Like the span of a life it’s meant to capture, creating a legacy book is a time-intensive process. Depending on the type of project chosen, it may take four months to a year to complete.

The first step of the project is completion of a personal questionnaire. The questionnaire gathers pertinent data and information to augment the interview process and enhance the final publication. When the questionnaire is completed, an appointment is set to review the information and determine which elements of the life story are most important to concentrate on.

Interviews are then scheduled and conducted in a comfortable setting. The interviews are conducted with only the life-story teller, unless health or physical limitations require the participation of another family member. All information gathered during the interviews is kept confidential.

Each interview is recorded and then transcribed. Breath & Shadows Productions may make a duplicate copy of the tapes to provide its transcriber; if so, those tapes will be erased or destroyed. If the client chooses to have the interviews produced on CD, that service also can be provided.

If the project is to include photographs or other print materials, these items should be provided to Breath & Shadows Productions during the transcription period. They will be scanned into computer files for use in the completed project, and all original materials are returned to the client within 10 days.

After the interviews are transcribed—usually within one month of the final interview, editing begins, to arrange the information into a logical and readable narrative format. Depending on the type of project, editing may range from light to extensive.

A draft copy of the edited manuscript is delivered for client review, to note clarifications and/or corrections which should be made to the final manuscript, and approval to complete the life-story.

One coil-bound copy of the completed manuscript is provided, unless other publishing and design services are contracted.

"Ted Hull...had the privilege to eavesdrop on one of the most intriguing conversations that has ever shaped popular music. Hull, mentor to Stevie Wonder, shares gems ranging from poignant to hilarious. If you think you've heard the whole Motown story, think again." —Ace Atkins, author of Leavin' Trunk Blues, commenting on The Wonder Years: My Life & Times with Stevie Wonder by Ted Hull and Paula Stahel.