James and the team will take you through the process

We’ve been helping our clients share their stories in the national press and women’s magazines for more than seven years. It’s second nature to us, but chances are this will be the first time you have considered telling your story. We’ve put together the following step-by-step guide so you can get a feel for what happens next:

Step 1 – Submit story

It’s time to discuss your story. Having come this far you’ve probably spoken with friends and family, been told ‘you’ve got a story’, or maybe you’ve even been in the news and need some help dealing with the press.  You’ve done the right thing in searching out an agency. A reputable features agency will always ensure you get the best fee and the most accurate portrayal of your story. This will be explained later. For now, you simply need to submit your story idea. Basically summarise what you’ve been through. You can do this through the form on our website, or you can email us your idea, call the office, or even just text one of our writers. All our numbers are listed here.

However you choose to do this, your story and details will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. You’ll hear this a lot from us, but it’s worth saying again. Your story cannot be published without your written consent. That gives you the freedom to discuss whatever you want with a member of our team, safe in the knowledge that it can’t be published unless and until you put pen to paper.

Step 2 – Discuss story

You’ll need to discuss the story with one of our experienced journalists. This is where you’ll learn if your story has a realistic chance of being published. We’ll go through every aspect of what it takes to get your story into print including pictures and any legal issues. We’ll also discuss with you what we feel is the best approach to take, and the types of publications we think will be interested in your story. At this point we’ll normally suggest that you speak with your family and take your time to decide if this is for you. There’s no hassle, if you decide against it, that’s fine. This is not for everyone!

Step 3 – Negotiations

This is where our experience really kicks in. Once you’ve decided that you’d like us to handle your story, we’ll work with you to produce a synopsis which we’ll then submit to the newspaper and magazine editors. Our aim here is to maximise the financial potential of your story by auctioning it to the highest bidder. If you’re happy with what we negotiate for you, then you sign a contract which confirms your fee. You are paid the full amount, our services cost you nothing. We are paid separately for writing the story. If for any reason you’re not happy — there is no obligation for you to go ahead. You can walk away and once again, nothing can be published.

Step 4 – Writing the story

It’s our job to write your story for whichever paper or magazine has bought the rights to publish it. This is what we’re paid for. Once it’s written and has been checked over with our editor, we’ll read it over the phone to you, word for word. The magazine will also do the same. This ensures you are happy with what finally goes to press.

Step 5 –Payment

You’ll be paid in full after your story has been published. We may also be able to sell your story on again, which will you mean you being paid again.

There you have it. It’s a simple process which works well – but don’t take our word for it. Many of our clients take the time to write to us to say how they found working with us. You’ll find some of their comments here.