We’re best known for our work with organisations, but we’ve always taken on projects with individuals too. Through our memoir imprint, we work one-on-one to shape personal stories. We collaborated with Bill Wallace in 2024 to develop and publish his autobiography, From Slate to iPad. Here’s what he had to say about the process:

I have nothing but praise for Hyphen. I took my raw story to them naively expecting them to just make a few changes to the stories that I had written over the years and produce a readable book for relatives and friends to hopefully enjoy. This did not quite happen as I had envisaged; it was enormously better in every respect.

Many owners of my book have commented that the quality presentation of my book is incredibly high, from my photograph discretely concealed in the hardback cover, to the elegant easy to read layout. My story was of the times I lived in, from early 1940’s through to this century, and how I overcame countless hurdles on the way. Hyphen liked my draft, but they determined to make it fascinating and attention grabbing to all my readers, even those who did not know me.

Val gently teased the best out of me, encouraging me to embrace my natural self-deprecating humour that is the hallmark of Celts attempting to rise above emotional problems. She also often reminded me that it was my story, and my readers would want to know more, about me. This was difficult for me to accept as I have much to be modest about, but soon I was able to share factual secrets and true emotional stories. After positively discussing the matter with me, I was convinced to include Val’s solid advice and recommendations. This generosity enabled me to develop my book to a readable story, enabling readers to better understand who I am, the times I lived through, leading some readers to finish their copy in a single sleepless session.

My family have always shown an interest in what I have done, and particularly how we did things at the time. However, the children didn’t always believe me. How on earth did my generation cope with social issues without modern devices, as well as what we ate and how we managed our lives without iPads? How did we arrange to meet friends, or change plans on the fly?

My first writing implements in pre-school were chalk and a roof slate, traded in primary school for a wooden framed slate.  My story was drafted on my trusty iPad, which amusingly resembles my old slate, developing the title, From Slate to iPad.

Hyphen understood my need to pass on my stories and the times that I lived through and sensitively negated the pressures of producing my memoir. They discretely converted my reams of random memories into an easy-to-read memoir, and in the process, helped me understand who I was, and who I am now.

My book is read by families in Australia as well as Britain and USA, encouraging some to consider producing their own memoirs. I have met many strangers who positively related to my journey. A lovely windfall was meeting people from where I lived as a child who thanked me for reminding them of the life we lived and the conditions we lived in.

Prior to choosing Hyphen to produce my book, I checked every option, including self-publishing, and I determined that I needed help to really finish my book. If I was going to work hard and long, to write a series of stories to satisfy my extended family, then it had to result in something that I was proud off. Something that others just might enjoy – and I am pleased and thrilled to recognise that I have done that.

Thanks to my invaluable friends at Hyphen.