Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the UWYG Legacy Writing Service?

A: Our Legacy Writing Service is a comprehensive, personalized journey to transform your life experiences into a beautifully crafted book. We work closely with you to capture your unique voice, significant memories, and personal insights, creating a lasting legacy for your family and future generations.- Click to Learn More

Q: Who is R. Dale Brunet?

A: R. Dale Brunet is our chief author and the visionary behind Use What You Got Publishing. With over 30 years of experience in IT, entrepreneurship, and AI technology, Dale brings a unique blend of technical expertise and storytelling prowess to every project. His diverse background allows him to connect with clients from all walks of life, ensuring that each memoir is as unique as the individual it represents.- Click to Learn More

Q: Do I need to be a writer to use your service?

A: Not at all! Our team of professional writers and editors handles all aspects of the writing process. Your role is to share your stories and experiences with us. We'll take care of transforming your memories into a polished, engaging narrative that captures your voice and personality.- Click to Learn More

Q: How long does the process typically take?

A: The timeline varies based on the package chosen and the complexity of your story. Our Essentials Package typically takes 3-4 months, the Comprehensive Package 6-7 months, and the Premium Package 8-9 months. We believe in giving each story the time and attention it deserves to ensure a high-quality final product.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I'm not sure what to include in my memoir?

A: Don't worry, this is a common concern. Our experienced team will guide you through a series of thoughtful interviews and discussions to help you identify the key stories, moments, and themes that define your life. We'll work together to create an outline that ensures your memoir is comprehensive, engaging, and true to your experiences.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can family members contribute to the book?

A: Absolutely! We encourage family involvement as it often adds depth and perspective to your story. We can conduct interviews with family members, incorporate their written contributions, or even include special sections dedicated to family reflections. This collaborative approach often results in a richer, more comprehensive family history.- Click to Learn More

Q: How many interviews will I need to do?

A: The number of interviews depends on the package chosen and the complexity of your story. Our Essentials Package includes 3 interviews, the Comprehensive Package includes 5-7 interviews, and the Premium Package includes 8 or more in-depth sessions. We're flexible and can adjust the number of interviews to ensure we capture your story fully.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I have old photos or documents to include?

A: We love working with personal artifacts! Our team can help digitize and restore old photos and documents, integrating them seamlessly into your book. These visual elements often add tremendous value, bringing your stories to life and creating a multi-dimensional portrait of your experiences.- Click to Learn More

Q: Do you offer different book lengths?

A: Yes, we offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Our Essentials Package produces books of 50-80 pages, the Comprehensive Package 150-200 pages, and the Premium Package 200-300+ pages. We can adjust these ranges to best fit your story and vision.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can I get both digital and physical copies of my book?

A:  Absolutely! All our packages include both printed copies and an eBook version of your memoir. This ensures your story is accessible in whatever format you and your loved ones prefer, whether it's a beautifully bound hardcover for the coffee table or a digital version for easy sharing and reading on devices.- Click to Learn More

Q: How do you ensure the accuracy of the information in the book?

A: Accuracy is paramount in preserving your legacy. We employ a multi-step verification process that includes thorough fact-checking, cross-referencing with historical records when applicable, and multiple rounds of client review. Our team of researchers and editors work diligently to ensure every detail in your memoir is as accurate as possible.- Click to Learn More

Q: What role does AI play in the writing process?

A: We use AI as a collaborative tool to enhance, not replace, human creativity. AI assists us in organizing vast amounts of information, generating thought-provoking interview questions, and enhancing our editing process for consistency and clarity. However, the heart of your story – the narrative, the emotions, the personal touch – comes from our skilled human writers who work closely with you throughout the process.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can I choose how my book looks?

A: Absolutely! We believe the appearance of your book should reflect the uniqueness of your story. Our design team will work with you to create a custom cover that captures the essence of your memoir. You'll have input on everything from the cover image and typography to the interior layout and photo placement. We want your book to be a visual representation of your life story.- Click to Learn More

Q: Do you offer services for all budget ranges?

A: Yes, we've designed our services to be accessible to a wide range of budgets. From our Essentials Package for those seeking a concise memoir to our Premium Package for those wanting a comprehensive life history, we have options to suit various financial considerations. We believe everyone's story deserves to be told, and we're committed to finding a solution that works for you.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I want to publish my book commercially?

A: We offer flexible copyright options to suit your goals. If you're interested in commercial publication, you can choose our full client ownership option, which gives you complete control over your work. We can also provide guidance on the next steps towards commercial publication, including how to approach literary agents or self-publishing platforms.- Click to Learn More

Q: How private is the information I share?

