PEOPLE OFTEN ASK ME THESE QUESTIONS ON WHAT THEIR STORY IS WORTH.
How will I know I've got the best money for my story?
I will endeavour to keep approaching all the magazines who may be interested in your story with a bespoke written proposal until we have success.
Does it cost me anything?
No. Definitely not. My services are free to you. I get paid separately by the magazine or newspaper in line with NUJ rates for the job when they take a written true story from me for publication.
Can I be guaranteed anything?
Yes. I see to it that you always get paid something.
What might I get for selling my true story to a typical woman's weekly magazine?
All magazines have different budgets relating to their size of circulation and advertising revenue. Many show the rates they pay on the pages. I will secure you at that figure, or more.
Many of the magazines offer "Up To" prices paid. This is true because each true story is valued on its own merits. For instance, a very recent ending tends to increase value - which is why you should not delay contacting me.
Generally, around £500 will normally be paid to you for a "double page spread" (two page story) in a woman's weekly.
You can end up getting £750, £1,000 or more for a knock-out story in a super-circulation women's weekly or supplement if my editors are very keen or if more than one magazine is interested.
Smaller pieces proportionately pay less, say, £200 for a half page. Not bad for a few phone calls and sending off some snaps!
Health stories are important in raising awareness, however they can pay less if there is nothing more than a basic medical history with no journalistic novelty to it because a straightforward medical case study alone is not too difficult for journalists to get hold of.
That said, dramatic real life stories which are underpinned by a health issue or medical condition, or a health story with a very strong emotional twist, will generally push your payment up, as these stories are considered real life stories and not simple health report pieces.
Remember, powerful and provable stories suitable for Sunday tabloid newspapers can earn you several thousands of pounds. It's vital to contact me very speedily - otherwise you could find you miss out as these things do tend to "break".
Sounds complex! When will I get to know for sure what I'll be paid for MY story then?
You will get a fixed fee from a named publication confirmed in writing FIRST by myself or the interested publication/s upfront before I do a full interview. You get paid a few weeks after your article is published and please also note that your story will not, as far as I have agreed, appear anywhere you haven't consented to first. You can feel in control.
What do other types of magazines beside women's weeklies pay?
Prestigious monthly and glossy women's magazines, health, health and fitness and the teenage market tend to pay you less than the women's weeklies, probably partly because they have fewer issues per year to fill than the fiercely competitive weeklies. Teen mags sometimes also give interviewees a much-coveted "goodie bag".
What is the payment method?
You will get your payment details confirmed, usually in a contract from the magazine, as soon as you accept the offer/s I put to you. The magazine pays you directly, by cheque, a few weeks after publication. You can have the cheque "made payable" to someone other than yourself on request.
Can I make more money?
Yes. Sometimes more than one publication will want your story from me, as I've done before with Bella and Cosmopolitan, Woman and Take it Easy (Sunday People supplement), The News of The World and More magazine, etc.
For 15 years, I've had also a relationship with my overseas agent PLANET SYNDICATION which re-sells a selection my work internationally, such as work I've done for Woman&Home to Elle in Mexico and Real People and that's life! to Foschini Club magazine in South Africa, etc.
I'll always put the options to you first and you get paid something every time your article is published.
CONTACT US with the gist your story to get started now!
Disclaimer: The materials contained on this web site are provided for general information only and do not constitute any form of advice. Storieswanted.com assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement and accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on the information contained on this site.
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Copyright reserved Susan Wallace October 2007. |