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What is Personal Profiles?
Founded in 1988, Personal Profiles Family Biographies, is dedicated to preserving family histories. Recognized as the country's premier biography service, Personal Profiles makes capturing family memories effortless for the client and can customize any book for any family.

Why is it important to preserve family history?
Preserving family history can help you better understand your past, where you came from and what your family's values are. We all wonder why we are who we are, and why we do what we do. Possibly, many of the answers lie in having an understanding of past generations.

What is the benefit to having a book?
So many people believe that simply telling the family stories over and over, from generation to generation, is enough. It's not sufficient these days. In our modern society, families are too scattered and too distracted to rely on word-of-mouth history. It's more important than ever to write the story. There's an old Chinese proverb "The weakest of ink is better than the best of memory."

Photographs and photo albums show moments in time, but a Personal Profile family biography shares more details with stories of the past. Unlike modern technology which typically needs to be upgraded over the years (ex: videos to DVDS), a book is a book.

What if I'm not a good writer?
If you can talk, then you can write. Worry is a writer's worst enemy. For those of you working on the Autobiography Kit, just write about what you know, how you feel and those you love. Imagine yourself telling a story to your best friend. Those are the words to put on paper. If that still won't work for you, one of professional biographers would be glad to interview you!

What if I can't remember everything?
You don't have to remember everything. Tell what you do know. If you are being interviewed, our professional biographers are experts at jogging your memory for stories. You have more hidden gems than you realize! What you do share will at least be preserved for your grandchildren and generations to come.

What are some hesitations some people have about doing their family biography and what do you tell them?

I'm not important enough
Everyone's life matters. Think of the message from the movie "It's a Wonderful Life."You don't have to be famous or heroic to have your family history recorded. Your story will be special for your family.

I'll have time to do it later
Unfortunately, it's always later than you think. We've seen interviews postponed due to unexpected health issues. Also, memories are getting any better!

I don't want to finish my biography. I still have life to live!
Don't put off for tomorrow what we can do today. Also, We leave blank pages at the end of your book. You can add to it every year!

How long does it take?
You will receive your book(s) within sixty days of final proof approval, although some custom orders may take longer.

Where would I be interviewed?
Interviews are typically conducted in the offices of Brown Books Publishing Group of Dallas by one of our professional biographers. Interviews may be conducted elsewhere with travel expenses calculated on a per project basis. Some long distance interviews have been conducted via telephone (speakerphone).

Can the book be done posthumously?
It's never too late. People say all the time that they wish they knew about Personal Profiles before their Mom or Dad died. Just because someone is gone doesn't mean he or she has to be forgotten. We have done many posthumous books for families who lost loved ones. We should be aware that those crystal clear memories of the people who made a difference in our lives might fade with time. The best way to preserve an understanding and respect for those who came before you is to record your thoughts in writing.

Can I put pictures in my book?
Most definitely! Pictures add to the story. Documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, pedigree charts, etc. can also be incorporated into the telling of one's story.

What occasions are books done for?
We have helped our clients with books for many occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and very often for no occasion at all, but simply as a gift to honor a loved one.

PERSONAL PROFILES
16200 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 170
Dallas, Texas 75248 USA
Tel: 972-732-1252 ~ Fax: 972-248-4336