Browse down these FAQs 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 fee  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 the first and only journalist you approached! I'm happy to assess any good, exclusive story, so long as it is recently concluded, extraordinary and there would be nothing stopping you going ahead.

Once I've told you about it can you publish my story without my permission?
No. I need your co-operation and consent. All magazines will require a signed contract from you (you get a copy to keep too) and photos first.

What's the difference between the terms you see in women's magazines - my true story, true stories, first person, it happened to me, 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, as if the reader is watching it unravel scene by scene. The aim is to simply tell the 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. I don't do any stories where "names have been changed."

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!
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 need to be willing to be photographed and will usually be required to provide old photos to help show your story's journey. If we want to take a current photo, an appointment is made for a photographer to come to you or, occasionally, you may be required to do a glam, all expenses paid studio shoot in London.

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. There are also precedures at the magazines and newspapers to legally vet and authorise the content prior to publication.

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. I interview teens and the oldest woman I've interviewed was in her 80s. You will probably be reading magazines that interest you because they are writing to your age range - and that type of magazine may well be interested in your story.

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.

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 or full home address.

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 in 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, or any from aboard, 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.

How long will it take you to do my story?
Once the proposal is accepted, 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 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 months later. 

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 over and over. 

Why should I come to you and not just go to the press myself?
It can be intimidating to tackle the press yourself.

Members of the public inundate busy editors with an endless stream of emails, letters, texts and calls. Most are unsuccessful. As a regular writer known and trusted by them, I work closely with you, without pressure, to hone a proposal of your story in a professional, presentable format that they like and are perhaps more likely to say yes to than you going it alone. I will also vet your legally-binding contract for you.

Financially, you may not be able to negotiate the best fee or muck it all up entirely. I can only increase your fee 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, a team effort, or a male hack in a mac - who you may feel less comfortable with while sharing your intimate story details.

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 done overseas.

When necessary, I am available, by telephone appointment, outside the usual 9-5 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 try to alert you and will keep a back up copy to hand.

I'm also here to chase up your payment on your behalf if needs be 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 I will quickly assess the potential of your true story with you.

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