1/ Why should I choose to tell my story to Cavendish Press?
As one of the oldest, most respected agencies in the business, Cavendish enjoys a fantastic reputation within the media. If we’re offering a story round, magazines and newspapers know they can expect a great article, which is legally sound and already has all the information they need. Not all agencies and freelance journalists can make the same claim.
2/ Why shouldn’t I sell my story direct to a magazine or newspaper?
Dealing with the media can be a scary business, especially if you’ve got lots of companies fighting for your story. As we deal with all the magazines and newspapers on a daily basis, we’ve built up great contacts and can act as your agent, making sure you are paid the most money possible and that your story is told your way.
3/ How much money can I expect to receive for my story?
You can be paid anything from £250 to £2000 or more for your story, depending on what it involves and who’s interested in it. Magazines and newspapers will make us offers for your fee - the more companies that are interested, the more money you can expect.
4/ Does Cavendish Press keep any of my fee?
No, absolutely not! We are paid separately by the magazine or newspaper for writing the story. Once we’ve agreed your fee with you, you’ll receive the entire amount on publication of your story – no strings attached.
5/ When will I get paid?
Magazines and newspapers have different time scales for paying fees, but at Cavendish we expect you to be paid no later than two months after your story has been published.
6/ Will I have to sign anything?
Yes, magazines and newspapers will usually want to tell your story exclusively, so you’d have to sign a contract speak to any other media until after your story has been published. This contract also gives you a written guarantee of the money you’re owed, so it’s in your own interest to sign.
7/ Do I have to be identified and have my photo taken?
Usually yes, many publications will expect you to pose for photographs and provide pictures that are relevant to the story. We have a professional team of photographers and some magazines even offer a full makeover, including clothes, hair and make-up, before a shoot. However, there are certain circumstances where your identity can be concealed – for example if you’ve been victim to a crime and there are legal or personal safety implications. In these cases we’ll take every step to make sure you’re not identified.
8/ How does the interview process work?
Once you’ve decided to tell your story, one of our features writers will arrange to call you at a time to suit you and talk you through the interview over the phone. People often find phone interviews less intrusive and they make the whole process quicker, but if you’d prefer to talk face-to-face, we’ll happily arrange this.
Interviews usually last around 45 minutes depending on the story and at Cavendish we guarantee you’ll be treated as a person, not just a number, in the sensitive and professional manner you deserve.<
9/ How can I be sure my story will be told the way I want?
At Cavendish, we realise your story is about your life, so we want you to be happy with how it’s told. We’ll go through your story to make sure you are completely happy with it.
10/ If I tell you my story, will you use it without my permission?
No, we would not use your story ahead of you signing any contract with us. Some stories can be published in more than one magazine or newspaper and we often have interest from TV shows such as GMTV and This Morning. But we’ll always contact you to discuss what you want to do and negotiate the best deal for you, before agreeing anything.
11/ Can I refer a friend to you?
Yes! And you could earn yourself £50 if your friend’s story is published.