Question 1

I can't log in. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

First, try resetting your password using the "Forgot password?" link on the login page. A reset email will arrive within a few minutes.
If the email doesn't show up, check your spam folder. Some email providers filter our messages the first time.
Still stuck? Email us at support@kindredtales.net ...

Question 2

How does Kindred Tales compare to StoryWorth?

Accepted Answer

Both are good options for different families. Here's an honest look at the differences.
Ways to tell stories
StoryWorth primarily uses email prompts. Kindred Tales offers five methods: email reply, online editor, speech-to-text, guided Ali interviews, and audio upload. If your parent prefers talk...

Question 3

Can I delete the stories after the book is printed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your book is printed, you can request that all story data be permanently deleted from our servers. Email us at support@kindredtales.net and we'll take care of it.
Keep in mind that once data is deleted, we won't be able to reprint the book or recover the stories. Make sure you've downl...

Question 4

Are the stories private?

Accepted Answer

Your family's stories are private. Always.
We never share, sell, or display personal stories for any purpose beyond creating your book. Stories are encrypted and stored securely. Only the storyteller, the gift-giver, and anyone they've invited as a collaborator can access them.
We don't show cust...

Question 5

How long does it take to get the printed book?

Accepted Answer

Once the storyteller is ready to print (or the year of prompts wraps up), the book enters our design and printing process. Most books ship within 2 to 3 weeks from the print request.
You'll get a tracking number by email once the book is on its way.

Question 6

What does the finished book look and feel like?

Accepted Answer

The book is a hardcover with a matte finish. Premium archival paper. Full-color interior with photos printed right alongside the stories. It feels like a book you'd pick up at a bookstore, not a self-published pamphlet.

A finished Kindred Tales book. Hardcover, matte finish, ar...

Question 7

Does Ali use my parent's stories to train AI?

Accepted Answer

No. Never.
Ali processes your parent's words during the conversation to ask follow-up questions and generate a draft. That's it. Your family's stories are never used to train AI models, never shared with third parties, and never used for any purpose other than creating your book.
We take this ser...

Question 8

Can my parent edit what Ali writes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. Ali writes a first draft based on the conversation, but the final version is entirely up to your parent.
After Ali generates a draft, your parent can read it, change anything, add details, remove sections, or rewrite parts entirely. Think of Ali as a helpful note-taker, not the autho...

Question 9

What is Ali, and will my parent be comfortable using it?

Accepted Answer

Ali is a guided interviewer who helps your parent tell their stories in more detail. Think of Ali as a patient, curious friend who asks follow-up questions.
Here's how it works: your parent starts with a story prompt (or picks their own topic). Ali listens and asks follow-ups. "Tell me more about...

Question 10

How do I add photos to the book?

Accepted Answer

Photos go right inside the stories, exactly where they belong. Not dumped into a gallery at the back of the book.
How it works in the editor
From the online story editor, click "Add Photo" between any two paragraphs. Drag and drop an image from your computer or phone, then type a caption undernea...

Question 11

How do the weekly prompts work?

Accepted Answer

Each week, your loved one gets an email with a thoughtful question. "What's a tradition from your childhood that you wish more people knew about?" "What was the bravest thing you ever did?" "Tell me about the house you grew up in."
They reply right from their inbox. No logging in, no app. Just hi...

Question 12

Do you ship outside the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free shipping is included for the continental United States, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
For other destinations, shipping costs vary and are calculated at checkout. We partner with print-on-demand publishers around the world to keep shipping times and costs reasonable.

Question 13

Do you have any promo codes?

Accepted Answer

We occasionally run promotions around holidays and gifting seasons. The best way to catch them is to check the banner at the top of our homepage or sign up for our email list.
Active promo codes can be entered at checkout. Only one code per order.

Question 14

What's the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If your recipient hasn't started their stories within 30 days, we'll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
We also stand behind the quality of the printed book. If there's a printing issue (damage, misprints, binding problems), we'll reprint and reshi...

Question 15

How do I order extra copies of the finished book?

Accepted Answer

Additional hardcover copies are $45 each with free US shipping. You can order them at any time after the book is printed.
Many families order copies for siblings, grandchildren, or extended family. Some families buy a copy for each household. The books make meaningful gifts on their own, especial...

