Why should I choose you?As a mum of three and part-time carer, I got into journalism by sharing my own real-life story about bringing up a child with a rare chromosome disorder (see ‘About Jane’). So I understand the process from both sides and can guide you through the simple steps of getting your story published. I work from home and will promptly address your concerns, answer any questions and keep you informed at every step. My features have appeared in leading women’s magazines and national newspapers, and, because I am trusted as a reliable source, and independent, I can shop around to get you the highest price for your story.
Contact Jane to find out more about sharing your story.
How do you sell my story to a magazine or newspaper? I understand that sharing your experiences publicly can feel daunting but I’m here to hold your hand every step of the way. First I will need details about you and your real-life story, then I will prepare a synopsis to submit to my press contacts on your behalf. Before I send anything off I will check that I’ve got your synopsis completely right by reading it back to you. I will then ask where, ideally, you would like to see your story published and advise on which publications would be suitable. If you would like to be in a magazine, but not a newspaper, that’s fine with me. I will only work on selling your story once you give me the go-ahead. At this stage, I will probably ask you to send a snapshot of yourself and, depending on your story, other relevant photos – don’t worry, they are not for publication. Commissioning editors expect to see any photos that illustrate your story with the synopsis. Everything you say at this stage is off the record and your words and pictures will not appear in print. I will also ask you to sign an agreement form, which confirms that you will, from this point, only work with me and no other journalists or press agencies.
I will then send your synopsis to my press contacts to find out what fee they are prepared to offer you. Once I have an offer that you are happy with from a publication that you are comfortable about your story being in, I will conduct a more detailed interview with you, either in person or on the phone. You may also be asked to sign a contract with the publication your story is appearing in. This confirms your fee and is their guarantee that you won’t be talking to anyone else.
Contact Jane to find out more about sharing your story.
How will I get paid?You will receive payment about four to six weeks after your story is published. My service is
free. As a freelance journalist I get paid by the publication for writing your story or securing it for them. Please note, certain types of story may be published with the focus on awareness-raising or publicity instead of a fee. This would be discussed & agreed with you beforehand.
After your story has been published, I will try to place it in another publication (if you want me to). I have had real-life stories published in magazines all over the world so your story may even appear overseas, which will mean more money for you. You may even be asked to go on TV or radio programmes. If you decide you don’t want any more publicity, I can ensure that you are left in peace and do not get unwanted press attention.
Contact Jane to find out more about sharing your story.
I don’t have a real-life story but know someone else with an amazing story to tell. Would I get paid for passing their details on to you?
Yes, on top of the money they get for their story, you get paid if their story is published. It means you can earn money for your friends and relatives as well as yourself.
Contact Jane to find out more about sharing your story.
Photos.You may be asked to take part in a photo-shoot, usually at your home or in your local area. Some magazines do photo-shoots, some not, and it may also depend on what photos you have yourself. Most people are a bit nervous before a photo-shoot but everyone enjoys the experience and you often get to keep some of the photos!
Contact Jane to find out more about sharing your story.
