Should I sell my story? A few things to consider

I was contacted today by a family who’ve been offered cash for their story for a human interest feature in a women’s magazine.

They had concerns about whether it was the right thing to do. It’s a big decision and one that’s worth drawing up a plan to deal with as it’s unlikely you’ll get the genie back in the bottle.

While we were talking I came up with the following list of considerations in weighing up the options.

Having googled around the advice presented around the search terms of selling stories – mostly red tops, women’s mags and PR agencies – there doesn’t seem to be much attention paid to what happens after that initial story goes out.

I hope these thoughts will help anyone in a similar situation;

Pros
Amplification of your issue of concern.
Connection – to a worldwide audience, experts, the powerful, decision makers.
Money – personal.
Money – for those affected more generally eg. charities, hospitals, campaigns.
Support – taps network of people similarly affected.
Serendipity – unexpected connection/outcomes/opportunities.

Cons
Everything family does is potentially moved into the public domain eg. Finances, relationship breakdown, births, deaths, marriages.
The whole family is in the public eye, not just subject.
Potential for revisit every anniversary/birthday/Christmas.
Online archive – friends, business associates, partners, new relationships etc. know this aspect of life forever.
Crazies, conmen and shysters come out of the woodwork.
Potential for future life and personality to be defined by this specific episode.

I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has advice to offer in this area – please do feel free to add your comments.