Well-known genealogy subscription company, MyHeritage, has just announced that they’re launching a new service to make the collecting and printing of family stories easier and more enjoyable. MyStories provides an easy-to-use system for collecting memories and photos over the course of a year, and then compiles the information to create an attractive printed memory book to keep or share.
This service should work well to encourage the sharing of memories by older family members, or as a way to collect your own stories to share with others. The fact that weekly interview questions are provided by MyHeritage means that the interviewee will always have a clear prompt to work from.
Unique but relatable questions such as “When you think of the word “home,” what place comes to mind?” or “What’s a place you’ve visited that took your breath away?” provide the perfect foundation to inspire someone to write down their memories.
MyStories would make a great gift for a parent, grandparent or other older family member, a spouse, a treasured friend or even yourself. Let’s take a closer look at what this new service offers and how to create your own memory book, or give it as a gift.
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What is MyStories and how does it work?
MyStories works by sending a selected individual an inspiring weekly email with a question to answer about their life. The individual, whether that is yourself or someone else, simply responds to the email with a story and images that they would like to include. When the interviewee completes the questions and gives the go ahead, a hardcover memoir containing their responses and attached photos is printed for them.
Update: The MyStories service changed some of its terms on Feb 12th, 2025. The following information reflects these changes.
Those who use this service will also have access to an online account where they can answer or edit responses, as well as upload images that compliment these stories. You may order the service for yourself or you may give it as a gift to another person. Since multiple printed copies can be ordered, the finished memoirs are easy to share.
Can I send MyStories as a gift?
Yes, MyStories will likely be a popular gift option. To send the service as a gift, simply order it here and choose the option “someone else” when asked who will be telling the stories. You may choose a special date to begin sending the service on, as well as a gift message. The recipient will start receiving emails on the date you assign.
Additional copies of the printed book can be ordered after it is complete. Whether you’re sending the service to a parent to share with their grandkids, a spouse as a special place to collect their personal stories, or a friend as a unique birthday gift they will no doubt have some fun responding to the prompts.
Can I use the service for myself?
Absolutely! We always recommend that individuals take the time to write down their own stories for the benefit of their family. It’s a wonderful gift to give to others (and to ourselves). You may find it exciting and validating to take part in an interview about your life and record what you remember.
How much does MyStories cost?
The price of MyStories from MyHeritage is $99. This includes 52 weekly emailed questions and one year of access to the online account for adding and editing stories and uploading pictures, as well as your printed book. If you have not completed the editing and printing of your book after one year, you will need to renew the service for another 12 months.
When does the book get printed and who is it mailed to?
The first printed book is included with your order of MyStories and can be printed at any time you are ready. This can be after the full year, when all questions have been sent by email and responded to (must be within the 12 month period), or earlier if someone completes the questions in advance in the online account. Questions the interviewee does not want to answer can be skipped as well. The book will be mailed to the person who signed up for the service, or to the recipient if given as a gift.
Will the service be easy to use for someone who is not comfortable with computers?
MyStories was designed to be simple to use for anyone with an email account. The questions will be emailed to the person directly and they can simply reply to that email with a response. They may also attach any images they would like to include.
As mentioned, access to an online account is also available and the individual may enter stories and pictures there if they prefer, as well as edit anything they have previously submitted. If the person you would like to feature in the book is not very technologically inclined then the email response option will most likely be your best bet. You can handle editing for them (if needed) in the account.
You may also choose to print out questions, record the answers from the person yourself, and enter them into the account to create the book. You may find it useful to help a less tech-savvy person scan and upload printed photos they would like to include as well. A simple photo of an old image can work in a pinch.
Can multiple people make use the same account or book?
Each order of MyStories includes one book, but two people could both answer the questions together (such as a couple who would like to share memories of their time together). If you would like to share this gift with multiple people who would each like their own space for stories, you will need to order one for each person individually. Each account is dedicated to one interviewee and book and cannot be switched to another person once the book is printed.
Are there word or photo limits?
While there is a reasonable overall limit on the total words included in the book, as well as photos, there are no word counts per story. A person may choose to include a very detailed response to one question and ignore or provide a short response to another. Images are included per chapter to correspond with the questions each chapter includes.
Who designs the printed book?
The person who orders the book, or receives it as a gift, will have the option to choose the title of the book, how the author’s name is displayed, the cover photo and cover color. This can be done at any time before requesting the printed copy in your account.
What if it takes more than a year for someone to complete the questions?
If you need more than one year, either for a gift or for yourself, you will need to extend your order for another year for $99. You will be reminded to do so, but the account will not extend automatically. If you do not extend you will be able to view and download stories, but not edit or print your book. You must have an active, paid account with MyStories to do so (this is a change from the original terms which required an ongoing subscription to add new stories but gave you the right to edit and print after 12 months was up even without a renewal.)
Can I order extra copies of the book to be mailed to me?
When ordering MyStories for yourself, you can add up to 10 additional copies of the book when you sign up, or you may order additional copies from your account after printing. These will be mailed to you and you can then distribute them to family members who would like to have a copy. If ordering this service for someone else you or the recipient may order additional copies of the book in the account after printing.
If you’d like to explore this new, simple way to collect your own memories, or those of others, you can learn more or sign up for MyStories here.
By Melanie Mayo, Family History Daily Editor
I would like to see some sample questions—I have completed a book through StoryWorth and want to go on