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 brought them my raw story, naively expecting them to just make a few changes and produce a readable book for relatives and friends. 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 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 1940s 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 – the hallmark of Celts attempting to rise above emotional problems. She also reminded me that it was my story, and my readers would want to know more about me. This was difficult to accept as I have much to be modest about, but soon I was able to share factual secrets and true emotional stories. Val’s generosity allowed me to develop my book, giving readers to better understanding of who I am and the times I lived through – leading some to finish their copies in a single sleepless session!

My family has 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? How did we arrange to meet friends or change plans on the fly?

My first writing implements in preschool 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, inspiring 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 around the world, and 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 lives we lived and the conditions we lived in.

Prior to choosing Hyphen to produce my book, I checked every option, including self-publishing, and 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 of, and something that others just might enjoy. I am pleased and thrilled to recognise that I have done that.

Thanks to my invaluable friends at Hyphen.