Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please get in touch.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about how to sell a story to the national media. If your question isn’t answered here, or there is anything else you need to know, just get in touch.
WILL YOU USE MY STORY WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?
We never print anyone’s story without their express permission. In most cases, our clients sign an electronic permission document once we have agreed a fee with you.
In short, once we tell you how much your story is worth, if you’re happy we will ask you to sign a form that allows us to sell your story on your behalf. A signature isn’t always required if you give us some other type of verbal or written permission, but we will never print anything without your say-so.
We often place stories in more than one magazine in order to get you more cash, but only if that’s what you want. Rest assured that we will keep you up to date every step of the way.
HOW MUCH IS MY STORY WORTH?
See our page ‘How Much will I Earn’. A major front page exclusive could be worth thousands of pounds, but a smaller item would be worth less. Essentially, more amazing the story, the bigger the payment. We auction your story to the highest bidding magazine or newspaper (then you choose the bid that suits you); so like any auction, the best price depends on the demand. However, you can be sure that you are getting the best deal.
WHEN WILL I GET MY MONEY?
We will pay you by cheque or bank transfer six weeks after publication of the story (this is the time it takes for the magazines and newspapers to process payment invoices – sadly there is nothing we can do to speed up that process). We can also make your payment to charity if you would prefer.
WHAT KIND OF STORIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
See our page ‘What type of Stories Sell’. We love world exclusives, or extraordinary stories about every day people, especially if they are unique, amazing, funny, or bizarre.
DO YOU BUY PICTURES?
Yes, we will negotiate a deal for pictures in exactly the same way as your story. You can sell them alone, or as a package with your story. Generally, your story will be worth much more if you have good photographs to back it up – as they say, pictures paint a thousand words.
I’VE SENT MY STORY TO YOU, BUT I HAVEN’T HEARD BACK?
We try our best to get back to everybody who fills out our online form, but due to the volume of interesting and heartbreaking stories that we receive it isn’t always possible to respond to everyone straight away. If you haven’t heard from us straight away (within seven days) then it’s unlikely that your story would be immediately in demand. However, even if your story isn’t in demand now, the news agenda changes on a daily basis, so your story may be in demand in the near future. We receive daily story requests from the national press, so if you tick the ‘keep me informed’ button on our online form, we can let you know whenever a story like yours is needed. Click Here to see our latest story requests.
ARE THERE RULES ABOUT WHEN A STORY CAN AND CAN’T BE PUBLISHED?
Generally, anyone is entitled to sell their story. However, in some situations there are strict rules by which we must abide. The rules are outlined in the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) Editor’s Code of Conduct. You can see full details on the IPSO website.
If you would like to read our full terms and conditions, please see our Terms and Conditions page.