Tell your story
If you think you’ve got a story to tell, but don’t know where to start, Belfast News & Features can help. Experienced journalist Jade Beecroft can take care of everything – from putting together your story and approaching newspapers and magazines on your behalf, to making sure you’re happy with what has been written and negotiating the best price for you in the event that a fee is offered.
So why do people tell their stories and how does it work? Hopefully your questions are answered below:
What kind of stories appeal?
You may have heard the saying that “everyone has got a story to tell”. Magazines and newspapers are interested in all kinds of different tales, including stories about relationships, health problems, crimes, pets, spooky tales, children and families, and weight loss successes. Jade can help you find the right publication for your own personal story.
And who publishes them?
Belfast News & Features provides stories to local and national newspapers – both in Northern Ireland and across the UK – as well as a wide variety of magazines. Jade can work with you to make sure we pitch your story to the right publication. Or you may have a favourite magazine you’d like to approach as a starting point.
Will I be paid?
That depends on who is interested in your story. Some publications pay their case studies and some don't. It also depends on how much of your story they want to publish (will it be a double page spread – or a small item?) and how many different newspapers and magazines are interested. Belfast News & Features will aim to get you the best deal for telling your tale exclusively.
Are there any other benefits?
Yes!
Often people want to tell their story to raise awareness of a cause or charity close to their hearts. You can also donate your fee (if you receive one) to the charity or good cause you are supporting and request that a link be published to your fundraising page or the charity's own website.
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Speaking to a newspaper or magazine is also a great way to publicise health concerns, such as rare illnesses, and raise awareness of symptoms. Or you may want to raise the profile of a campaign you are involved in. It's also a great way to speak out about serious and topical issues in the national agenda that you may be involved in or have a view on – such as domestic violence or equality.
How do I know I can trust Belfast News & Features?
Talking to a journalist can be a bit daunting, but Jade has years of experience meeting all different kinds of people, and she will work hard to make you feel relaxed. She can travel to meet you in your own home, or a more neutral place like a coffee shop or library. She can also chat to you over the phone, or even send you some questions via email or Facebook if you’d prefer.
For the majority of people, face-to-face or telephone interviews work best. Jade loves meeting new people and her aim is to make sure you’re happy with the way your story has been told and have something to show for it – whether that be a great article about a cause that's important to you, or a bit of cash to go on holiday or spend on the kids. She'll work hard to make sure you're happy with the results.
If you’re going to tell a personal story to a stranger, then you need to be able to trust them. If you want to find out more about Jade, you can check out her Facebook page and Instagram. Or get in touch and ask some questions. You don’t have to commit to anything until you’re sure.
So how does it work?
Initially Jade will ask you a few questions to get a brief outline of your story. She will then go away and approach the most appropriate magazines or newspapers on your behalf, to see if they are interested in your tale.
If you get an offer, or even several offers, Jade will discuss with you the best way forward. It may be that you are asked to sign a contract with a particular publication to give them the exclusive right to be the first to print your story.
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, Jade will then meet you or call you to do a fuller interview. She works evenings and weekends so can find the best time to suit you, and you could invite a friend or partner to come along too, if you feel you may want their input.
After that…. Your job is done! Belfast News & Features will take care of the rest. Jade will write your story and liaise with the publication on your behalf to make sure you know when it's going to be published. If you have any queries along the way, Jade will aim to get them answered for you.
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As you know, most magazine and newspaper stories also need to be illustrated. Jade can help you decide what photos you want to submit for publication, and she can also take new photographs of you to accompany your story.
Can I see the story before it goes to press?
That depends on the publication. Many women's magazines offer a read-back service, which means Jade will read the story she has written back to you before it's submitted, so you know exactly what it says and can advise her on any additions or edits you want to make.
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Newspapers, on the other hand, tend not to offer this type of copy approval, but Jade can certainly talk through your story with you to help you feel at ease.
What do I do now?
Get in touch! Ask questions! Sends Jade an email… a Facebook message… or pick up the phone. Visit the 'Contact' page to send a message.
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You can also find plenty of feedback on Jade's work on her Facebook page as she tends to keep in touch with most of the people she works with.
And finally, what if my story doesn't get picked up?
If Belfast News & Features cannot find a publication interested in your story, then Jade will let you know and advise you what to do next. There are various reasons why stories don't get picked up. Perhaps there has been a similar story to yours in the news quite recently. Or it might just not be what the editors are looking for. Sometimes it might be worth holding onto your story, and trying to again in a couple of month’s time when news agendas may have changed.
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