How a Ghostwriter Can Help Celebrate Business Milestones
January 9, 2025
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy looking at old family photos. Sure, laughing at the hairstyles and clothing choices is part of the fun, but there’s something deeper at play. People are moved by the chance to relive personal experiences.
Looking at pictures of my high school graduation, that unforgettable birthday party in college, or the first house I lived in as an adult brings me so much joy. Reliving those highs is gratifying, but it’s also grounding. When I’m struggling, I can see how far I’ve come. When I’m doing well, I can look back and appreciate the decisions or circumstances that led me to this point.
Businesses—and the people who keep them running—are wired the same way. If your business has reached a milestone—whether it’s a major anniversary, an exceptional year, or surpassing a huge goal—one of the best ways to celebrate is by sharing the photos and stories with your employees, stakeholders, and supporters in the form of a commemorative book. It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles and highlight the lessons learned along the way.
Should all Businesses Consider Writing a Company History Book?
The Writers for Hire has extensive experience helping organizations draft and complete commemorative books. They’ve learned that these books are “unique beasts that require a unique skill set.”
Jennifer Rizzo, a writer and editor with The Writers for Hire, explains that these projects are growing in popularity and are “very well received—not only by current employees but also by former employees and the community.”
Rizzo notes that these books are also excellent for promoting a business. “Potential clients gain an understanding of the company that other channels of advertising can’t provide,” she says.
Much like old family photo albums, commemorative books focus on the company as a “family” and share the kinds of stories that resonate with everyone.
Rizzo enjoys adding the “personal touch” that only current and former employees can provide—elements that “make the company feel more human.”
Including anecdotes from the company’s history helps employees, shareholders, and clients appreciate how the business has stood the test of time.
Don’t think this idea is just for massive corporations! Rizzo has worked with family-run businesses and found it “fascinating to see how different generations have grown and expanded the business while staying true to its founding missions and ideals.”
Celebrating milestones is meaningful for several reasons. As the blogger Mister Independent notes, it can “boost morale and motivation,” “reinforce company culture and values,” and “inspire confidence in a company’s future.”
Creating a commemorative book makes employees and stakeholders feel seen and appreciated. What better way to motivate future success?
Who is This For?
Whether you run a local restaurant that has served your community for generations, an office-supply company celebrating a major anniversary, a mom-and-pop shop preserving a legacy for your grandkids, a bed-and-breakfast hosting guests from around the world, a nonprofit improving countless lives, or a manufacturing company proud of its workforce—the possibilities are endless.
Whoever you are, a commemorative book will ground your employees, investors, and clients in your objectives and purpose.
Okay, But How?
Like any meaningful project, creating a commemorative book requires time, energy, and attention to detail—all of which you and your employees are probably short on. So what’s the solution?
Ghostwriters. Professionals like Rizzo excel at this kind of work.
When working with a ghostwriter on a commemorative project, you’ll need an idea of your timeline, budget, and desired outcome.
These don’t need to be finalized; your ghostwriter can help refine the details. Having a general plan will make your discussions more productive.
Expect to collaborate on specifics, such as the balance of photos to text, the number and subjects of interviews (e.g., current employees, former employees, investors), and whether the book should follow a chronological timeline or focus on major milestones.
A ghostwriter will conduct interviews, track down hard-to-find facts, and bring your company’s story to life. They’re like secret ninjas, handling all the formatting, writing, and editing for you!
Once the details are nailed down, your ghostwriter will help finalize an outline and schedule so you can monitor progress throughout the project.
According to Rizzo, the finished product could be a traditional history book, an image-heavy coffee table book, a historical narrative, a timeline, or something else entirely. “The sky is the limit!” she says.
So, the next time your company crushes a quota, lands a major client, or wins the award for best float in the parade, consider giving your employees a thank-you that’s more tangible, creative, and lasting than a $10 Starbucks gift card.
