Self-Publish your Family History

by Bobbi Ann Johnson Holmes

          Self-publishing is ideal for documenting your family’s history, family stories and genealogical information. If you are an avid amateur genealogist (like myself) you may already have your family’s data entered into a genealogical software program. Most genealogical software programs have an option to generate PDF files of family trees and other data, instantly. Use these PDF files when creating your family history book.

Create a Family History Book

          I’ve completed several family history books. The most ambitious was Talbot Family History and Reunions, over 300 pages with historical data, old photographs and family reunion photographs. I printed the book through Lulu.com, creating both a hardback, and a paperback edition. Even though the book contains information on the Talbot Family in general, I’ve only given intimate family members access to the book, as making it available to the general public would invade the privacy of living family members.

Publishing Options, such as Lulu and MyCanvas

          While I use Lulu.com for much of my self-publishing, another option for family history self-publishing is MyCanvas, available through Ancestry.com. If you already have an account with Ancestry.com, and have uploaded family photos and data to the site, it is possible to create an heirloom quality, hardbound book, with acid free quality paper, in less than an hour.
          When Ancestry.com first released its online publishing services, I gave them a try, printing both a family history book (as a gift for my mother) and a family tree poster. I was happy with the results, and they were extremely affordable.
          If a large volume, covering generations of your family history is overwhelming, consider a smaller project, such as the story of your parents or your own story, to pass down to future generations.

Convert Old Family Photos into Digital Images

           Before the computer age of print-on-demand- publishing and digital imagery, it was pricy to include images in a book, even black and white images. I used to publish a monthly paper in Wrightwood California, and it cost me about $5 for each black and white photograph, as the photos needed screening prior to printing. When using color, I had to pay even more to have each color image separated prior to printing.
          Today, you can pack as many black and white digital images into your document as you want, without increasing the cost. While it cost more to create a full color publication, you don’t pay extra for each color picture.
          This past Christmas I created a book for my children, nephews, sister, cousin, mother and husband, about our family’s adventure at Havasu Palms. While it is a story of our family’s history, I am in the process of editing the book, to release it to the public.
          What family stories do you have to tell?

Why you should Self-Publish a Book