Who is Kindred Press for?

Kindred Press was designed for anyone whose life story deserves to be heard - parents, grandparents, mentors, or even yourself. The guided prompts make sharing memories feel conversational, and unlimited collaborators means the whole family can contribute questions or photos.

How does Kindred Press work?

Each week the storyteller receives a new prompt by email and/or SMS. Using any device with internet access, they tap the link, record their answer, and Kindred Press automatically turns that audio into a written story. Collaborators can edit chapters, adjust tone or length, and add photos before everything is laid out inside the book builder.

What happens if Kindred Press goes out of business?

Safeguarding family memories is non-negotiable for us. Every photo, recording, and written chapter can be downloaded from your dashboard at any time so you always have an offline copy.

Can two people share one Kindred Press project?

We focus on one storyteller per memoir so their unique voice and timeline stay cohesive. If you want to capture multiple relatives, you can purchase additional Kindred Press seats and build separate books for each person.

What is included with my purchase?

Every order includes one storyteller login, unlimited collaborators, 52 expert-crafted prompts (with the option to customize), professional audio-to-text processing, and one 6x9 hardcover book up to 400 pages with full-color printing and a QR code on every chapter. Shipping is covered.

Why does Kindred Press include a subscription?

Every Life Story purchase unlocks 12 months inside the Kindred Press Studio, including weekly prompts, editing tools, collaborator access, and the credit for one hardcover book. If you want to keep recording stories after the first year, you can renew ($99/year or $12/month) to gather fresh memories and create additional books. The subscription keeps our editors, transcript processing, and concierge support available for your family as long as you need them. But don't worry - you don't have to renew. Even with an inactive subscription, you can still view all of your family's recordings, each of which can be downloaded at any time.

What happens if I do not renew after the first year?

Your existing recordings, stories, and book layouts remain available to view, download, and print additional copies. You simply will not receive new prompts or be able to record new stories until you reactivate your subscription, which you can do at any time.

How do I submit my story each week?

Recording is as simple as clicking the link in the reminder email or text. The storyteller records in their browser - no downloads or apps required - and the file uploads automatically when they are done. The family is notified as soon as a new chapter is ready to review.

How are recordings turned into writing?

Kindred Press processes each recording two ways. You can keep an edited transcript that removes filler words while preserving the storyteller's phrasing, or you can let our narrative mode create a flowing chapter with customizable perspective and length. Both versions remain editable so you can fine-tune every detail.

Can I record more than one story per week?

Absolutely. We default to one prompt per week to keep things manageable, but you can change the cadence to daily or monthly and record as many responses as you like whenever inspiration strikes.

What if we skip a question?

All prompts stay visible inside your private archive. You can return to any unanswered question at any time, even months later, without losing progress.

How long can each recording be?

Every recording can run up to 30 minutes. There is no minimum length, and some of the most meaningful stories are just a few minutes long.

What languages can Kindred Press handle?

Our editing engine currently supports English.

Can I choose or change the questions?

Yes. You can pull from our question library, write your own prompts, upload photos as inspiration, or invite family members to suggest ideas. Prompts can be rearranged or replaced at any time.

Can I swap the weekly prompt after it is sent?

Each invitation includes a quick link to pick a different question before recording. You can select another prompt from the library or type a custom topic on the fly.

Is Kindred Press friendly for people who are not tech savvy?

Yes. The storyteller does not have to log in, remember passwords, or install anything. We send a simple link, and the recording interface works on smartphones, tablets, and computers with just one tap.

Is Kindred Press easy for older family members?

Yes. Storytellers receive a simple link via email or text - no usernames, passwords, or apps. They just tap the link, press record on any phone, tablet, or computer, and start talking. Many of our storytellers are in their eighties and love how effortless it feels.

How do I create the printed book?

As stories are approved, they flow directly into the Kindred Press layout tool. When you are ready to print, choose whether to use transcripts or narrative chapters, arrange the order, add photos, and select your cover. We provide a full preview before you commit to print.

What exactly gets printed in the book?

