Before selling your real life story, make sure that you feel confident about having your story told.

There is no point trying to get cash for your story and then deciding at the last minute that you want to pull out.

Once a newspaper or magazine is being printed they will not be able to stop the presses to pull out your story.

If you are worried about selling your real life story but want to speak to a press agency for advice, you can ask for a confidentiality email or letter which promises not to publish anything without your permission.

The press agency will always abide by confidentiality agreements because they don't want a bad reputation for being untrustworthy.

1. Make sure you are happy to sell your real life story.



2. Use a press agency rather than going direct to a publication - you will invariably end up with more money.



3. Ensure you get a contract outlining the exact fee for your real life story with a named publication.



4. Having photographs or film footage to back up your story will make it worth more money.



5. Don't be rushed into selling stories but do be aware that stories can drop in price as interest wanes.



6. Ensure that the publication using your story does not plan to syndicate it to other newspapers or magazines.



7. NEVER sign any contracts that offer you a fee with the terms 'up to' or 'a minimum of' written beside them.



8. If you have a 'big exclusive' or want newspaper, magazine, television and radio coverage use a publicity agent/ publicist.



9. You will get more money for your story if you agree to be named and photographed.



10. Can you prove your story is true?