FAQ
HOW MUCH WILL I BE PAID FOR MY STORY?
Basically the bigger the story, the bigger the fee. So if you have a very strong story or you’ve found yourself at the centre of something really sensational then the rewards can be thousands of pounds.
We’ll often sell a story on an exclusive basis to one newspaper or magazine, but of it’s really strong, we can sell it to a number of publications, including foreign magazines via our international links.
So you can earn even more, just from one interview.
Most newspapers and magazines will start at around £200 to £500 for a story. This could rise to £1,000 or £2,000 depending on its content.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that TV programmes such as GMTV,This Morning and Jeremy Kyle often want to interview people after they’ve appeared in newspapers and magazines and they will also pay. So there’s a chance to earn even more.
WHO IS LIKELY TO BUY MY STORY?
That’s what we, as experienced journalists, will assess. We review each case individually and then find out which newspaper or magazine is prepared to pay the most for your story. Sometimes we have a number of magazines or newspapers bidding against each other to buy a story. We will keep in constant contact with you about the progress of your story. We’ll let you know immediately when your story has been sold, and for how much.
WILL I HAVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT?
Most newspapers and magazines will want you to sign a contract to confirm you are selling your story to them on an exclusive basis. It will make clear how much you will be paid.
Contracts from national newspapers and women’s magazines can look pretty straightforward. But it’s extremely important to take advice from someone on your side before you sign anything. Otherwise you may
find your hands tied to a magazine or newspaper which will limit the earning potential of your story.
WHO WILL INTERVIEW ME?
We pride ourselves in offering a warm, professional and sensitive approach to all stories. That’s why we do all interviews and write all the stories ourselves. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Once we’ve written your story we’ll go back through it with you and make sure you’re happy all the facts are correct. We’ll keep you posted about when it is likely to appear.
WHAT WILL AN INTERVIEW INVOLVE?
It’ll either be face-to-face or over the phone, depending on what is more convenient for you and how quickly a newspaper or magazine wants your story. We’ll usually need to arrange for a photographer to take pictures and we may ask you to provide your own pictures for the newspaper or magazine to use.
DO I HAVE TO BE IDENTIFIED?
It’s rare that a story will be accepted unless you are prepared to be identified. But don’t worry, we’ll talk you through what a newspaper or magazine is likely to want from you before we go ahead so that there are no surprises.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY YOU?
Absolutely not. Our service is totally free. We receive a fee from the magazine or newspaper directly for providing words and pictures. It costs you nothing to use our service so there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I`VE SOLD MY STORY?
Usually our clients just enjoy having their story published and the fee they get for it. Sometimes other opportunities can arise – perhaps from TV or radio stations – that can make you even more money
for your story. As always, we`ll be with you, step by step, to make sure you get the best price for your story. You can email or phone us at any time to see how things are going or just for reassurance.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A GREAT STORY TO SELL?
As working journalists we get commissions from newspapers and magazines asking for people to be interviewed as part of a themed feature. It might be about people with a holiday nightmare story, an
unusual wedding, women who don`t want to get married or have children. So it`s worth coming to Sell That Story and letting us know a bit about you so that we can keep your information on file should something suitable come up. And obviously you will be paid if something comes up.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION STRAIGHT AWAY?
You need to be fully confident about what you are doing, so we give you plenty of time to consider your options. You don’t need to commit to an interview straight away and in the meantime we’ll do some research and find out who will buy your story. The most important thing is that you feel safe and reassured in our dealings together.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER ADVANTAGES IN SELLING MY STORY?
There are other benefits to selling your story. Perhaps you want to raise awareness about a charity or illness. Maybe you want to get publicity for a good cause. Maybe you have a business to promote. Maybe you simply want revenge!
Selling your story is a terrific way to achieve any of this.
