We all have that one relative—a grandmother with a sharp wit, a father with endless tales from his service days, or perhaps it is you, holding onto decades of life lessons. We sit around dinner tables listening to these stories, telling ourselves, “Someone really needs to write this down.”
Yet, year after year, the pages remain blank. The reason is rarely a lack of desire; it is a lack of time and know-how. Writing a memoir feels like a monumental task reserved for professional authors.
Narratone, a forward-thinking brand founded by Matt Ignatavicius and Tom Tekorius, is dismantling that barrier. They have introduced a method that allows anyone to turn spoken memories into a premium, hardcover book meaning you can either speak or type, or even a mix of both.
The Struggle with Traditional Storytelling
The market for “legacy books” is not empty, but it is filled with unfinished projects. The common problem with competing products is that they often feel like homework. They rely on the user to have the discipline to sit down, type out answers, and navigate complex design software.
The result? Writer’s block sets in, life gets in the way, and the subscription goes to waste. People struggle because they don’t have the necessary skills to structure a narrative, or the time commitment is simply too big.
Narratone approaches this problem with a blend of innovation and empathy. They understand that while people may fear writing, they love talking.
The Solution: “Part Digital, Part Physical”
The Narratone experience is designed to guide users through the complete book creation journey by leveraging the technology we already carry in our pockets.
The process begins on a mobile webpage, making it accessible anywhere. Instead of staring at a blank screen, users are greeted by an interactive virtual assistant and personalized prompts. This is where Narratone’s “unmatched voice-to-text capabilities” come into play.
Users can simply answer prompts by speaking. The intuitive, non-intrusive AI captures the story, removing the friction of typing. This feature alone is responsible for a much higher customer book finish rate than other competitors. By removing the mechanics of writing, the user is free to focus on the memory itself.
Built on Empathy and Inclusivity
While the technology is impressive, the heart of Narratone lies in its leadership. Behind the platform is a predominantly female-led team across technology, product, and customer support. This influences the product’s DNA, shifting it from a cold software tool to a warm, guided experience.
This empathy is evident in the multi-user functionality. Narratone allows for author and editor rights, meaning a whole family can contribute to one book, or a caregiver can assist an elderly user in documenting their life. This has made the service particularly valuable in the enterprise segment, such as elderly care and remembrance sectors, where preserving dignity and history is paramount.
The Final Product: An Heirloom to Hold
A digital story is wonderful, but a physical book is permanent. Narratone ensures that the digital experience culminates in a premium physical product.
Once the stories are recorded and unlimited photos are uploaded, the data is materialized into a beautifully printed keepsake. The specifications are designed for longevity:
- Format: 6×9 with hardcover binding.
- Feel: A soft-touch matte cover that feels professional and warm.
- Interior: Heavyweight paper with full-color printing.
Critically, Narratone operates with a philosophy of transparency. There are no hidden fees or charges for design elements or photo limits. The goal is to deliver a state-of-the-art digital experience that ends with a book on your shelf.
A Mission to Preserve Voices
The urgency of Narratone’s mission is clear: Capture life stories before they fade.
“At Narratone, we believe every life deserves a voice and every voice deserves a lasting story,” the company states. “We’re building a bridge between memory, imagination, and technology – so anyone can turn their story into something lasting and beautifully written.”
Whether it is a grandfather’s memoir, a mother’s journal, or a collection of creative writing, Narratone provides the tools to preserve a voice and pass it forward. By making the process effortless, they are ensuring that the history of our loved ones is not lost to time, but preserved in a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that becomes a true family heirloom.
Written in partnership with Tom White
