About Alison Smith-Squire

Alison Smith Squire My career began straight from comprehensive school in 1981 making tea for staff at a London press agency. Following six months memorising how everyone took their tea and coffee, I was at last given the chance to become a trainee journalist.

After four more years of studying law and working shifts as a trainee reporter, I finally became a fully qualified NCTJ journalist in 1985. At this London press agency, I worked as a national news and crime reporter covering dozens of cases at crown courts, magistrates courts, employment tribunals, strikes, demonstrations and sadly, covering several cases of missing children and horrific national disasters.

After a spell on the Luton News where I edited my own edition of the paper organising front page stories and writing a personal column, I went freelance selling real life stories to women’s magazines.

Shortly after, I also began writing for many national newspapers specialising in selling exclusive stories.
I’ve now worked for the national press for over 20 years with more than 15 of those years spent as an independent freelance journalist.

I’ve lost count of the number of true-life stories I’ve sold to women’s magazines and the national press. But, because I take a personal interest in every story I write, I never forget anyone I interview. I’m pleased to say that many people whose stories I’ve sold have become firm friends. The vast number of interviewees also come back to me – sometimes years later – to sell a follow up to their story. And frequently, they recommend me to their friends and relatives.

I set up Featureworld.co.uk on the internet in 2006 and it was one of the first sell my story websites of its kind. Today Featureworld.co.uk is firmly established in the selling real life story market as a leader in its field and I sell stories on a daily basis to all the national newspapers and women's magazines. I also place stories with TV and syndicate stories (with an interviewee's consent) around the world.

As well as selling real life stories, I also cover hard news stories taking on commissions and research for national newspapers. When newspapers and magazines come to me to write a story, I don't believe in handing that story to another – perhaps more junior - writer to do. The same applies to interviewees. When selling stories I take an honest and direct approach. I believe interviewees prefer to deal with one person from start to finish, someone whom they can trust totally who will not only market and sell their story to a newspaper or magazine but negotiate a price, write their story and ensure they are paid. This is why when people come to me via Featureworld.co.uk to sell their story, I personally interview and also write their story. This ensures the best working relationship between myself and an interviewee and this way a tight control is kept over their story.

What people say:

“Thank you very much for all your work and a great story you did. I appreciate everything you have done. If anyone else is interested in the story please let me know as I would love to sell my story again as a warning to others. Thank you again for all your help.”

Joanna McDermott
Story: My Gastric Band ruined my life.
Paper: sold to Daily Mirror

“It’s been a pleasure doing yet another article with you. Let me know if there are any others I can do!”

Lynn Cassidy

“Many people would not feel comfortable discussing such a personal issue with a journalist but you are so easy to talk to and never judgemental.”

Beverli Rhodes
Story: Lynn and Beverli’s both told their stories about how they left their husbands for a woman.
Paper: Both stories sold to Daily Mail

“It was a lovely two page spread and I was really happy with it. I hope we have more deals with other publications in the future as it has been a pleasure to work with you. I was extremely worried about selling my story in the beginning but am happy with the results.”

Terrie Duhamel
Story: Pregnant aged 11
Paper: Sunday People. Terrie’s story also appeared in That’s Life magazine.

"You can tell Alison anything. She is never shocked nor judgemental. She is also brutally honest. You can ask a question and she will tell you the truth, even if it's not what you want to hear!"
An interviewee.

“The reason we have always gone through Alison is that she has not only always done her best to protect us but has also gone the extra mile by offering us words of comfort during hard times. She is not only a publicist or journalist, but also a friend.”
Mark McDougall and Kerry Robertson

Media Agent's Social Networking Links