opportunity to sign off on the PDF proofs before your book goes to print. Your beautifully bound, hardcover books will be printed and delivered to your home. From beginning to end the process normally takes eight to twelve weeks, depending on the length of your book.

Book Size Options

Compact
Cover the most important parts of your / your loved one’s story.

• 55-60 Page hardcover book

• 4 Hours of interviews

• 33 Pages of text containing 7,500 words

• Include up to 20 photos

• 4 Print copies plus a digital copy of your book

  (+£25 Welcome gift box if required - please request after purchase)

Complete
Tell your / your loved one’s story.

• 80-90 Page hardcover book

• 6 Hours of interviews

• 55 Pages of text containing 12,500 words

• Include up to 30 photos

• 4 Print copies plus a digital copy of your book

• Welcome gift box

Novella
Your / your loved one’s story recorded in greater depth & detail.

• 115-125 Page hardcover book

• 10 Hours of interviews

• 90 Pages of text containing 20,000 words

• Include up to 40 photos

• 4 Print copies plus a digital copy of your book

• Welcome Gift Box

Extra Interviews or longer text can be arranged, if required - £125 per hour or extra words £180 per 1000 words. This can be discussed with your chosen personal writer.