Writing a Memoir? 3 Things to Consider

Let’s try something new! I made a quick video about the three things to consider when writing a memoir. Resources and links follow the video. If you’re thinking about writing a memoir, here are three things I learned in the process of writing and publishing one.

1. Know Your Why and How

Start by defining your purpose.

Do you want to preserve family stories? Create a legacy for future generations? Or are you writing a memoir for commercial publication—something that will reach readers beyond your personal circle?

These questions shape everything from tone to structure. A legacy book might include genealogical details, letters, and photos. A commercial memoir needs a narrative arc, a target reader, and a reason for a stranger to care.

If you’re writing about difficult experiences, build emotional support into your process. Memoir can open old wounds, and it helps to have a trusted friend, therapist, or writing group to process emotions as they surface.

Keep your early drafts private until you’re ready. This gives you the freedom to write honestly without fear of judgment. Later, when you’re revising for readers, you can decide what to keep, change, or protect for privacy.

Finally, think ahead to how you’ll publish:

• Traditional publishing: You’ll need a full proposal, sample chapters, and a literary agent.
• Self-publishing: You control everything—timeline, design, pricing, royalties.
• Private/family edition: A short print run through IngramSpark or Blurb can produce beautiful heirloom copies.

2. Understand the Market

If your goal is commercial publication, research is your best friend.

Start with comparable titles (“comps”). Search bookstores or Amazon for memoirs similar in theme or style. Study their publishers, pricing, and reviews. Ask: How is my story different or complementary?

You’ll include these comps in a book proposal—but they also help you position your story from day one.

Think about your platform and reach. Who will buy this book, and how will you reach them? Agents and publishers look for built-in audiences. Even if you’re self-publishing, you’ll need a marketing plan.

A few ways to build visibility early:

• Start sharing behind-the-scenes writing updates on social media.
• Publish short essays or op-eds related to your memoir’s themes.
• Build an email list of interested readers.

Marketing starts long before launch day—and it’s never too early to start building community around your story.

3. Handle the Logistics Early

This is the part no one tells you—but it’s what separates a polished book from an amateur project.

Here’s a quick memoir publishing checklist:

Registrations

• ISBN: This is required if you plan to sell your book commercially. Purchase through Bowker (U.S.) so you are the publisher of record. Yes, you can get free ISBNs from print-on-demand services, but I personally recommend buying your own so you retain control.
• LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number): Free to apply for at loc.gov/publish/pcn. Do this before you upload your book to distributors.
• Copyright registration: Not legally required, but recommended for additional protection. Register at copyright.gov. There is a small fee for registration, and you can register before publication.

Production

• Editing: Plan for three stages—developmental (big-picture), line editing (flow and clarity), and proofreading (typos). Even short memoirs benefit from an outside editor.
• Design: Hire a professional for both cover and interior layout. A clean, readable layout instantly elevates your book. If you’re comfortable with InDesign or Affinity, you can DIY it.
• File prep: Export a print-ready PDF and an EPUB version for eBooks. Services like Reedsy or BookBaby can handle formatting if you don’t want to DIY. I got my cover through 99Designs and loved working with the designer.

Doing this groundwork before you publish will save you headaches—and protect your rights.

Writing a memoir is one of the most rewarding creative projects you’ll ever take on. It’s also one of the most personal. Whether you’re documenting a life for family or sharing it with the world, your story has value—and it deserves care, clarity, and respect.

If you’d like more content like this—practical, real-world guidance on writing and publishing—let me know! I’m glad to add more publishing content.