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Books to Help You Write a Eulogy

Funerals · 4 min read · First published 2006 · Updated November 2026

A row of poetry books standing on a shelf
Photo by Antavia Mason on Unsplash

Being asked to speak at a funeral or memorial is an honor, and it can feel like too much. You may be grieving and tired, and still wondering what to say.

These books can help you get started. Some give you a simple step-by-step plan. Others share examples of eulogies, so you can hear how other people found their words. You don't need to be a writer. A few true, loving stories about the person you miss are more than enough.

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Step-by-step guides

How to Write and Deliver a Eulogy by David Hartley (Printed Future Ltd, 2024). A short, practical guide for people who have never done this before. It takes you from gathering memories to standing up and speaking. It comes from a small publisher, so it may be easier to find from online booksellers than in stores. [affiliate link: How to Write and Deliver a Eulogy]

A Labor of Love: How to Write a Eulogy by Garry Schaeffer (GMS Publications, third edition, 2006). Schaeffer's guide teaches a brainstorming method called "clustering," where you jot down ideas and link them together before you write. It helps if you are stuck at a blank page. This one may be easiest to find used. [affiliate link: A Labor of Love]

Good Words: Memorializing Through a Eulogy by Beth L. Hewett (WestBow Press, 2014). Hewett is a certified grief counselor with a doctorate in rhetoric and composition. The book includes sample eulogies, tips on whom to interview, and advice on organizing and delivering your words. It also covers harder situations, such as a strained relationship or several speakers, and looks at how different faith traditions can shape a eulogy. Its publisher, WestBow, is a Christian imprint. [affiliate link: Good Words]

Words and examples to borrow from

My Deepest Sympathies: Meaningful Sentiments for Condolence Notes and Conversations, Plus a Guide to Eulogies by Florence Isaacs (Clarkson Potter; e-book). If you can't find the right thing to say, this book offers simple ideas for eulogies and for sympathy notes. It also has a short guide to writing a eulogy. [affiliate link: My Deepest Sympathies]

The Book of Eulogies, edited by Phyllis Theroux (Scribner, paperback 2015). A large collection of tributes, poems, essays and letters of condolence. You can dip in and out of it for comfort, or to see how others have said goodbye. [affiliate link: The Book of Eulogies]

Farewell, Godspeed: The Greatest Eulogies of Our Time edited by Cyrus M. Copeland (Crown, 2003). A collection of eulogies given for well-known people. It is a good way to hear how a eulogy can be tender, funny, or both. Because it is a little older, it may be easiest to find used or as an e-book. [affiliate link: Farewell, Godspeed]

A workbook of our own

If you'd like something to write in rather than read, our eulogy workbook gives you prompts, space for your stories and a simple outline to fill in. For free samples to read right now, see Eulogy Examples and Short Eulogy Examples.

If you are writing about a pet

If you've been asked to say a few words for a beloved pet, the same ideas apply. Tell the stories only you know. A short tribute to a dog or cat is as real as any other, and pet loss books list has books for the grief that follows.

Sources

Written by Words to Comfort

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