Memoir Portal (sm) Services Launches New Website and Opens Its Doors

Every life is a story waiting to be told. Memoir Portal (sm) turns life stories into treasured books by writing and publishing memoirs. Memoir Portal (sm) services do everything from simply editing a manuscript to writing and publishing a memoir as books and a website.

Redondo Beach, California (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Every life is a story waiting to be told. Memoir Portal (sm) turns life stories into treasured books by writing and publishing memoirs. Memoir Portal (sm) services do everything from simply editing a manuscript to writing and publishing a memoir as books and a website.

"Every life is a story waiting to be told," say Craig Cornell and Anna-Maria Petricelli, founders and owners of Cornell & Petricelli. "That is why on April 30th we launched Memoir Portal (sm) services, dedicated to writing and publishing memoirs. How many times have people opined that they wish they had the time and talent to complete the circle of life by writing a book to pass on to loved ones? We make this wish a reality."

Cornell, who serves as manager and interviewer, notes that the process of revisiting the stories of a lifetime is a lot of fun. Though some memories may sting, one's wisdom, humor, and passion can be transformed into an inspiring legacy.

"We respect and reflect the voice and experience of our clients," says Cornell. "We even write the stories of organizations such as businesses or worship centers."

Petricelli, a native of Sisak, Croatia, is fluent in both English and Croatian, though her writing career has flourished in the United States in English. She has published three novels and two novellas as well as short stories and poems. Three of her autobiographical essays are republished on the enterprise's website at www.memoirportal.com.

Because the husband-wife team works from home in the Hollywood Riviera, Memoir Portal (sm) services focus on Southern California residents, particularly in the South Bay beach cities, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and San Pedro. A part of the process of writing a memoir entails a face-to-face interview, though Cornell & Petricelli are prepared to work via phone with clients all over the United States and Canada, or anywhere English or Croatian are spoken.

"The more true-to-life the stories, the more engaging the writing," says Petricelli. "Of course, we will not be a party to obviously salacious or defamatory writing and we will not write in bad taste. "Good taste is hard to define, but we know when we see it violated. It is important, though, that the client is always the final censor. We will never publish anything that the client does not approve and feel comfortable with."

Cornell explains that the whole process from initial call, questionnaire, interview, and writing to publishing the 200-page hardcover books takes from six to eight months. Each book's interior and dust jacket is designed to reflect the theme of the client's life.

The impetus for Memoir Portal (sm) came from the outpouring by Cornell's mother before she passed away recently. She related her war stories as a Staff Sergeant at the Pentagon.

"Of course, there is nothing in itself remarkable about serving our country during World War II, but this was the first time any of us had even heard of her military service," says Cornell. "Sadly, she grew too feeble too fast to complete her stories."

How many others have great experiences they have not yet shared, much less made permanent.

Though Petricelli serves as the principal writer now, other writers have already committed their talents to fulfill future demand. The business model is that of a contractor coordinating the work of sub-contractors primarily via the Internet and e-mail.

Cornell notes, "there are so many talented people out there--mothers of young children, those in retirement, second job holders, web designers, writers, artists, and editors--who can be networked via the worldwide web. We corral that human resource pool for the benefit of our clients and their stories."

Even though clients may benefit from computer literacy, they do not need to use a computer to achieve a satisfying memoir. The information gathering process centers on a small, simple-to-use recording device.

Memoir Portal (sm) offers packages ranging from $2,500 for a memoir manuscript polish to $39,000 for the Complete Package, which includes 200 copies of a 200-page hardcover book with custom-designed dust jacket. Clients also receive a website and e-mail in their name, hosted for five years along with training in internet and e-mail use if desired. An additional Memoir Portal (sm) service provides the development of a personal logo or crest for the client's books, website, stationery, and business cards.

M Memoir Portal (sm) services may be obtained by calling 310-294-3811 from the Los Angeles area or internationally, or by calling toll free from the United States to 888-818-9894. Because both Cornell and Petricelli are committed to transparency and full disclosure of costs and features, a prospective client may get all the details including writing samples and a draft agreement by surfing to www.memoirportal.com. There is even a section of the website with helpful links for do-it-yourselfers.

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