Any professional storytellers out there?

[InMySpareTime]

I want to use my skills as a storyteller to start my own business. I was thinking of starting out by oral storytelling in libraries, day nurseries and at children's parties.
Has anyone successfully done this?
Any advice re. Networking, usual rates etc. will be gratefully received.

Just me?

Have you joined your local storytelling club as they will have the connections.
Where in the country are you?
I know people who are professional storytellers, but none who pay their mortgages from it.

I'm in Greater Manchester. My mortgage is not dependent on my income, my previous wage was only £5k pa anyway.
I mostly wanted a handle on what the going rate is really.

www.mouthofthemersey.org.uk/storytellers.html
www.wordofmouthstorytelling.org.uk/main/

google is your friend

I have contacted word of mouth already, and joined the society for storytelling.
Thank you for your help.

But seriously, are there no storytellers at all, on the whole of Mumsnet? There seem to be enough journalists, authors and proofreaders on here, I didn't think it was that unusual a profession.

depends if they see this forum

Where would they be?

anywhere - depends on their other interests - maybe on a reading forum or elsewhere on work, or childcare ...

What do you mean storyteller? you mean you can actually do this as a job?

I am off to google Soc of Storytelling. But please tell me more! How did you get started?

And have you seen this:
www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/mar/20/philip-pullman-brothers-grimm-fairytales

He is brilliantly interesting on the subject of these, and the way they are written/told - the stripped-down, action-builds-on-action approach.

I have always been interested in stories and oral storytelling (as opposed to reading out books). Working at a day nursery I frequently get praise for my storytelling, from colleagues, parents and DCs.
I decided to take something I love doing, and am good at, and see if people will pay me to do it. Early days yet, but the buzz is good already, I have a good network set up for when my notice is over at my day job.
The usual response when I tell people is "that's the perfect job for you" and "you could tell stories at X place, I know someone you can contact"
It may not be lucrative, but it will definitely be fun. I am only starting this venture as DH earns enough for day to day costs.
My story money can go back into building the business, or be used for family extras.

Hi i love story telling and i sell childrens books, i get asked to go in and read stories a lot whether i am any good or not i do not know ! It is fun though

Hooray! I finally found another storyteller. Are there just very few of us, or are they all hanging out somewhere other than MN?