The Memoir Myth: Every Good Story is Book-Worthy

Whenever I speak to a new client who has either drafted a memoir or wants to write one, inevitably one of their first statements is: “Everyone tells me, ‘You have to write a book.’ So, I’ve finally decided to do it.” That’s usually when I anchor the conversation toward basic goals: What is your publishing plan? Are you looking to traditionally publish or self-publish?

            If they say they want to submit to an agent and get a traditional contract, I usually stop them right there. No, I don’t throw water on their fire, but I do give a dose of reality. First, unless you’re famous or infamous, as a first-time author, you have to come out of the gate with one amazing story to get any attention. Let’s face it, not everyone who can weave a riveting tale at a party is ready for prime time, despite what others say.

            The question then is: What defines an “amazing” story? There are four key components of a standout memoir:

·       It must address a universal issue.

·       It must have a unique take on the issue.

·       It must have a clear message.

·       It must deliver like a work of fiction.

            First, your memoir should speak to a topic many will have some connection to. It could be through their own experiences, those of a loved one, a friend, or a colleague—on some level, the target readers will be able to identify with the content. Second, the story must stand out as one of a kind, a unique slant, approach, or theme (message).

            For example, let’s say you had a drug problem where you ended up homeless and alienated from your family. Is that an issue many can identify with? Yes. It’s nothing new. It happens. Whether or not that story should be told comes down to how you answer the next question: What makes your story distinctive, a standout from all the others with similar experiences?

            The best way to answer that question requires research. Before you start to consider putting your fingers to the keyboard, read as many bestselling memoirs out there. Find out what made them stand out and then ask yourself: Would my story be able to impact the reader the way this one affected me? Maybe it’s the author’s message—every memoir must have a theme or message—or maybe your experiences are so unparalleled that it is screaming to be told.

            Ultimately, remind yourself that just because your friends are interested in what you went through and how you came out of it, it does not mean an agent will buy it. Yes, your divorce may have been a shocker. Yes, having your spouse cheat on you was hurtful and cruel. And yes, you had to start over. The trauma was real and devastating. However, unless you are a Bravo star or a Hollywood bad boy, for example, your story may or may not stand out in the crowd of millions who have endured something similar. Dig deep for that element that will set your story apart.

            Now, when memoirists tell me that they aren’t looking to traditionally publish their memoir, but instead want to self-publish because their goal is to help others and for their own cathartic reasons, then that changes my perspective some, but not as much as you might think. You still want to write a book that is a quality read, and that entails the four necessary elements above for starters.

            No matter your end goal, get a copy of our workbook: Inspired: How to Write a Must-Read Memoir. If you are ready to write that memoir, then make sure it can capture and keep your reader’s interest from beginning to end. Our book will walk you through the steps.

Happy Writing!

Celeste