Should I hire a professional biographer?

Professional biographer, personal historian, memoir coach—Dawn Roode, pictured with a client, is all those things.

Depending on the day, and my mood, and whom I am speaking with, I may call myself a personal historian, a professional biographer, or a memoir coach; because the legacy preservation work that I do is 100-percent customized to each specific client—and, maybe even more so, because most people have never heard of ‘my job’—I opt for clarity over consistency. Other people who do similar work may call themselves ghostwriters, or family historians, or life story facilitators, even practitioners of guided autobiography.

At the end of the day, though, we are professionals who help everyday people capture their life stories—in my case, in books.

Should you consider hiring…well, for simplicity’s sake, let’s just say a ‘professional biographer’? 

I’m biased, of course—I believe that working with a professional biographer can be one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make. So, my answer is “yes.” Here are a few reasons why:

1. We know how to bring out the best in your story.

Many people assume they need a dramatic, bestselling-worthy life to justify documenting their story. The truth is, every life is extraordinary in its own way—it just takes the right approach to uncover the details that make it shine.

A professional biographer is skilled in:


✔ Asking the right questions to help you recall meaningful moments.


✔ Finding themes and connections you might not see in your own experiences.


✔ Bringing your voice to life in a way that feels authentic and natural.

Example: Have you ever tried to tell a story but felt like you were rambling? A biographer helps organize your thoughts, ensuring your memories are preserved with clarity and depth.

2. The process is easier (and more enjoyable) than you think.

Many people put off documenting their life because they think it will be too time-consuming or difficult. But hiring a biographer makes the process simple and even enjoyable—it’s just like having a relaxed conversation, with someone else doing the heavy lifting of recording, organizing, and shaping the story.

✔ No writing required—just share your memories in a comfortable, guided interview.


✔ You set the pace—whether you want to do a few short sessions or take your time reviewing your life experiences over the course of a year.


✔ It’s a conversation, not an interrogation—biographers create a safe space for you to open up and share.

Think of it this way: If you’ve ever enjoyed telling stories to friends or family, you’re already doing it! A biographer simply captures those stories and turns them into something lasting.

3. Your story deserves more than just a few scattered notes.

If you’ve ever tried to jot down memories on your own in a journal, scrapbook, or other memory-keeping tool, you might have found yourself starting and stopping, unsure where to go next. A professional biographer helps weave everything together into a clear, beautiful narrative.

✔ We create structure—so your story has a natural flow and impact.


✔ We capture your unique voice—so it truly sounds like you.


✔ We ensure accuracy—so the details of your legacy are preserved with care.

Consider: Leaving behind a device overflowing with digital clutter and haphazard notes, letters, and journals for your offspring forces them to sift through the clues of your life; a professional biographer helps you curate the stuff of your life so your loved ones don’t have to do it later.

4. Your legacy matters—now and for future generations.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is a well-preserved, well-told story of your life. Whether it’s a bound book, an audio recording, or a digital archive, working with a biographer ensures that your memories don’t fade over time.

✔ Your children, grandchildren, and beyond will know your voice, your experiences, your wisdom.


✔ Your history won’t be lost—your struggles, triumphs, and lessons will live on.


✔ It’s not just about the past—it’s about shaping how you want to be remembered, and offering up your hard-won lessons to your descendants.

Imagine this: Decades from now, a great-grandchild you’ve never met picks up your story and feels connected to you in a way they never could have otherwise. (Wouldn’t you have cherished such a gift from your own parents or grandparents?) Even better—what if they are able to learn from one of your stories? This is such a biggie, but I’ll leave you with one word: IMPACT ❤️

Hiring a skilled personal historian or biographer isn’t about handing over your story to someone else; it’s about having an experienced guide who knows how to ask the right questions, shape a compelling narrative, and preserve your legacy in a way that resonates for generations to come.