Submitting one's family history for publication
The questions below concern the publication of family stories related to the Second World War and intergenerational transmission.
To understand the theoretical framework of this approach, you can consult our page dedicated to transgenerational memory .
Do I have to pay to publish a family story related to World War II?
No.
The publication of a story is part of a memorial transmission initiative supported by Rencontre Réconciliation and SopaLangues.
The costs associated with editorial support (interviews, writing, proofreading, formatting and digital publication) are covered by the partner organizations.
The witness has no upfront costs.
The following can remain his responsibility, if he so wishes:
the purchase of printed copies,
the acquisition of additional digital versions.
Why is publishing a family memoir free?
Because these stories contribute to the transmission of memories related to the Second World War and to the building of a peaceful European dialogue.
The objective is not commercial, but cultural and civic: to allow the expression of family memories that have sometimes remained silent for decades.
Who is writing the story based on my testimony?
The text was written by SopaLangues, based on your testimony.
Depending on the chosen format:
A structured questionnaire can be proposed,
In-depth interviews can be conducted.
The writing faithfully respects your words, your intention, and the framework defined together.
Can I reread and approve my story before it is published?
Yes, systematically.
No story is published without:
your careful proofreading,
We have taken your comments into account.
your final written approval.
Respect for the witness is an absolute priority.
Can I remain anonymous when publishing a testimony?
Yes.
Several options are possible:
real name,
pseudonym,
partial or total anonymity.
These choices are defined at the beginning of the project and formalized in writing.
Who owns the copyright to a published story?
The written text constitutes an editorial work.
The copyrights related to the writing and editing are held by SopaLangues.
The witness:
is recognized as the source and bearer of the narrative.
retains a moral right over its story (respect for the meaning and intention),
valid for all publications.
The terms of dissemination (publication, translation, educational or cultural use) are contractually governed within a transparent framework.
Can the story be modified or transformed into a fictionalized biography?
It depends on the format chosen:
Faithful testimony: strict adherence to the facts and the words transmitted.
Fictionalized biography: narrative writing while respecting the truth of the subject matter.
The framework is defined with you before the work begins.
Where and how is a family memory narrative disseminated?
The publication can take several forms:
Individual eBook,
printed work,
a thematic collection of essays
teaching aid.
The dissemination is part of the cultural and editorial activities carried out by Rencontre Réconciliation, from a Franco-German and European perspective.
Can a story be translated into German or another language?
Yes.
Some accounts may be translated, particularly between French and German, in order to promote a cross-reading of memoirs in Europe.
All translations are subject to your prior agreement.
Can I stop the publishing project at any time?
Yes.
As long as the publication is not contractually binding, you can terminate the process.
Respect for the witness always takes precedence.
How do I begin to share a family story with the association?
An initial, non-binding exchange allows us to assess:
the nature of your story,
the most suitable format,
the conditions of publication.
You can contact us via the dedicated page to initiate this exchange.