Frequently Asked Questions
These questions offer an overview of how we work, what to expect, and how stories are created at Atelier Agolée.
If you don't find what you're looking for here, you're always welcome to reach out — we're happy to guide you thoughtfully.
Questions about how stories are shaped, how personal they are, and the nature of the stories we create.
About the Stories
How personal are Atelier Agolée storybooks?
Each storybook is created through private listening conversations and reflects only what you choose to share.
You are always in control of the level of detail. Nothing is expected, and nothing is rushed.
Are our stories written using templates or pre-written structures?
Every story is written individually, shaped from what you share and the conversations we hold. We do not use templates or pre-written structures. Each book is created as a singular work.
What types of stories does Atelier Agolée create?
We create custom-written and illustrated storybooks that honor personal experiences across life stages. Our work includes love stories, family and parenthood stories, childhood stories, legacy and heirloom projects. Each book is created individually and guided by the story you wish to preserve.
Are Atelier Agolée storybooks a form of therapy?
No. Our storybooks are not therapy and do not replace professional or clinical support.
They are reflective, creative works created to honor experiences and offer accompaniment.
Questions about how you participate in the process and how your comfort is held throughout.
Participation and Comfort
How do we get started after ordering?
After ordering, you’ll receive a short written intake form to share initial context and practical details about the story. This helps us understand what the project is holding and how best to approach it.
Before the listening conversation, we also confirm the scope, timeline, and practical details of the commission in writing, so the work can unfold with clarity and care, while allowing the creative process to remain flexible and collaborative.
You are then invited to at least two private listening conversations, held at your pace, where the story is explored more fully through dialogue and attentive listening.
Can there be more than two listening conversations?
Yes. Two listening sessions are part of the standard process. Longer heirloom stories often unfold across several conversations, allowing space for depth, reflection, and careful shaping over time.
There is no additional cost for extra listening sessions – our priority is ensuring the story is fully and thoughtfully captured.
Can I opt out of the listening conversations?
Yes. If you prefer not to participate in listening conversations, we offer an alternative process using detailed written forms and ongoing written communication. The initial intake form includes a dedicated section where you may choose to opt out of listening conversations and proceed entirely through written collaboration.
How involved will I need to be?
Your involvement is guided, flexible, and respectful of your time. The process usually involves two listening conversations (depending on the story category), followed by moments of review and gentle feedback. You are not expected to prepare extensively, write, or perform.
Some clients prefer to be closely involved; others choose a lighter presence. Both are welcome. We adapt the rhythm of the process to what feels sustainable for you, while ensuring the story remains thoughtful, accurate, and true to what you wish to convey.
Where do the listening conversations take place?
Listening conversations are held privately via Zoom. This allows for a calm, focused space for conversation while offering flexibility, wherever you are located.
Conversations may also take place by appointment at our atelier in Paris (131 Boulevard Pereire, 75017), subject to prior arrangement.
What if my story is complex or emotionally sensitive?
Many of the stories we hold are layered and deeply personal. The communication sessions and revision process are designed to support sensitive narratives with care, discretion, and respect.
Questions about expected timelines and how we handle payments, shipping and refund policies.
Timelines, Payments, Shipping and Refunds
How long does the Atelier Agolée process take?
Because each story is written and illustrated slowly and with care, timelines vary depending on the story category, edition and current availability.
Projects at Atelier Agolée typically take between two to nine months to complete. You'll receive clear expectations after ordering, and we remain in thoughtful communication throughout the process.
How does payment work?
For orders above 1,000 EUR we recommend payment in three installments: the first before the storytelling phase begins, the second prior to the writing process, and the final installment upon delivery of the completed book.
Installment arrangements can be requested via the Request Your Book form. After a request is submitted, we personally contact clients to confirm details and arrange secure installment payments tailored to individual needs.
What are the accepted methods of payment?
We accept secure credit and debit card payments through our online portal. Bank transfers are available upon request. Once we obtain your email address, all invoices will be initiated directly to you via email.
Do you offer special considerations or seasonal offerings?
Atelier Agolée does not run ongoing promotions. On rare occasions, we may offer limited considerations tied to specific stories or moments in the year. These are shared privately or announced through our newsletter and the Studio Journal on our website.
How are finished books shipped?
All Atelier Agolée books are produced as physical heirloom books. Shipping is arranged individually, based on destination, book format, and the value of the finished work. Each shipment is carefully packaged and sent with appropriate tracking and insurance.
Insurance is included to protect the book in transit and reflects the care, time, and materials invested in its creation.
Shipping costs are already quoted in the project's price. We work with clients internationally and ship worldwide.
What is Atelier Agolée's refund policy?
