Writing Family History

Have you ever had the urge to put all those little snippets of family history into a book? Perhaps others are urging you to do so as they want to have access to your collection? Or perhaps you have grandchildren who are (or will be someday) interested in the stories that are in your files.

Now is the time to begin! The following tips are derived from preparing for the publication of my book, "Answering the Call! An Elting Military Tribute." The stories and photos from this ten year research project were compiled into a book over the summer of 2008 (stretching a little bit into the fall as I struggled with a computer program formatting the pages).

1. Decide on the topic of your book and stick to it. For "Answering.." of course it was the military history of our family. If this step is neglected, you'll be bogged down in research (though happily) for centuries. It's OK to make copies of everything else family-related as you collect material for your book, but keep it separate and don't allow it to get you sidetracked on yet another topic.

2. Decide on your filing system and stick to it. Writing the book will be so much easier if the research material is carefully organized. File your topic material separately from the other family history treasures you've discovered.

3. Carefully document the source of all materials (Stories, photos, obituaries, newspaper and magazine articles, websites, etc.)

4. Set a deadline for completion of the research. I didn't---and after ten years had to tell myself "Enough, already!"

5. Begin compiling names and addresses (snail and e-mail) of interested persons (relatives, friends, librarians) when you begin the research and build on it throughout.

6. When you find someone with great information or stories, get it immediately. Use a recorder as much as possible. Hire someone to get it for you if you're too distant and can't get it any other way. People have a habit of passing away before we get the stories!

7. Stay abreast of technology. There is a multitude of information available on the Internet, for instance, that I could never have dreamed of when I decided to write this book.

8. Give your book a title from the very beginning of the project. It may not be the one you actually use, but having a title helps focus on the project. With a title you realize that you're working on a BOOK.

9. Be on the lookout for the best printing company. Most family histories will be self-published and you want your book comparable to ones released through the best publishers. Pay attention to who printed the books you purchase in local history venues (libraries, museums, gift shops). Contact the printer and ask all the questions you have. The best printers will happily assist you with each step. (My printer is Maverick Books in Bend, OR. Wonderful company!)

My book? It's 224 pages of Elting military history with photos and information not only on a representative number of the descendants of Jan and Jacomyntje (Slecht) Elting who have served in the US military from the mid-1600s through mid-2008, but also a smidgen of the history of the village of New Paltz, NY. Order at http://www.cluesonline.com/ or e-mail me at gecastle@cluesonline.com