Kindred Press transforms each recording into polished writing. You can keep the text as a lightly cleaned transcript or let our editor turn it into a narrative chapter, with options for first-person or third-person voice and concise or detailed pacing. Every story can include photos plus a QR code that replays the original audio so future readers can hear the storyteller for themselves.

Can I edit or add to my stories?

Yes. Every chapter remains editable from the moment it is transcribed until you send the book to print. You can adjust wording, combine stories, drop in editor notes, or add photo captions.

Can photos be included?

Photos can be added as prompts ahead of time or attached to any chapter after a recording is complete. Upload from your device or import from Google Drive, Dropbox, Facebook, or Instagram whenever you like. You may add multiple photos to each chapter.

What does the finished book look like?

Kindred Press produces a 6x9" hardcover book printed in full color on archival paper. Each chapter includes the story text, optional photos, and a QR code that replays the original recording when scanned.

Can I preview the book before printing?

Yes. After your first story is recorded you can open the Pages tab and view the book in preview mode. Review every page, QR code, and caption on screen before approving.

Is there a page or word limit?

Books can include up to 400 pages.

Can I order extra copies?

Yes. Additional hardcover copies cost $69.

Can friends and relatives order their own copies?

Definitely. Loved ones can order extra hardcover books for the same price, complete with every story, photo, and QR code.

Where does Kindred Press ship?

We ship globally.

Can I schedule when a gift email is delivered?

When you buy Kindred Press as a gift you can pick the exact day and time for the recipient's welcome email. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or last-minute surprises.

Does Kindred Press offer gift cards?

Yes. Gift cards include a unique code that grants your recipient a full year of access. Send the code digitally or print the card to give in person so they can start when they are ready.

Is there something I can print and hand over?

Right after checkout you receive a printable gift note with a QR code that links to a short video about how Kindred Press works. It is easy to slide into a greeting card.

How long do deliveries take?

Digital gifts arrive immediately via email, and you can print a card at home. Once a hardcover book is ordered, standard production and shipping typically take about 10 business days within the United States.

Is Kindred Press private?

Yes. Stories are private by default, you control collaborator access, and you always own the files. We follow industry best practices to secure data at rest and in transit.

Can I download every story and recording?

You can export written stories as text or PDF and download the original audio anytime. Many families keep a local backup for safekeeping.

Do you use my stories to train AI models?

No. Content is only processed to create your memoir. We never use recordings or stories to train other systems without explicit consent.

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes. You can remove your account, recordings, transcripts, photos, and collaborator access at any time from your settings page or by contacting support.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase if you are not satisfied. Printed books follow our reprint policy if an issue was present in the preview.

What if I need more help?

Our customer care team is one email away at support@kindredpress.com. They can answer technical questions, offer storytelling tips, and help with orders.

How is Kindred Press different from Storyworth?

Storyworth collects written responses to emailed questions. Kindred Press focuses on voice - storytellers speak naturally, we turn that audio into polished writing, and the printed book includes QR codes that replay every recording. Families get both the narrative and the voice behind it. Kindred Press is also the only platform that offers an AI biographer to ask follow up questions and spark memories.

How is Kindred Press different from My Life In A Book?

My Life In A Book relies on written questionnaires. Kindred Press invites storytellers to simply talk, which is easier for people who do not enjoy typing. The recordings become edited chapters and can be heard through QR codes in the finished book. Kindred Press is also the only platform that offers an AI biographer to ask follow up questions and spark memories.

How is Kindred Press different from StoryKeeper?

Kindred Press captures both the polished story and the original recording in one place. Guided prompts, automated editing, and QR-enabled books make it easy to read the narrative and hear the storyteller's actual voice, something StoryKeeper does not offer in the same way. Kindred Press is also the only platform that offers an AI biographer to ask follow up questions and spark memories.

How is Kindred Press different from No Story Lost?

No Story Lost typically involves lengthy interviews with a hired writer. Kindred Press lets families gather stories asynchronously through guided prompts, record at their own pace, and still receive professionally edited writing without scheduling interviews. Kindred Press is also the only platform that offers an AI biographer to ask follow up questions and spark memories.