Print your memoirs as a book: complete guide (options, prices, tips 2026)
How to print your memoirs as a book? Discover all the options (self-publishing, printer, Raconteo), prices and tips for a beautiful printed life book.
Print your memoirs as a book: complete guide (options, prices, tips 2026)
You have memories to pass on. Maybe scattered notes, a journal started years ago, or simply the desire to leave something tangible for your children. But between the idea and the bound book sitting on a shelf, there is a path — and that path can be simple or full of obstacles depending on the option you choose.
This guide explains all the ways to print your memoirs as a book, with their advantages, disadvantages and real prices.
Table of contents
- From manuscript to book: why printing changes everything
- The steps from writing to printing
- The 3 main options for printing your memoirs
- How much does it cost?
- Available formats and bindings
- How many copies to order
- Comparison table of the 3 options
- Frequently asked questions
From manuscript to book: why printing changes everything
There is a fundamental difference between text on a screen and a book in your hands. The physical object changes everything.
A printed book can be leafed through. You place it on a coffee table, lend it to someone, put it on a bookshelf. You give it as a gift with a handwritten dedication. You find it again twenty years later while moving house. It has weight, a smell, a presence. It survives hard drive failures, forgotten passwords, obsolete digital formats.
For a family biography, a life story, a testimony — a printed book is the only format that gives your story the symbolic value it deserves. It is not just another file. It is a legacy.
To understand why writing your memoirs matters so much, read our article on the benefits of writing your memoirs.
The steps from writing to printing
Whatever option you choose, the path from text to book involves the same main steps:
- Writing — Write or dictate your story, organise the chapters
- Proofreading and editing — Remove errors, improve flow
- Layout — Choose the font, margins, heading styles, integrate photos
- Cover — Create a cover design with title, author, image
- File preparation — Export to PDF or printer-compatible format
- Print order — Choose the format, binding, number of copies
- Delivery — Timeframe depends on the printer, generally 10 to 21 days
Depending on the option you choose, some of these steps are your responsibility or handled automatically.
The 3 main options for printing your memoirs
Option A: DIY — Word + local or online printer
The concept: You write your text in Word or Google Docs, do the layout yourself, then send the file to a printer (Lulu, Blurb, or a local printer).
Advantages: Total freedom, potentially low per-unit cost.
Disadvantages: Professional layout is a skill. Without experience, the result often looks like a printed Word document — not a real book. Margins, typography, image handling, the cover — every detail takes time and expertise.
Who it's for: People comfortable with computers, who have time, and who accept variable results.
Option B: Self-publishing — KDP Amazon, Lulu, Blurb
The concept: Self-publishing platforms offer layout tools + print-on-demand. You upload your text, choose a template, customise, and order.
Advantages: More professional than pure DIY, reasonable prices, single-copy printing possible.
Disadvantages: The learning curve is real. The tools are designed for authors who publish — not for seniors who simply want a beautiful family book. Configuring an ISBN, file format, bleed zones can be discouraging.
Who it's for: Technically self-sufficient people, motivated to learn a new tool.
Option C: Raconteo all-in-one — writing + layout + printing
The concept: Raconteo handles the entire process: you answer guided questions, AI writes your story, the layout is automatic, and the printed book is delivered to your door.
Advantages: No technical skills required. Professional result guaranteed. One point of contact, one price, one timeline.
Disadvantages: Less control over fine layout details (but the result is polished and tailored to life books).
Who it's for: People who want a beautiful result without struggling with technology.
Starting €89, delivery in 21 days. See the full pricing.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary enormously depending on the option chosen. Here is a realistic estimate:
| Option | Writing | Layout | Printing (1 copy) | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Word + printer) | €0 (yourself) | €0 (but time) | €15–35 | €15–35 + many hours |
| Self-publishing (KDP/Lulu) | €0 (yourself) | €0–50 (template) | €20–45 | €20–95 + learning |
| Raconteo all-in-one | Included | Included | Included | From €89 |
The Raconteo price may seem higher at first glance — but it includes everything: writing assistance, professional layout, printing and delivery. When you count the real time spent with the other options (often 20 to 50 hours), Raconteo is generally cheaper.
Available formats and bindings
Before ordering, a few choices to make:
Format:
- A5 (148×210 mm) — The classic book format, easy to hold, ideal for a life story
- A4 (210×297 mm) — Larger, well suited if you include many photos
- Square (21×21 cm) — Elegant, suited for photo books or illustrated memoirs
Binding:
- Paperback (soft cover) — Less expensive, lighter, sufficient for private use
- Hardcover (rigid cover) — Sturdier, more elegant, the reference for a family legacy
- Spiral — Practical for notebooks, less suited for a life book
Paper:
- White 90g — Standard, light, good text rendering
- Cream 80g — Softer to read, vintage feel appreciated for biographies
- Matte or glossy coated — If you include many photos
At Raconteo, the format and binding are chosen for you — optimised for life books, with a guaranteed professional finish.
How many copies to order
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer depends on your family.
Practical rule: Order one copy for each family household that matters. Not each person, but each household.
An example: if you have 3 children, 6 grandchildren spread across 4 households, and a sibling — count 5 to 6 copies as a base.
Price tip: Most printers offer volume discounts from 5 or 10 copies. The unit cost drops significantly. At Raconteo, additional copies are available at a reduced rate.
Think ahead: One or two extra copies for the grandchildren who are still young today, who will read your story in 20 years.
To go further on the gift aspect, read our article on giving a memory book as an original gift.
Comparison table: the 3 options
| Criterion | DIY | Self-publishing | Raconteo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price | €15–35 | €20–95 | From €89 |
| Ease of use | Difficult | Medium | Very easy |
| Quality of result | Variable | Decent | Professional |
| Writing assistance | None | None | Yes (guided + AI) |
| Timeline | 1–4 weeks | 1–3 weeks | ~21 days |
| Multiple copies | Yes (extra cost) | Yes (volume discount) | Yes (volume discount) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I include photos in my memoir book?
Yes, whatever the option. With Raconteo, you can upload your photos directly from the platform. They are integrated into the layout professionally, with captions if you wish.
Will my book be available in bookshops?
No, and that is intentional. A life book is a private object, meant for family — not for public sale. If you want wider distribution, self-publishing options like KDP Amazon allow you to publish.
What is the minimum length for a memoir book?
There is no absolute rule. A book of 60 to 80 pages is already a beautiful life book. Raconteo guides its users to reach a satisfying length without feeling obliged to write everything.
Can I order a single copy to test?
Yes. Raconteo allows you to order a single copy, then add more once you are happy with the result.
How to write your memoirs if you have never written before?
That is exactly why Raconteo exists. You do not have to write — you speak, you answer questions, and the AI builds the story for you. Read our guide how to write your memoirs to understand the approach.
Your story deserves a real book
A Word file on a hard drive is not a legacy. A bound book on a shelf is.
Whether you choose DIY, self-publishing or Raconteo, the important thing is to start. And if you want the simplest path to the most beautiful result — Raconteo is made for you.