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Writing & Publishing Your Family History
Presented by Cecile Engeln, Kyle Hurst, and Sharon Inglis
Original Broadcasts February 2024
Now is the perfect time to write your family history! Think about the legacy you will be leaving if you write and publish your own family research: not only a legacy for current and future family members, but an important resource for current and future genealogical researchers. This 5-week course led by the writing and publishing experts at American Ancestors will provide you with a step-by-step approach to turning your raw data into an illustrated narrative, Register-style genealogy or Ahnentafel. Topics include: organizing your materials, choosing a genealogical format, adding citations, page layout, and final steps in self-publishing.
This program includes:
- Access to 5+ hours’ worth of instructional video
- Handouts, slides, and templates
- Live Q&A with instructors
- Extended access to materials, recordings, and other materials
COURSE TOPICS
Class 1: Getting Started
Presented by Sharon Inglis
Ready to write? Learn about the decisions you'll need to make before starting: Who is your audience? What families in your ancestry do you want to cover? Learn about helpful tools and how to organize yourself before beginning to write.
Class 2: Structure, Sketches, and Citations
Presented by Kyle Hurst
Time to get technical! In this class, we consider the genealogy's overall structure and master the numbering systems for the Register-style and Ahnentafel formats. Learn how to write a genealogical sketch in each format while properly citing sources.
Class 3: Adding Story to Family History
Presented by Kyle Hurst
Going beyond names and dates, how can we add narrative that brings our ancestors to life? This class will cover story structure, writing tips, and how to add biographical and contextual details that show how each ancestor lived.
Class 4: Photos and Illustrations
Presented by Cécile Engeln
Get a handle on photo-research basics. Learn how to choose, scan, edit, and insert photos, documents, and other images to make your family history publication come alive.
Class 5: The Publishing Process
Presented by Sharon Inglis
Learn how to edit, lay out, proofread, and publish your work. Gain valuable tips on finding freelance editors and indexers and working with publishing vendors.