21 frequently asked questions quickly answered. Browse down and be reassured.
How will I know I've got the best money for my story?
You'll know because I will endeavour to continue approaching all the magazines who may be interested in your story to see what they're prepared to pay you. Please also see WHAT KIND OF MONEY WILL I GET? Some people make donations to charity.
I don't know if you'll be interested in this. Is it ok to just come forward?
Yes please try me - so long as I am first! I'm happy to assess any good, exclusive story, so long as it is recently concluded, extraordinary and you are genuinely decided on this course of action.
Once I've told you about it can you publish my story without my permission?
No. I need your co-operation and consent.
What's the difference between the terms - my true story, true stories, true life, real life, real life stories or readers' reality?
Nothing. They all mean the same thing.
Will you sensationalize my story?
No. Your story will be told accurately. The style is often "First person" (in your own words) and simply told, with authentic emotions, fact by fact. The aim is to simply tell the true details of what's happened as a good, interesting read. Sometimes, I'm like your personal "ghost writer."
Do I have to use my real name?
Yes. Real names are required. I don't do any stories where "names have been changed."
How will I know my story is legally sound?
It's my job as a bone fide, experienced journalist to assess the legalities at a very early stage and advise you on what we may need so that your story is properly verified.
Does my age matter?
There are magazines to suit all ages. You'll want your story appropriately placed and I know the market, so please don't worry about your age one jot! The oldest woman I've interviewed was in her 80s.
Will my story make a "double page spread"?
I've done hundreds of spreads and specialise in aiming for this by uncovering the strongest angle - I get paid more the bigger the piece too! So I'll invest my expertise in you and certainly won't be cutting corners because I'm a busy journalist.
There are small parts of my story I'd rather were left out. Is that ok?
If there is something you're sensitive about that is insignificant to the main thrust of the story, that's fine. It's a good idea to tell me "off the record" though. As a rule, we don't name anybody's place of work.
My story came to a head recently, but goes back many years ago. Is it "too old"?
Not at all. A recently ended true story that runs back along the same vein for years can be very sought after. But it's always best if your story ended no more than a couple or so years ago - and, preferably, in recent months. This is why it's very important not to delay contacting me!
I'm in the USA, not in the UK. Can I approach you too?
Sorry, No thanks. I'm aware my website his high-ranking in US search engines. However, regrettably, I don't handle any US stories, at the moment. But I have visited Family Circle and Cosmopolitan in New York, and done paid work for US Cosmopolitan, so if this changes I'll amend this answer. Meanwhile, I'm only able to take on British-based interviewees please.
My story is based on a tragic or harrowing experience or loss. Will I cope?
I will handle you sensitively and sympathetically throughout. It may even bring relief - and you will have my article as a memento to show people in future to help ease the pain of explaining events to family growing up or new people in your life.
What if I prefer the idea of being published in a national daily newspaper?
I'm increasingly approaching national newspapers and do have contacts, some of whom have worked on women's magazines. It works a little differently and I'll explain that. I don't pitch to The Sun, The Star, The Daily Sport or the Telegraph.
What if I have a favourite magazine I'd really like you to try first - or some I don't fancy?
Just let me know and we can work it out together to aim your story where you best want it placed. It's your call. I'm really flexible. Sometimes peoples' original thoughts on this do change too. I can answer your queries and concerns.
Help! I'm a man!
Please do contact me. Women's magazines love to hear from men with a true story with an emotional, relationship, or family element to it.
I'm a celebrity - get me in to here!
I'm very interested to hear from the famous or their agents with a view to doing an interview - especially an exclusive.
Will I have to have my photo taken?
Maybe. You definitely do need to be willing to be photographed and to provide old photos to help show your story's journey. If you do, an appointment is made for a photographer to come to you. Occasionally, you may be required for an expenses paid studio shoot.
How long will it take you to do my story?
Once ordered, completing your story will become my utmost priority. I'll take a deep and sincere interest to make sure it's right. This usually takes a few 'phone calls over a few days, which can be "by appointment" to best suit you. The magazine may also give you a ring on your story when they "schedule" the piece, which can be the same week or some time later.
Do I sign anything if my story is wanted?
Yes. This really is in your best interests so you know what you'll get paid, and also know what and what not to do while waiting for publication of your story so nothing goes wrong. I send some of the magazines' contracts myself from my stockpile. If you get one direct from the magazine, I ask you to ring me just to double-check you've got the right type before you sign.
Why don't I just go to the press myself?
. Naturally, I'm biased on this one! I can only provide the following considerations:
. Members of the public inundate busy editors by endless emails, letters, texts and calls. Most fail. I pitch your story as a known and trusted writer in a professional, presentable form to entice editors to say yes. Until they do, I don't get paid!
. It can be intimidating. Financially, you may not be able to negotiate the best fee or muck it all up entirely. I can only bump your rate up and be an asset to you. You will never get paid anything less than the rates quoted in a magazine's pages - and, hopefully, more!
. You won't have any reassuring background information beforehand on who will interview you. Obviously, everybody is professional and it's your preference, but you could get a passing freelancer doing a shift, a junior writer, or a male hack - who you may feel less comfortable with while sharing an intimate story.
. You are likely to be dealing with large, International publishing houses. Your story may be reproduced without any further monies due to you if you don't realise what you're signing. You may not even be aware of your story being published again if it's overseas.
. When necessary, I am available, by telephone appointment, outside office hours (like early evening and Saturdays) to help fit in around your job or family routine.
. Working together with you, I'll prepare anything that is required before I pitch your story, while there is still no pressure on you.
. Most magazines are way too busy to let every member of the public appearing in each issue know when their feature is out on the newsagents' shelves - but I'll ring you and will keep a back up copy to hand. I'm also here to chase up your payment on your behalf, by the way, if it doesn't arrive as anticipated - and provide you with other opportunities.
Happy? Good. Take action now. Interest in your story diminishes the more you delay.
CONTACT US
You can send an email to susan@storieswanted.com if you prefer.
Or ring me (Susan Wallace) on 07801 055556.
I will quickly assess the potential of your true story with you.
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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. |