Project Pathways
Project Categories and Indicative Investment
Every engagement is
shaped by the life behind it
Every May Biographies engagement is shaped by the life, family, institution, archive and ambition behind the work. The ranges below are intended to help prospective clients understand the scale of investment usually required. Final project fees are determined after a Confidential Project Architecture Brief or detailed project review.
Confidential Project Architecture Brief
US$2,500–US$5,000.
- Two to four structured conversations; review of available materials; proposed chapter architecture; preliminary interview list; archive and document needs; timeline; sensitive issues; and indicative full-project budget.
Private Autobiography or Legacy Memoir
US$18,000–US$25,000
- Approximately 40,000–65,000 words; 8–14 interview hours; family and document review; editorial development; authorial voice development; editorial reviews and production; and print-ready manuscript.
Authorised Life or Founder Biography
US$30,000–US$45,000
- Approximately 70,000–100,000 words; 15–25 interviews; selected witnesses; document and archival review; narrative reconstruction; contextual research; full editorial process; and design-ready or print-ready manuscript.
Family, Founder or Institutional Legacy Book
US$50,000–US$85,000+
- Approximately 90,000–140,000 words; multiple witnesses; family, corporate or institutional archives; contextual research; full editorial processes; documentary and editorial reviews; institution-level treatment; print-ready manuscript.
The Udu Yakubu Signature Series
From $85,000, by quotation.A definitive life-and-institution biography led by Dr Udu Yakubu; designed for major public lives, founders, institutions, family dynasties and multi-generational legacy projects requiring the highest level of authorship, historical interpretation and editorial control. Fees vary according to research depth, interview range, archival complexity, authorship level, manuscript length, production expectations and timeline. Travel, printing, photography, image licensing, legal review, special design, shipping and launch-related services are quoted separately unless expressly included in the engagement letter.
Authorial Depth
A biography shaped by a senior biographer, not assembled from transcripts.
Historical Framing
The life is placed within institutions, markets, communities and national pressures.
Legacy Performance
The work is designed to survive beyond tributes, launches and public cycles.
Best Suited For
May Biographies
May Biographies
Ready to document
your life and legacy?
Tell us about the life, family, institution or legacy you would like to preserve. A May Biographies project adviser will contact you within one business day to discuss the appropriate next step.
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