Tell me your story...

If you think you’ve got a story that might be of interest to one of the publications I write for, I'd love to hear from you. I can take care of everything – from interviewing you to get a better understanding of your story and approaching newspapers and magazines on your behalf, to making sure you’re happy with what has been written and guiding you through the publication process.

So why do people tell their stories and how does it work? Hopefully your questions are answered below:

What kind of stories appeal?

I might be biased (telling stories is my job!), but I’ve always believed that everyone has a story to tell. Magazines and newspapers are interested in all kinds of different tales, but I tend to specialise in stories about relationships, health and wellbeing, entrepreneurship, issues that affect women – especially in mid-life, pets, children and families, creativity and the environment. I can help you find the right publication for your own personal story.

And who publishes them?

I write stories for the national newspapers and a wide variety of magazines in the UK, as well as the local press in Northern Ireland – where I live – and some international magazines and online publications too. I can work with you to make sure I pitch your story to the right commissioning editors. Or you may have a favourite publication you’d like to approach as a starting point.

Will you be paid?

That depends on which publications are interested in your story. Some magazines pay their case studies – but increasingly many now don't. I can work to secure a case study payment on your behalf, if appropriate.

Are there any other benefits?

Yes!

You may be keen to promote your own brand, website, or increase your social media followers, and most newspapers and magazines are happy to support this.

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 a website.

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 good platform to speak out about serious and topical issues in the national agenda.

How do I know I can trust Jade with my story?

Talking to a journalist can be a bit daunting, but I have decades of experience meeting all different kinds of people and strive to make all my interviews and interactions as respectful, professional, warm and friendly as possible. I speak with people all over the world and do the majority of my interviews via phone call or Zoom, depending on your geography and what you’re most comfortable with. But if we happen to be based not too far from each other, a face-to-face chat could be an option too – it’s always nice to meet in-person.

I love speaking with new people and my aim is to make sure you’re happy with the way your story has been told and feel it has been a positive and worthwhile experience.

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 me, you can check out my Facebook and Instagram. Or get in touch and ask some questions. You don’t have to commit to anything until you’re sure.

Can I see the story before it goes to press?

That depends on the publication, but I do try to offer a read-through of my draft before it’s submitted, on the understanding that at that point I do relinquish editorial control and it can be edited during the design and production process. This gives you an opportunity to hear what I’ve written, and we can discuss the wording, or any changes you’d like to make, together.

Some publications offer further read-backs, either in-house or via myself, once a story has been edited and before it goes to press. This depends on each publication’s individual policy, but I can advise you on exactly what to expect, and can certainly talk through your story with you to help you feel at ease.

And finally, what if my story doesn't get picked up?

If I’m not successful in finding a home for your story, I will always feed back to you and we can discuss 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 commissioning editors are looking for at that moment – it's rarely a reflection on the strength of your story. Sometimes it might be worth trying again at a later date, when news agendas may have changed.

What do I do now?

Get in touch! Ask questions! Send me an email… an Instagram message… or pick up the phone. Visit the 'Contact' page to send a message.

You can also find plenty of feedback on my work on my Instagram – I tend to keep in touch with people.