Selling your real life story can be a minefield. Usually, if you find yourself thrust into the media spotlight - whether it be a local, regional or national paper, you'll have several 'journalists' contact you.

Most likely, they will all tell you different things, and, very likely, all will want you to tell and sell your story through them. The attention and confusion can leave you, literally, not knowing which way to turn.

At Caters we firstly realise everyone is unique and every story different. As an agency, we employ professional journalists and writers and specialise in providing a tailor made service for you.

We have dedicated friendly teams based in Birmingham city centre, as well as at our sister office in central London. Specialising in giving independent expert advice on how best to handle your story, along with advising which magazines or newspapers to target, we keep you in control of your own story.

Whether it be exposure of a love rat, highlighting particular injustice, triumph over tragedy or just the simply strange or quirky we'll talk step through step of how best to handle your story and to obtain you the best possible fee. That fee, depending on the story, can be a very substantial amount, in some cases enough to jet off on a new holiday or buy a new car... or even to raise money for a charity of your choice.

Either way, stories, no matter how insignificant you think they are can all be of interest to newspapers and magazines.. and ALL will carry a fee for you.

As you may expect, we don't work for free, but our service literally does not cost you a penny. We are paid separately by newspapers and magazines. I suppose you could compare us to 100% no win, no fee lawyers.. we work for nothing unless your story is sold. And even then we are paid separately to you.

But be warned! Taking the wrong advice and making the wrong decision can cost you dearly...

With that in mind, we've compiled our honest, impartial check list of what to do and look for when selling your story...