Milestone narratives
Your organisation’s story told by your people for your future
expert interviews
compelling stories
skilled writing
lasting legacy
Approaching a significant milestone without a clear way to document it?
Worried the stories of your key people will be lost over time?
Not sure how best to capture and share your organisation’s recent history?
Stories fade unless you choose to keep them
Preserving your story isn’t a vanity. It’s a vision.
Through in-depth interviews and thoughtfully crafted stories, milestone narratives capture events, achievements and the contributions of key individuals. It does more than chart the knowledge, wisdom and experiences of the path so far. It passes on the torch to light the way for the future.
What are milestone narratives?
Video Transcript
When people leave an organisation their stories go with them. And when a milestone arrives there can be a scramble to remember what really happened and who made it matter.
We assume it’s all been captured somewhere. But too often it hasn’t. And the people who do remember? They’re retiring, moving on or simply too busy doing the work to put their story down in words. Milestone narratives change that.
I work with charities, non profits and social enterprises to capture the story of your recent history through the words of the people who lived it.
I draw on my background as a journalist and specialist in long-form feature writing to understand and document the people and the stories behind your impact.
Whether you’re honouring a long-serving CEO, preparing for a milestone event or just want to ensure the last 10 years don’t disappear into digital clutter, this is the service for you.
The process is simple.
We begin with a chat to understand your goals. Then, after some targeted research, I’ll interview your designated people – founders, volunteers, board members or staff – to gather insights, moments and meaning.
I then shape everything into a cohesive, professionally crafted narrative you can share, archive or build on for future storytelling.
I offer set packages from individual snapshots to organisation-wide retrospectives. Or you can talk to me about your vision for a custom project.
Your organisation has done incredible work. Let’s make sure the story so far doesn’t fade.
Have a look through this page to learn more about the service and how to make it work for you. Or call me directly to discuss your project.
Start your milestone narrative today and preserve the stories of your people and purpose.
What will you lose if you don’t document this?
Milestones are a time to reflect, celebrate and shape how your organisation is remembered. When it comes time to tell your story will you find a cohesive, compelling narrative or scattered notes and fading memories?
By documenting your recent past you’re not just marking the moment, you’re leaving a structured, lasting record of the people and the stories behind your impact.
Don’t leave it to the last minute
Large milestone narrative projects can take several months from planning to completion.
If you have a special anniversary on the horizon, or a long-serving employee, volunteer or board member set to retire, don’t risk losing the story.
Meet Tanya Hollis
I’m a communication specialist crafting kind and careful content for organisations that value access and inclusion.
After working as a journalist for mainstream and niche publications, I shifted into public relations and marketing communications. For more than 25 years I have worked in-house and as a consultant with non-profits and government agencies focused on health, medical and social sector communications.
I am driven to share my skills and experience with organisations working towards a kinder, more equitable society for all.
What’s included?
Collaborative development
I work with you to bring your vision to life
Custom goals
A narrative that shares your unique story
Desktop research
A solid backgrounding on your history so far
In-depth interviews
Up to 60 minutes per interviewee
Transcripts included
Edited for promotional and archival use
Ready-to-use story
Set up in an accessible Word document for publication or archiving
Ethical storytelling
I understand that the stories of vulnerable or marginalised people are precious gifts. With me on board you can feel confident that every story is handled with respect and integrity.
Accessible content
Audiences with disability or lower English literacy have a right to access your annual report. I understand WCAG, Easy Read and Easy English and keep content accessibility front-of-mind.
Are milestone narratives for you?
Milestone narratives are designed to capture individual contributions and organisational stories of the past 5 to 10 years.
The service can be customised for up to 50 years.
For longer time spans I can put you in touch with an historian.
What others say
We found working with Tanya very easy. She is a dedicated professional who is extremely quick and efficient at what she does.
Her expert copy editing added consistency and clarity to our publication, while her deep understanding of inclusive language and narrative flow enhanced our messaging. Tanya works independently, anticipates needs and delivers high-quality content that requires minimal revision.
Tanya consistently exceeded expectations with exceptionally thoughtful, engaging, and meticulously crafted content. She often delivered ahead of schedule and never compromised our high standards.
I found working with Tanya to be a pleasure, she took the time to really understand our organisation and each project. Tanya is an outstanding copywriter that I would recommend to anyone needing communications that are thoughtfully considered for their audience.
Organisations I’ve worked with
Based on the Surf Coast, servicing Australia
While I’m proud to call the Surf Coast and Geelong region (Wathaurong country) home, I collaborate with clients right across Australia. Whether you’re a local business or a national organisation, I am ready to assist your milestone narrative project.
Memories fade, people leave, opportunities to capture stories are quickly lost.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s start preserving your organisation’s legacy today.
How it works
Journalism, PR and marketing expertise combine to deliver an engaging and accurate record of your organisation’s story.
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Planning to publish?
