If you’ve arrived on this page, it probably means you’ve lost someone. I have no words to share other than I’m sorry. I know this time is awful, and I know no platitudes will make it better.
If you’ve arrived on this page, it also means that person was important to you. And that you want to pay tribute to them however you can.
You may have known that person better than anyone else — but that doesn’t mean you can tell their story in the way it deserves to be told.
That’s where I can help. I’m a professional journalist who’s been published everywhere from The New York Times to The Atlantic. I’m also someone who’s experienced loss.
In my grief, I found comfort in doing what I do best: writing. I wrote eulogies and obituaries, and essays for The Washington Post and The Week. I found comfort in hearing people say my words painted a perfect picture of the deceased.
But not everyone’s a writer. And I hate thinking of people struggling to write about their loved ones when they’re already struggling with so much else.
I also hate reading obituaries that are bland and lifeless — nothing like the person they’re about. So, in 2018, I began offering my services as an obituary writer, and have since had the privilege of crafting the life stories of 100+ fascinating and cherished people.
Reviews of My Obituary Writing Service
To protect the privacy of past families, I don’t share links on this page — but, upon request, I can send you sample obituaries with identifying details removed. I’ve also requested reviews from past clients, to offer peace of mind to those of you searching for the right obituary writer.
Susan hit the nail on the head.
Susan Shain did an amazing job at weaving together the beautiful story of my dear MIL’s life. My husband and I both tend to lean perfectionist (not necessarily proud of it) and we were overwhelmed with the idea of trying to do the heavy task of writing a obituary by ourselves for someone we loved dearly, in the middle of a grieving process. It was such a relief to be able to get Susan’s help. We were both blown away at how efficient and smooth Susan made the process – and how she so remarkably captured my MIL’s journey.
Susan is a wordsmith, if ever the was one.
Somehow Susan took all of the thoughts in our heads and managed to pen them into a beautiful piece that memorialized our loved one. We laughed, we cried, we were left with a sense of peace knowing our love for our family member was woven into Susan’s genuine work of art. I don’t know how you did it but we are honored to have you create such a moving tribute to our loved one – even when we found it difficult to explain all of the wonderful things that made our loved one so incredible. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
Incredible!
Just amazing! She took all my random thoughts and put them into an obituary that told my dad’s story! I don’t know what I would have done without her.
Above and beyond expectations
I was at a loss when my wife died. I wanted to honor her but didn’t know how. I’m so glad I found Susan’s services. She managed to capture my wife’s personality and accomplishments perfectly. It was a true relief at a very difficult time.
A Heartfelt Tribute Crafted with Compassion and Skill
During an incredibly difficult time, Susan provided a level of compassion and professionalism that was truly remarkable. She crafted an obituary for my mother that beautifully captured her essence, highlighting the warmth, love, and unique spirit that made her so special. Susan’s thoughtful approach and exceptional writing not only honored my mother’s memory but also brought immense comfort to our family. I am deeply grateful for her support and would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking a heartfelt tribute for their loved one.
How My Professional Obituary Writing Services Work
The last thing you need right now is more stress and paperwork, so I’ve attempted to make my obituary writing services as simple as possible. Here’s how hiring me as an obituary writer will work:
1. You’ll email me to tell me when you need the obituary. My turnaround time is generally within a week, though I can sometimes submit drafts within 48 hours.
2. I’ll respond with my availability, and we’ll set up a 30-minute phone call. I will then email you an invoice, which you can pay by credit card. The cost is $350 per obituary.
3. During our phone call, I’ll learn as much as possible about your loved one. Using the information collected, I’ll write a one-page narrative obituary (~500 words) and email you a draft. (I do not use AI at all in my work. The person you loved was human, just like the person commemorating them should be.)
4. You’ll be able to comment on the draft, asking me to change anything that doesn’t sound right. Once you’re satisfied, you’ll forward the obituary to the funeral home and local newspapers.
I can’t promise the experience won’t be painful, but I can promise I’ll take good care of your person, your love, and their story. I will treat it with delicacy and respect, and with an understanding that only comes from having been in your shoes.
Contact Me
Interested in requesting my professional obituary writing services? Click here to send me an email. I’ll reply as quickly as I can.