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Frequently Asked Questions

» Why should I contact you and not approach a newspaper or magazine directly?

Good question. The simple answer is that you'll make more money with us. By going it alone, you risk losing out on the best offer. This is because newspapers and magazines don't put your financial interests first - they simply want the story to themselves and hope you will accept their first offer. But our team will shop around on your behalf and find the best offer. We can also place your story with more then one publication and add TV deals if you want - maximising your cash.

» What other benefits are there to contacting Sell Us Your Story directly?

Contacting newspapers and magazines directly can be an intimidating process. They are large, faceless organisations which offer little courtesy or sensitivity to their customers.
It's even possible that your story could be taken without your permission and published without you getting paid. This may also be the first time that you've considered contacting the media, which means you obviously won't know how much your story is worth. But because we sell stories to newspapers and magazines on a daily basis, we do. We'll also give you an instant decision on whether your story will sell, which means you won't be kept hanging on for an answer.

» What is the first step to selling my story?

Getting the ball rolling is quick, free and easy and entirely stress free. Send us a few details of your story using the contact form (link) or by calling us on our special hot line phone number - FREE - on 0800 622 6511.

» What happens after I've contacted you?

Once you've been in touch, one of our team will introduce themselves by telephone to have a general chat about your story. They will let you know if we can sell it, and give you an approximate idea about how much it's worth. We'll then contact newspapers and magazines on your behalf and find out which publication is prepared to pay the most for it. Our writers will then contact you and check if the fee we've secured for your story is acceptable.

» What type of contract do I sign?

The contract will either be between you and us (Sell Us Your Story.com) or you and the publication which takes your story. It depends on the circumstances and this will be explained to you at the time. The contract does not commit you to going through with having your story published. It commits the magazine to paying you when they use the story, and also carries an agreement that you will not speak to any other publications until your story has gone to print.

» I have sensitive information to disclose. What protection do I have?

If your story is particularly delicate we can arrange a contract - signed by us both - which guarantees whatever you tell us cannot be published until you have signed over your approval. This is known as a 'holding contract' and is commonplace in the newspaper industry. Therefore, you can disclose details to us safe in the knowledge that if you don't find a suitable deal, it will go no further.

» How can I be sure I'll get paid for my story?

For your peace of mind, we will send you a legally binding contract guaranteeing your payment from a newspaper or magazine. We don't include any hard-to-understand small print, and will happily discuss it with you before you sign.

» How much can I expect to be paid?

That depends on the type of story as some are obviously more valuable than others. We have sold stories for £5,000 and for as little as £100.

» When will I get paid?

Typically, payment for your story will be sent by cheque four weeks after its publication. The contract we will send you provides further details of the payment process.

» OK, so who will write my story?

One of our professional, sensitive and experienced journalists from our news or features department will interview you and write your story, depending on which is more appropriate.

» Do I have any say in what is actually published?

Of course. We will read it back to you after it's written and make alterations if there are any inaccuracies in your story.

» Will I have to split my fee with you?

No, our service is 100 per cent free of charge. We get paid for writing your story by the newspaper or magazine themselves, so the fee we receive is totally separate to yours.

» Can I remain anonymous when I sell my story?

The simple answer is yes, although stories tend to be worth much more if the person involved is willing to be identified. But if you wish to remain anonymous, that's fine too. You will still get paid and we can send you a contract guaranteeing your anonymity if you so wish.

» Do I have to be photographed?

Again, photographs add value to a story because they help readers identify with the person involved. If you don't want to be pictured that's fine, but your story could lose significant value as a result. One of our professional photographers can meet you at a time and place at your convenience, and will not send in any pictures without your approval.

Do you know someone with a story to tell? Why not recommend a friend and receive £50*