I’ll work with your designer to assist with minor edits – such as word count and sneaky typos – through the design stage.
Your Investment
Prices are shown inclusive of GST.
Key person capture
- Perfect for spotlighting one key individual.
- Up to 60 minutes collaborative planning and development time.
- 1 person interviewed.
- 1,000–1,500 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interview (60 mins).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: one month.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Legend in focus
- A deep dive into an individual’s contribution, including colleague input.
- Up to 60 minutes collaborative planning and development time.
- Up to 3 people interviewed.
- 2,500-3,000 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interviews (60 minutes each).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: 3 months.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Documenting a decade
- Your organisation’s past decade as told by your people.
- Up to 3 hours collaborative planning and development time.
- Up to 6 people interviewed.
- 5,000-7,500 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interviews (60 minutes each).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Narrative outline for review prior to first draft.
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: 6 months.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Customisation and add-ons
Want to tailor your milestone narrative beyond the displayed packages? Let me know in the booking form if you need help with:
- professional photography or videography
- project management through to publication
- speeches, media releases, video storyboarding
- traditional and digital PR support around your milestone
- longer time spans of up to 50 years.
Milestone narratives FAQs
How long does the process take?
Can we include photos and other media?
If you have photos and other media you’d like to include in the project, I am happy to include them where possible in the final package. Please note that I do not source the visuals. I can recommend suppliers or work with your chosen photographers or videographers to prepare imagery for the project.
Do you create a finished publication?
My milestone narrative service includes expert interviewing and storytelling to capture your recent history in words. This story capture is then available for you to use as needed in announcements, celebrations or formal publications. I can assist in sculpting the story for different formats, such as media releases, speeches or video storyboarding, or work with designers to produce a published document.
Do you take photos and video of interviewees?
Do you conduct in-person interviews?
Most interviews are done via video call as this is the most efficient method allowing both flexibility and face-to-face connection. In some cases it may be possible to conduct multiple interviews on one day at your site. In-person interviews at various locations will attract travel costs.
Can you do group interviews?
Group interviews can offer a more relaxed atmosphere but can also leave out the quieter voices. It can also be difficult to attribute quotes to individuals in a group setting, which affects accuracy. For these reasons I recommend individual interviews.
If you wish to have group input, I can supply questions to a group spokesperson who would then confer with colleagues ahead of the interview to ensure various voices get a say.
Can you help with longer term history projects?
How do you research our organisation's story?
In addition to personal interviews, I research your recent history through your annual reports, strategic documents, newsletters, media clips, social posts and general online research guided by your project goals and mission.
Have a read through the how it works section to understand the process.
Transform scattered memories into a narrative you’re proud to share.
Imagine having a beautifully crafted narrative that not only honours your past but serves as a beacon for staff, volunteers, donors and future leaders.
The fine print
- Before we start on your milestone narrative you’ll be sent a proposal outlining inclusions, timeline, pricing and terms and conditions. Once this is signed and returned I will begin your project.
- Displayed packages are based on set inclusions. If you require changes to these packages please let me know in the booking form comments section.
- Price includes unlimited amends within 14 days from submission of the first draft. If the approval process takes longer than this, additional charges may apply.
- Prices shown are inclusive of GST.
Your Investment
Large milestone narrative projects can take up to 6 months. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
Book now to avoid disappointment.
Price shown are inclusive of GST.
Key person capture
- Perfect for spotlighting one key individual.
- Up to 60 minutes collaborative planning and development time.
- 1 person interviewed.
- 1,000–1,500 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interview (60 mins).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: one month.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Legend in focus
- A deep dive into an individual’s contribution, including colleague input.
- Up to 60 minutes collaborative planning and development time.
- Up to 3 people interviewed.
- 2,500-3,000 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interviews (60 minutes each).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: 3 months.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Documenting a decade
- Your organisation’s past decade as told by your people.
- Up to 3 hours collaborative planning and development time.
- Up to 6 people interviewed.
- 5,000-7,500 words.
- Desktop research.
- In-depth interviews (60 minutes each).
- Transcription provided.
- Video recording (if interviewee approves).
- Narrative outline for review prior to first draft.
- Unlimited amends within 14 days of first full draft sent.
- Professionally proofread final copy supplied in accessible Word document ready for designer.
- Estimated delivery: 6 months.
BONUS: if you choose to develop the narrative into a formal publication, I’ll stick around to support the designer with minor edits at no extra charge.
Customisation and add-ons
Want to tailor your milestone narrative beyond the displayed packages? Let me know in the booking form if you need help with:
- professional photography or videography
- project management through to publication
- speeches, media releases, video storyboarding
- traditional and digital PR support around your milestone
- longer time spans of up to 50 years.
Act now to preserve your legacy
Lingering questions? Contact me directly via tanya@tanyaholliswrites.com.au or call 0401 628 599. Or click the button below to get your milestone narrative project underway.