Question 16

What's included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Everything you need to go from "I want to preserve their stories" to holding a finished book.
Here's what your purchase covers: 52 weekly story prompts delivered by email, full access to the online editor with inline photo placement, speech-to-text recording (10 hours), Ali AI biographer intervie...

Question 17

Is this really a one-time purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You pay once. No recurring charges, no renewal fees, no surprise bills a year later.
Your purchase includes a full year of weekly prompts, access to every storytelling method (email reply, online editor, speech-to-text, Ali interviews, and audio upload), and one printed hardcover book with f...

Question 18

Can I buy one book for two people (like both parents)?

Accepted Answer

Each Kindred Tales subscription is set up for one primary storyteller, but couples make it work all the time.
One approach: buy one book and have both parents respond to the prompts. Each can write their own version of shared memories, and the book becomes a joint memoir.
Another approach: buy tw...

Question 19

Do you sell gift cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you'd prefer to let your recipient choose their own plan, a Kindred Tales gift card is a good option. Gift cards are available in any amount and never expire.
The recipient redeems the card at checkout, and the balance is applied to their purchase.

Question 20

How does my parent redeem their gift?

Accepted Answer

Your parent will receive an email (or a printed card from you) with a unique gift code. They visit kindredtales.net/redeem, enter the code, and set up their account.
The setup takes about two minutes. Name, email, and a password. That's all. Their first story prompt arrives within the week.
If th...

Question 21

Can I schedule the gift for a future date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During checkout, you'll see an option to send the gift on a specific date. Choose any date up to a year from purchase.
Buying in January for a May birthday? No problem. The gift email will arrive on the morning of the date you choose. Until then, it stays quiet.
If you change your mind about...

Question 22

How do I give this as a gift?

Accepted Answer

At checkout, you'll choose whether to send the gift immediately or schedule it for a specific date. A birthday. Mother's Day. Christmas morning. You pick.
What your recipient sees
They receive a personalized email explaining the gift, who it's from, and how to get started. It's warm, clear, and d...

Question 23

Can I upload existing recordings of their stories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you already have audio of your parent or grandparent telling stories (phone recordings, old cassette transfers, interview tapes) you can upload them and we'll transcribe them into chapters.
Supported formats include MP3, WAV, M4A, and MP4. Upload through the story editor, and the transcri...

Question 24

Can family members contribute stories too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Kindred Tales was built for families, not just individuals.
When you purchase the gift, you can add yourself (or other family members) as collaborators. Collaborators can write their own stories, add photos, submit questions, and check on progress.
Some families use this to add their ...

Question 25

Can I add my own questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can add custom questions to your loved one's prompt queue at any time.
Maybe there's a family story you've always wanted the full version of, or a specific period of their life you're curious about. Log in to your account, go to the prompts section, and type your question. It'll be added...

Question 26

How does speech-to-text work?

Accepted Answer

Some people would rather talk than type. We built speech-to-text for exactly that.
From the story page, your parent taps a record button and starts talking. Their words appear on screen in real time as they speak. When they're done, they can review the transcript, make any edits, and save. The re...

Question 27

What if they don't finish all 52 prompts?

Accepted Answer

Many families don't answer all 52, and that's completely fine.
The book prints with whatever stories have been shared, whether that's 10 chapters or 50. There's no minimum. Some of the most beautiful books we've made have 15 or 20 deeply personal stories. A shorter book full of real memories is w...

Question 28

What happens after I buy?

Accepted Answer

Here's what to expect, step by step.

You complete your purchase and choose when to send the gift (now or a future date like a birthday or Mother's Day).
  Your recipient gets a personalized email explaining the gift and how to get started. You can also print a gift card to hand them in person....

Question 29

What if my parent isn't tech-savvy?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common question we hear, and the one we built everything around.
Your parent doesn't need to download an app, remember a password, or learn a new tool. There are five ways to share stories, and at least one of them will feel natural.
The easiest option: email reply
Each week, a q...

How can we help?

Getting Started

Gifting

Pricing and Orders

Telling Stories

Ali, the AI Biographer

The Finished Book

Privacy and Security

Comparing Options

Account and Technical

Questions families ask the most.

Still have a question?