Because each storybook is created specifically for one person or family, all commissions are considered final sale.
That said, the work unfolds through an attentive, collaborative process. You are involved throughout–through listening conversations, written exchanges, and review moments–so the story is shaped with care, clarity, and mutual understanding at every stage.
Revisions and refinements are an integral part of the process, and no book moves forward without thoughtful feedback and alignment.
If your book arrives with a printing or shipping issue, or if something does not meet the agreed scope, please contact us. We review all concerns personally and with care.
Can a story be gifted?
Yes. Rather than gifting a finished book, you may offer a gift invitation to work with the atelier.
A gift invitation may represent either a full commissioned story or a contribution toward one, and is applied toward a custom-written and illustrated book.
The invitation does not impose a timeline or obligation. The project begins when the recipient chooses to reach out, and its scope and format are shaped through conversation with the atelier.
Practical details that reflect how we work—with care, integrity, and intention.
Practical and Trust Signals
Is an Atelier Agolée storybook suitable as a gift?
Yes. An Atelier Agolée storybook can become a gift, especially when words feel difficult to find.
If you're unsure which story feels right, an Atelier Agolée gift invitation allows the recipient to choose when and how they would like to begin.
Is availability limited at Atelier Agolée?
We create a limited number of books at a considered pace, allowing each project the time and attention it deserves. Availability may pause occasionally to honor this approach.
How does Atelier Agolée handle privacy and confidentiality?
All stories, conversation, and materials shared with Atelier Agolée are treated with the utmost respect and discretion. Listening sessions and written materials are used solely for the creation of your storybook and are never shared, published, or reused in any form.
Your story remains yours. We hold it only for as long as needed to thoughtfully create your book and we approach every proiect with care, trust and confidentiality.
What languages do you work in?
We work primarily in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Stories involving other languages are considered on a case-by-case basis. Where additional linguistic expertise is required, this may affect scope and cost and is always discussed in advance.
Who owns the rights to the story once it’s written?
You do. Once the story is completed and delivered, it belongs to you. You are free to keep it private, share it with loved ones, or pass it on as part of your personal legacy.
Atelier Agolée does not retain ownership or publishing rights to the story, and may only reference or display excerpts with your explicit consent. Your story is never shared publicly without permission.
Who might this not be right for?
Atelier Agolée may not be the right fit for those seeking a fast, transactional service or a purely fictional story. Our work is slow, collaborative, and deeply personal, and it requires openness, reflection, and time.
What is the quality of Atelier Agolée printed books?
Each book is printed using high-quality materials chosen for longevity and tactile beauty. We work with professional printers and carefully selected papers to ensure rich color, clarity, and a finish that ages gracefully over time. Every book is produced with the intention to be held, revisited, and preserved for years to come.
We’re here to guide you, before and throughout the process.
Guidance and Contact
What if I'm not sure which storybook is right?
That's very common. You're welcome to reach out to us with questions before ordering – we're happy to help you think it through without pressure.
Can I contact Atelier Agolée before ordering?
Absolutely. If you have questions or need guidance, you're welcome to reach us directly. We respond thoughtfully and without expectation.
Is there a step-by-step breakdown of how the storybook is made?
Our Atelier Process is available in the main menu offering a step-by-step view of how each story comes into being, from the first exchange to the final bound book.
How do you stay in touch with your community?
We stay in touch in quiet and intentional ways.
Through Studio Correspondence, the atelier sends a printed letter by post each quarter. Each mailing contains a written reflection and an original illustration from the studio, along with a small selection of elegant paper goods–shared as a way to preserve a slower, material form of exchange.
We also maintain a Studio Journal, where we occasionally share reflections on storytelling, process, and the thinking that shapes our work. These writings are not announcements or promotions, but a continuation of the studio’s voice.
Both exist independently of commissioned projects and commercial rhythm. They are offered as open points of contact for those who wish to remain connected to the atelier’s way of working.
The atelier also opens Collective Editions – books shaped by many voices through open calls. These editorial projects invite written contributions from around the world and take form slowly. Contributions are edited, illustrated, and woven into a shared book, then published as a collective volume.
Through these editions, the atelier remains in conversation with its community, offering a space where individual contributions are thoughtfully shaped into print as part of a collective work.
For those who wish, the atelier also shares the Digital Letter. Messages are sent rarely and with intention, offering brief updates from the studio. You may subscribe at any time using the sign-up available in the website footer.
Is there space to share something with the atelier, even if I’m not commissioning a story?
Yes. If there is something you feel moved to share–whether a thought, reflection, or question–you’re welcome to write to us.
We read every message carefully, as part of how we stay attentive to the lives and stories around us.