Turn Your Story into a Finished Book
Memoirs, family histories, biographies, and commemorative books — from first idea to printed copy.
You may have boxes of photographs, diaries, letters, documents or memories — but no clear idea where to begin.
I help gather, shape, write, edit, design, format and publish personal stories and family histories, turning scattered material into beautiful books that can be treasured, shared and passed on.
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ABOUT BEVERLEY
Beverley Eikli is a former journalist and editor, author, teacher and memoir specialist who helps people turn memories, family stories, photographs and archives into beautifully written, edited and professionally produced books.
The Story Beneath the Memories
After years of teaching memoir and family history — and helping people turn personal and family stories into books — I’ve learned something:
Most memoirs don’t stall because people “can’t write.”
They stall because the writer doesn’t yet know what their story is really about.
A life contains many stories.
A memoir (or family history) needs one strong thread.
My particular strength is listening carefully and helping you uncover that thread — whether it turns out to be:
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a migration story
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a survival story
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a story of reinvention
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a love story
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a family legacy story
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a story of resilience, injustice, or courage
Once we find what your story is truly about, we can shape it into a clear narrative path — and the writing becomes far less overwhelming.
Choose Your Best Starting Point
You don’t have to do everything at once.
Pick the level of support that suits you right now.
1) Start with the Book/workbook (available on this website)
How to Write, Structure and Self-Publish Your Memoir and Family History
I have written this practical, reassuring guide for people who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.
It helps you:
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clarify what your story is truly about
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organise memories and material into a meaningful structure
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create a workable chapter plan
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understand publishing options in plain, non-technical language
- And it contains worksheets that you can use with all the family contributing.
Many people tell me that the book alone helps everything finally “click.”
2) Join a Workshop or Talk
Discover the Shape of Your Story (without overwhelm)
I regularly run talks and small workshops through:
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libraries
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adult education centres (Melbourne CAE or Macedon Ranges Further Ed)
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retirement villages
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community groups
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and online sessions
These sessions are personal, practical, and designed to help you:
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identify the theme that holds your story together
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understand which memories matter most
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learn how to shape your material into a narrative path
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leave with greater clarity and confidence
You do not need writing experience — only a willingness to reflect.
3) Book a Story Distillation Session (One-on-One)
Personalised clarity before you write — or to get unstuck
If you’d like personal guidance, I offer a private Story Distillation Session.
This is an inpersonal, comfortable session where you talk — and I listen.
Together we:
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uncover what your story is really about
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clarify what belongs in the story (and what can be left out)
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shape your narrative into a clear direction
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create a set of draft chapter headings to guide your writing
This is ideal if:
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you’re unsure where to start
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you have a complex life or multi-generational story
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you’ve begun writing but feel stuck
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you want reassurance that you’re on the right track before investing months of effort
Duration: 60 minutes (online)
Investment: $110 AUD
Additional $60 if you want a written report on the discussion.
→ Email to book a Story Distillation Session
→ Enquire about availability on 0411 664 787
And If You Decide to Publish…
Not everyone wants to publish — and that’s perfectly fine.
For many people, writing is about family, reflection, and legacy.
However, if you do decide you’d like to create a book, I can also help with the practical steps, including:
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formatting your manuscript
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preparing files for print and/or ebook
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understanding self-publishing options clearly and calmly
This is never the first step.
First, together we find the shape of your story.
Then, if you wish, we turn it into a book.
An Invitation
If you’ve been holding your story for years and don’t know where to begin, there are many starting points.
Read with the book, join a workshop, or a one-on-one session — and we’ll find the thread that turns your memories into a meaningful, readable story.
→ Book a Story Distillation Session (from $110 per hour)
→ View workshops / Register interest
Story Distillation Session
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare anything?
No preparation is required.
You don’t need notes, drafts, or an outline.
The session is designed so you can simply talk, and we discover the shape of your story together.
Do I need to be a “good writer”?
Not at all.
This session focuses on clarity and structure, not writing style. Many people come to this session before they write a single word.
Is this session confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in a Story Distillation Session is treated with complete confidentiality.
Can I record the session?
You’re welcome to record the session for your own reference, as long as you let me know at the start.
Some clients prefer to take notes; others simply listen and reflect afterward. There is no right or wrong approach.
Will I receive written notes or a summary?
You will receive a chapter outline and structure suggestion as part of the session.
Some clients request a brief written summary of what was discussed in the session. This can be discussed when booking and may involve a small additional fee, depending on what’s required.
Is this therapy or counselling?
No.
While life stories can be emotional, this is a professional story-shaping session, not counselling or therapy. The focus is on narrative clarity, not emotional processing.
Is this session suitable for family histories?
Absolutely.
Many sessions focus on:
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multi-generational family stories
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migration histories
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combined memoir and family history projects
The same principles of clarity and structure apply.
What happens after the session?
That’s entirely up to you.
Some people:
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go away and write independently
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use the framework alongside the book
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attend a workshop later
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return for formatting or publishing support
There is no obligation to continue beyond the session.
How do I book?
You can book directly using the link below, or contact me if you have questions or would like to discuss suitability.
→ Book a Story Distillation Session
→ Make an enquiry
About Beverley
Beverley Eikli is a former journalist and editor, an author, teacher, and memoir specialist who helps people turn memories, family stories, photographs and archives into beautifully written and professionally produced books.
With years of teaching, writing, editing, formatting and self-publishing experience, Beverley works with clients at every stage — from finding the shape of a memoir or family history, to editing a draft, arranging photographs, designing the layout, and preparing a finished book for print or publication.
Her approach is warm, practical and structured, helping writers turn confusion into clarity and create books that preserve personal stories, family legacies and lives worth remembering.