You probably have a lot of questions about the process of commissioning a professional obituary, and I hope to answer them all.

(If there’s something else you’d like to know that’s not addressed here, please feel free to send me a note via the form at the bottom of the page or email me anytime at hannah@memorialwriter.com.)

How much does a professional obituary cost?

I charge $300 to write a professional obituary. There are some less expensive options available, but I believe in putting my all into each and every obituary and the price reflects the effort. There’s no substitute for experience as a professional writer and journalist, and I use that experience to tell people’s stories in a unique, creative, and memorable way.

I stand behind every obituary I write and am happy to make as many revisions as my clients request; I pride myself on satisfied clients who end up with an obituary they and their family will treasure forever.

How much does a pet obituary cost?

I charge $125 for a pet obituary. Again, I believe in putting my all into every obituary I write, including those dedicated to beloved pets. They’re members of the family and deserve to have their stories told in vivid and heartfelt detail.

How long does it take for you to write a professional obituary?

I’ll turn around a first draft of your obituary within 48 hours. If you have requested revisions, I’ll turn those around within 24 hours. If you’re submitting to a newspaper or having an obituary printed for a memorial program, I’m happy to work with you to meet any required deadlines. It’s my job to make the process as easy as possible for you, including a quick turnaround.

What’s the process for commissioning a professional obituary?

I know how stressful it can be when a loved one passes away, and I strive to simplify the process. Once you decide to hire me to write an obituary, I ask for half of the payment up front, ideally via Paypal, Venmo or Zelle. Once you pay the first half, I’ll send along a questionnaire in order to gather information from you and your family about the person or pet you’ve lost. (I’m also happy to do a phone call if preferable.) Then I’ll write a first draft of the obituary within 48 hours (or less depending on your needs). You and your family can review the draft and request any changes. I’ll turn those around within 24 hours and send you a final copy as a Word or Google doc via email. Then I ask for the final half of the payment.

Where will the obituary be published?

It’s up to you and your family to decide where you’d like the obituary to live. At your request, I’ll publish it on this site and you’ll be free to share the link. In general, obituaries are most often published in local newspapers, but can also be printed as part of memorial programs or posted on a personal website. To publish an obituary in your local newspaper, contact them directly for pricing and other details; often they charge per word. Larger publications like The New York Times also publish obituaries, but prices can vary significantly. Some funeral homes and mortuaries will also publish obituaries on their websites as part of the memorial services they offer.

Why should I hire a professional obituary writer instead of writing it myself?

That’s a completely personal decision — and you may very well want to write the obituary yourself. Having a family member or loved one write an obituary can lend itself to a particularly personal and detailed memorial. This one in particular was written by a family member and it’s incredibly well done.

But many people struggle with writing or find it hard to find the words to memorialize someone — particularly in the midst of massive grief and stress. Hiring a professional obituary writer means you have one thing less to worry about, and you’ll end up with something you can treasure forever.

Also, some people hire professional obituary writers to write their own obituaries in advance. This way, they control the narrative of their own life story.

What other obituary writers are out there?

In additional to newspaper writers who specialize in obituaries, there are several other people like myself who write obituaries for private clients. They include:

ThePrecis.com
Susan Shain
Jamie Passaro
ObitOptions.com

I recommend reading samples of each of our work in order to choose a professional. It’s a very individual choice and you should find the person whose writing speaks to you. You can also check out the member directory at The Society of Professional Obituary Writers.