Storyworth and Remento help you create a memoir over a year. Tellby starts much smaller: one conversation worth keeping.
The real choice is not whether they type or talk. It is: do you want to give them a year-long memoir project, or do you just want to finally record a story together? Tellby is not a year, and it is not a book.
What Storyworth actually is
Storyworth is a year-long memoir project that ends in a hardcover book. Each week it sends a question by email or text. The storyteller can write a reply, or voice-record with Story Calls — Storyworth’s Basic plan includes both. The stories collect towards a book you order if they stick with it.
Their published starting price is $59 for Basic: one year of weekly prompts, written or recorded responses, and a hardcover included. Color ($99) and Unlimited ($199) add more phone-based interviewing and family features.
Other memoir products exist.
When a year-long memoir is the right fit
A year of prompts is the point for some people. It fits when they want a book on the shelf, they like a long project, and a weekly question feels like a welcome nudge rather than a chore. Written or recorded, Storyworth is the known path to a memoir that takes a year.
When a year-long project might be too much
If what you really want is one story from your parent, a year of weekly prompts may be more commitment than you need. That is a question of fit, not a judgement on the product.
If you would rather keep one conversation yourself this weekend, you can record a voice memo. There is a calm guide on how to record your parent's voice and stories. That is free, and it is theirs.
Storyworth Magic Interviews
Magic Interviews is Storyworth's guided phone interviewer, on the Unlimited plan. You request a call. They phone the storyteller, ask follow-up questions, and turn the conversation into a narrative in the memoir. Basic or Color can upgrade. It is still a year-and-a-book project, with a guided call instead of a weekly prompt you answer alone.
Storyworth Family Calls
A Family Call puts a relative on the line while the story is told. Storyworth's Color plan includes one a month; Unlimited includes weekly Family Calls. Same year-long memoir shape, with company on the call.
Storyworth vs Remento
Remento is also a year-long project that ends in a hardcover. They talk; Remento writes a chapter. A weekly prompt arrives by email or text. They say there is no app and no login. Each printed page has a QR code that plays the original recording.
Remento publishes $99 for a year of prompts plus one colour hardcover. They offer a 30-day money-back policy. After the year they say you keep access to the recordings; you renew ($99 a year, or $12 a month on their FAQ) only if you want new stories.
Storyworth: a year-long memoir, written or recorded, ending in a book. Remento: a voice-first year-long project, with the original recording linked from the printed book. Neither is ranked here.
Where a short Tellby session sits
Tellby is not a year, and it is not a book. The early family pilot is one relaxed 10–15 minute conversation that becomes a private written-and-audio story card. The storyteller can pause, skip or stop, and reviews the result before anything is shared.
If you are buying for an occasion, story gifts for parents who have everything and what to get Dad when he already has everything sit next to this page. If you want to do it yourself this weekend, start with the recording guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Storyworth a good gift if I only want one story?
If what you really want is one story from your parent, a year of weekly prompts may be more commitment than you need. Storyworth is built as a year-long memoir — written or recorded — ending in a book. Tellby’s early family pilot is one conversation you can keep.
What is Storyworth Magic Interviews?
On Storyworth’s Unlimited plan, they phone the storyteller, ask follow-up questions, and turn the call into a narrative in the memoir. Basic or Color can upgrade. It is still a year-and-a-book project, with a guided call.
How is Remento different from Storyworth?
Both help you create a memoir over a year, ending in a hardcover. Storyworth’s year can be written or recorded. Remento is voice-first: they talk, Remento writes the chapter, and a QR code on each page plays the original recording. Neither is ranked here.
What do you get from Tellby’s early pilot?
One relaxed 10–15 minute conversation that becomes a private written-and-audio story card. The storyteller can pause, skip or stop, and reviews the result before anything is shared. An application does not enrol or consent for your parent or relative. It is not a year of prompts and not a hardcover book.