If you receive contracts promising 'a minimum' amount or 'up to' a certain fee do not sign them.

This invariably means the agency has not got you a fee with any newspaper or magazine and is hoping to sign you up and then agree a lower price later.

When contracts have the term 'up to' in them it means the agency or publication could pay you as little as 1p if they wished.

Similarly, if someone offers you a minimum fee you will very rarely receive any more than the stated price.

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?