How to sell a front page story to the Sunday Mirror and other national newspapers for the highest fee possible
If you are wondering how to sell a front page story, you’re in the right place. We provide a free service to help clients sell their stories for the most cash possible. We take all of the stress and uncertainty away from dealing with the national press; making sure you stay in control, and get paid.
This weekend, a Talk to the Press client’s story appeared on the front page in the Sunday Mirror to speak out about Bolton manager Neil Lennon.
The client – who remained anonymous in the story – bravely approached Talk to the Press in the hope of exposing her ex-lover Lennon, after he threatened to hurt her if she revealed their affair.
After we took on her story we knew it was suitable for a front page story and arranged a fantastic deal for our client, ensuring that she remained anonymous and received the highest offer possible from the publication.
If you have a front page story for the Sunday Mirror or any other newspaper, we have fantastic resources and contacts to make that happen for you. The Sunday Mirror is one of our biggest clients and we place stories with them every week.
Approaching a big Sunday paper directly can be daunting, and clients often a worry that their story will either be told incorrectly or that the fee they have been offered is not a fair one.
At Talk to the Press, we bypass junior reporters and speak to the editors who have the authority to make quick decisions and offer big money for stories. Our contacts there span across the news and features desks, so you can be sure your story will have the best chance of gaining as much money and coverage as possible.
What’s more, we make sure every client receives a full readback of their story before it’s printed, to make sure you are happy with the way the piece is written.
Tell me how to sell a front page story? What is the process?
When you send us your story via the Story Valuation form, or call the Talk to the Press desk, one of our friendly and experienced writers will speak to you over the phone to discuss your story in more detail.
During this confidential chat, the writer will ask for as many details about your story as possible, as well as any relevant photos and supporting evidence. Nothing you tell us will be shared with anyone or any publication until you decide to take it further.
To give your story the best possible chance of appearing on the front page of a paper like the Sunday Mirror, having plenty of photos and evidence to back up what you are saying is vital.
Sometimes clients are worried that sending over information means then we will run the story without your consent. This would never happen; we are here to guide your media journey and protect you. To put your mind at rest, we email all our clients confidentiality agreements during that first chat.
Many clients ask to remain anonymous, especially if the story involves a juicy tip or a celebrity. This is absolutely fine – though it is worth remembering that the Sunday Mirror offers higher fees if the person in the story is willing to go ‘on the record’ (be named and pictured).
During this initial chat, the writer will be able to tell you whether or not your story is strong enough to take on – and whether it could be a front page story.
After that, we will get to work on getting an offer in place!
However, if we secure you an offer and it’s not what you were hoping for, you are absolutely not obliged to go through with anything – and your information will remain confidential.
Once we have secured you an offer, one of our experienced writers will work on the copy. From there, you will receive a full readback of the piece before it is sent over to the Sunday Mirror. This offers you the chance to hear the piece back, correct any inaccuracies and be sure that you’re happy with it.
Remember, Talk to the Press is here to represent you – so our biggest concern is that you are pleased with the way your story has been told and the fee you have been received.
If you have a front-page story for the Sunday Mirror, give us a call today or fill out the Story Valuation form on this page and we’ll get straight back to you. You only need to give us the bare bones of the story at this stage, so you don’t need to write more than a few lines. To read more about how to sell a story to the national press, see our Sell My Story page.
See a selection of our recent clients below…
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