Publishing ( or self-publishing )a private Family History Book

[brickwall]

Does anyone have experience of self-publishing, or of using a commercial publisher for, a Family History book i.e. with not just family trees, but also some text/ recollections / anecdotes, and photos relating to your family history? A book, whether hardback or softback, of smart appearance and intended as a permanent memento, but solely to be a few private copies for family members /cousins-- not for public sale?

If you have any such knowledge or experience, what programs / templates / or commercial publishers who will help you to produce such a family history book did you find useful and helpful and cost effective?

And what pitfalls does one need to be aware of /avoid along the way?

I've recently been asked by an old friend if I can help him produce a book summarising all his (and his cousin's) family researches, and I have no personal experience of such publishing, but I want to help if I can, so any hints about editing, or recommendations re particularly good family history publishing companies, or other helpful suggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[canadianbeth]

My husband's 4th cousin has published a book, the Descendants of Thomas Nutbrown, and I have a copy. It is full of pictures and stories as well as an ahnentafel report and a coat of arms. Unfortunately, I lost his e-mail and address a few years ago, but just now see it inside the book. He lives in Sherbrooke, Quebec. I probably should not post it here however.

 

[brickwall]

Thank you, canadianbeth, for your swift response. I fully understand the need to keep contact details private. Given the title of the book, however, I have been able to glean some useful details about it from various sources.

 

[peter]

Something to bear in mind is that even if a book will have limited circulation, copyright still applies - both to the book itself, and to any images in the book.

 

[brickwall]

Many thanks, Peter.