You might imagine most people sell a story to make some money – and the more cash they sell a story for, the better.
But I have always maintained that while as a media agent, selling an interviewee’s story to gain them money is my job – and I find interviewees do want to be paid fairly for selling a personal story – I rarely find it is the their only motivation.
For some people, the motivation can be simply getting their story in print – for others, it might be promoting their business. But for many people that come to Sell My Story website Featureworld, top of their list is sharing their story to gain awareness.
Mum of two Lucy Hayes is typical. Lucy’s story about how she is fighting a brain tumour was printed in the Daily Mirror and I know for her it was important she got her story out there to give hope to others. So I was delighted to receive this via the Featureworld Facebook page.
Mrs M wrote: “I am recently diagnosed with a non cancerous meningioma. I thank you so much for your recent story in the daily mirror. I am waiting to see the neurologist but I have been on edge since it was first spotted. I don’t know my prognosis but obviously I am worried. Reading Lucy’s story has given me hope as I was writing my will amongst other things. Can you give her my details as I would be very interested in talking to Lucy. Thank you very much”
And following another recent story – Sara Hornsey, an ambulance worker, who was paralysed after a swine flu vaccine – I received several requests to speak with Sara from others who’ve experienced the same thing. Again, Sara told her story in the Daily Mail primarily to warn others.
Ms T emailed me: “Thank you so much for publicising Sara’s story – at last i know what i had / have wrong with me … I cannot thank you enough for getting Sara’s story the exposure it deserves. Please pass on this email and my very best wishes to Sara… Thank you again – Very best regards to you both.”
Needless to say all emails are passed to interviewees – proof that such publicity can be so helpful to others. And of course the bonus is going through a media agent means you will always be paid as well!
To discuss selling your story, and what you hope to achieve from selling a story, contact me here: Sell my Story inquiry
Read other recently sold stories: Archives
