Lasting reflection
Obituaries and Memorial Programs
Written with Style and Grace
Products and Prices
$0.65 per word: You specify a word-count target or maximum and pay only for what you need. I recommend budgeting for at least 300 words. A 300-word obituary costs $195. I charge $10 to $25 per item added ($10 per photo, $25 for a memorial-service event agenda) for captioning and layout. My hourly rate for eulogy assistance is $40.
Obituary
An Obituary is meant for publication by others. It is narrative only. The client is responsible for publication. Most obituaries are between 300 and 500 words.
In Memoriam
An In Memoriam tribute can be quite lengthy. It is a keepsake intended to capture a fuller scope of someone’s life with multiple quoted sources and a unifying theme. To allow adequate time for a thorough treatment, it is often done after the service.
Eulogy
A Eulogy should be written for the ear, not for the eye. Schools teach us the opposite: how to write for readers, not for listeners. Writing in a speaking tone with shorter sentences and simpler vocabulary is a skill. I can help you make your speech accessible while preserving your personal voice.
Memorial Program
A Memorial Program combines the obit (or a shortened version of it) with content by others.
Memorial Program Insert
The Memorial Program Insert weaves my original writing around remembrances by family and friends. It is meant to be added to a program published by others (e.g., a church).
Full Memorial Program
The Full Memorial Program is a turnkey document with photos, graphics, memorial-service agenda – all the elements of a program.