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Memoir and Life StoriesYour life story, beautifully published. And entirely yours.
Penwood Press helps first time authors turn memories, notes and manuscripts into a real book for family and readers. One dedicated editor guides you from the first call to the finished copy in your hands.
Four things we put in writing before you pay a cent.
Your book stays yours
You keep 100% of your rights and royalties. Your book is published in your own accounts, under your name.
You approve, then you pay
Work is split into milestones. Each payment comes only after you have reviewed and approved the last step.
One person you know
A named editor leads your book from start to finish. You always know who to call.
No empty promises
We never promise sales, rankings or bestseller status. We promise careful work, clear dates and honest answers.
Wherever your book is today, we can start there.
You have a finished manuscript
We edit it with care, design a cover you are proud of, format the pages and publish it in your name.
You have notes, letters or recordings
A writer interviews you, shapes the memories into chapters, and keeps your voice on every page.
You want a book for family, or for sale
Print a few copies for the people who matter most, or publish widely as paperback, hardcover and ebook.
Choose the help you need, and nothing you don't.
Every project includes your dedicated editor, milestone payments and a written agreement. You receive a written quote after your free call.
Ghostwriting
Your story in your voice, written with you.
Learn moreBook Editing
Developmental, line and copy editing.
Learn moreCover Design
A custom cover that fits your genre.
Learn moreInterior Formatting
Print and ebook layout that reads beautifully.
Learn moreSelf Publishing
Published in your own accounts and name.
Learn moreAudiobooks
Your book, ready for listeners.
Learn moreThe details that matter in this kind of book.
- Your voice, not a polished stranger's
- Family photos placed and captioned with care
- Sensitive memories handled with discretion
- Keepsake hardcover editions for family
Sample cover styles for this kind of book.
These are sample concepts made to show the range of styles we design. They are not published client books. Your cover is designed from scratch for your story.
We Kept
River Bends
TableRecipes from our family kitchen
A real book, in the formats you want.
Paperback
Common trim sizes such as 6 × 9 inches, printed on demand.
Hardcover
A keepsake edition for family, gifts and special occasions.
Ebook
Formatted for e readers, tablets and phones.
Your files
Final cover and interior files belong to you, to reprint any time.
Honest answers.
I am not a writer. Can I still write a memoir?
Yes. Many of our authors tell their story through recorded conversations, and a writer shapes it into chapters in their voice.
Can I include family photos?
Yes. We place and caption photos so they sit naturally within the story.
Can I print only a few copies for family?
Yes. Print on demand means you can order as few or as many copies as you like.
Tell us about your story.
A friendly 30 minute conversation with an editor. You will leave with a written plan for your book, whatever you decide.
- No pressure. The plan is yours to keep.
- Real people. An editor reads what you send before the call.
- A written quote. Scope, timeline and cost in writing if you want to go ahead.
- Prefer to talk now? Call (214) 612-7715.