Startup’s next chapter writes itself: AI-generated bedtime story platform launches with language-building upgrades

August 9, 2023  |  Channa Steinmetz

JQ Sirls, Storytailor, Pagemaster Inc.

With an emphasis on diversity and creativity, JQ Sirls’ AI-powered story generator is set to redefine children’s literature while uniting generations, he said. 

“I’m really trying to create these magical bonding moments between adults and children. When adults use this technology to create their own story, it makes them feel like a kid again. Then they get to read it to the child, and they share that moment together,” JQ Sirls, the founder and CEO of Pagemaster Inc. and its flagship platform, Storytailor.

Storytailor is an AI-driven platform that generates personalized stories for children ages 3 to 8, Sirls noted. Adults, parents, educators and child therapists are able to create their own tales by simply entering in a short summary choosing what type of story they’d like to tell. Story varieties include basic, bedtime, educational, inclusive, emotional growth and language building. 

“Say you want to teach your three-year-old how to count to 10, but you want to do so using a story about a dog that’s playing the piano — the platform can intertwine that lesson while still giving you a fun and zany story,” Sirls explained. “Or, if you’d like to teach your child Chinese, it can be the story about the dog and piano, but now it includes Chinese words.

“The emotional growth story is for child therapy,” he continued. “Schools already handle the IQ, but I care more about the EQ, the emotional intelligence. Maybe a child is dealing with the grief of losing a parent, or anger; these stories can help that kid understand and process those feelings.” 

Storytailor platform

The Storytailor platform is the second iteration of what was formerly known as Pagemaster. After months of collecting user feedback and research, Sirls rebranded and upgraded his platform to Storytailor to better reflect his mission. 

“Every world is created so that every child becomes the hero of their own tale,” Sirls shared. “Our stories aren’t just personalized — they are intimate fragments of an adventure meticulously tailored for each child. … For a child who’s in a wheelchair, you can create a story where the protagonist is in a wheelchair. Then, maybe they won’t feel alone. Now, they are the superhero.”

Individuals who are interested in Storytailor can access the platform for free; but to create more in-depth, custom stories that have educational and language building elements, the platform is a monthly subscription of $12.99.

“I made sure that it was around the cost of an average picture book,” Sirls noted. “If you go to Barnes & Noble, one picture book is probably around $17.99 to $18.99, and there’s no limit to how many stories you can create with Storytailor.”

Storytailor platform

Storytailor’s upgraded platform also allows users to create sequels to their stories. 

“One of the biggest pieces of feedback I received was that parents wanted to continue the bedtime story the next night with the same characters,” Sirls said. “Now, you can keep creating chapters and essentially create a chapter book.”  

The next feature on the docket for Storytailor is set to include voice overs, Sirls teased. 

The AI in Storytailor is not about showcasing technology, rather it is about fostering human connection, creating cherished memories and cultivating a lifelong love for learning, Sirls said. 

“This technology was not created to replace people as writers and illustrators,” Sirls said. “I’m actually trying to empower people who have always wanted to write. By including more people, that is how we make the publishing industry more diverse and creative. And after a story is created, you can go in and edit the story however you’d like. The technology provides a great foundation.” 

Click here to read more about why JQ Sirls is on a mission to revolutionize the publishing industry.

For those who are intimidated by either AI or writing, Sirls strongly encouraged them to try playing around with the Storytailor platform to discover the joy and ease of creating one’s own story.

“Storytailor invites parents, teachers, therapists — every person influencing young minds — to discover the magic of personalized storytelling,” Sirls said. “Together, let’s create an inclusive narrative, one story at a time.”

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2023 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        2000 Vine: Traveling tattoo artist inks Kansas City HQ with clients buzzing for her return 

        By Tommy Felts | September 7, 2022

        Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. Before Kinesha Glover — better known as Keno G — ever picked up a…

        Hold that thought: Leading with emotion might feel good at first, but there’s a smarter way (Holistic Hustle)

        By Tommy Felts | September 7, 2022

        Kharissa Parker-Forte is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News.  Read her “Holistic Hustle” columns for Startland News here. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. Editor’s note: This commentary on emotional intelligence continues Parker-Forte’s series on the 7 Pillars of Self-Care…

        2000 Vine: Chef Shanita’s urban eatery sets the table for prospects to access power

        By Tommy Felts | September 6, 2022

        Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. Renowned Kansas City chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant plans to open a “for purpose” urban eatery…

        How one founder plans to use blockchain to bring equity, transparency to the ‘American Dream’ — buying a home

        By Tommy Felts | September 2, 2022

        After back-to-back home-buying nightmares — where predatory practices left Louis Byrd with mounting bills from unexpected repairs — the Kansas City entrepreneur and creative force plans to launch a new blockchain-infused solution to increase transparency for homebuyers. The first tech product from Byrd’s Zanago Design, Kataba is expected to allow potential buyers to verify titles,…