A: We take your privacy extremely seriously. All information shared during the memoir creation process is treated with the utmost confidentiality. We offer robust non-disclosure agreements and can customize privacy measures to meet your specific needs. Our team is trained in handling sensitive information, and we use secure, encrypted systems for storing and transferring data.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can I make changes once the writing has started?

A: Absolutely! We understand that the memoir creation process can often uncover new memories or perspectives. Our packages include multiple revision rounds to ensure your complete satisfaction. We maintain open lines of communication throughout the project, allowing you to provide feedback and request changes at various stages of the writing process.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I want more copies than what's included in my package?

A: No problem at all! We're happy to arrange additional copies of your memoir. Whether you need a few extra for family members or a larger quantity for a special event, we can accommodate your needs. We offer competitive pricing for additional copies, and the quality will be identical to those included in your package.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can you help with marketing if I want to sell my book?

A: While our primary focus is on creating your memoir, we can certainly provide guidance on marketing and distribution. We can offer advice on self-publishing platforms, social media promotion, and local marketing strategies. For those interested in wider distribution, we can also provide insights into approaching literary agents and traditional publishing houses.- Click to Learn More

Q: What makes your service unique?

A: Our unique blend of personal attention, technological innovation, and quality craftsmanship sets us apart. R. Dale Brunet's diverse background allows us to approach each project with a fresh perspective. Our use of AI as a collaborative tool enhances our efficiency without sacrificing the human touch. Most importantly, we're passionate about storytelling and committed to creating a memoir that truly captures the essence of your life.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can you help me to write a fictional story or narrative I have an idea about?

A: Absolutely! We love to use our imagination and so should you. Is there a story you want to tell, a fantasy idea or a cosmic journey you want to share with others? The writing process is virtually the same we just work more closely with you to clearly express your vision and story.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I only want to focus on a specific period of my life?

A: That's completely fine! Many of our clients choose to focus on particular periods or themes in their lives. Whether you want to detail your career journey, your experiences during a significant historical event, or your adventures in a specific decade, we can tailor our approach to your preferences. Our interview process will be adjusted to delve deeply into your chosen focus.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can I include recipes, family trees, or other special elements?

A: Absolutely! We love incorporating unique elements that make your memoir truly personal. Family trees, recipes, personal artwork, poetry, or even QR codes linking to digital content can all be seamlessly integrated into your book. Our design team is experienced in creating visually appealing layouts that showcase these special elements beautifully.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I'm not tech-savvy?

A: No need to worry! We've designed our process to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency. Our team will guide you through every step, from initial interviews to reviewing drafts. We can adapt our methods to suit your comfort level, whether that means conducting interviews in person, over the phone, or via user-friendly video conferencing tools.- Click to Learn More

Q: Can I gift this service to someone else?

A: Absolutely! Our Legacy Writing Service makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift. We offer gift certificates and can work with you to surprise your loved one. We'll help you plan how to present this gift and can provide a beautiful presentation package. It's a unique way to show someone how much you value their life story.- Click to Learn More

Q: What if I have a unique idea for my book's format?

A: We love creative ideas! Whether you envision a graphic novel style memoir, a book interspersed with your artwork, or a dual-language edition, we're excited to bring your vision to life. Our team has experience with various book formats and we're always eager to take on new challenges. We'll work closely with you to understand your idea and find the best way to execute it.- Click to Learn More

Q. Are there other expenses I need to be aware of?

Interview and Travel Policy:

At Use What You Got Publishing, we are committed to capturing your story in the most comfortable and convenient way possible. All interviews will be conducted either in-person or via Zoom online meeting, based on your preference and location. In most cases, it will be unnecessary for your collaborative author to travel to your location. Below is our travel reimbursement policy for your review. These costs will be clearly communicated and agreed upon before any travel is undertaken.

Please note the following regarding expenses:

1. Standard and customary incidental expenses related to the project will be charged directly to the client.

2. For clients located 25 miles or more from Colorado Springs, Colorado, the following travel expenses will be charged back to the client:
- Mileage at the current IRS standard rate
- Per diem of $75 per day for meals and incidentals
- All transportation costs including, but not limited to, airfare, car rental, taxi/ride-share services, and parking fees

3. Accommodation expenses, if overnight stays are required, will also be charged to the client.

We strive to keep all expenses reasonable and will provide detailed receipts for all charges. These costs will be clearly communicated and agreed upon before any travel is undertaken. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality service while maintaining transparency about all associated costs. If you have any questions or concerns about our interview and travel policy, please don't hesitate to discuss them with us during your initial consultation.
- Click to Learn More

Q: How do I get started?

A: Getting started is easy! Simply contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. During this session, we'll discuss your vision for your memoir, answer any questions you might have, and help you choose the package that best fits your needs. From there, we'll develop a customized project plan and timeline. We're excited to begin this journey with you and help bring your life story to the page! - Click to Learn More