How to Write - Edited by Philip Oltermann

(Note to reader: I’ve TWO COPIES of How to Write to giveaway and all details can be found at the end of this post)

For anyone considering a career in writing, How to Write presents advice from a range of leading professionals who reveal the tricks of their respective trades, as well as insights into the way they work.

Amongst others, Catherine Tate offers her advice on navigating the troubled waters of writing funny stuff, Michael Rosen discusses how to construct stories that will captivate a young audience, Tony Benn suggests how to write a diary and Philippa Gregory shares advice on how to research a historical novel. For budding journalists, Max Arthur looks at the basic rules of interview etiquette, Simon Jenkins asks ‘Are journalists born or made?’ and Lynn Barber advises on interviewing celebrities.

How to Write is brimming with information that will be useful to any number of new writers. There are dedicated chapters on fiction, books for children, memoir and biography, journalism, plays and screenplays and comedy. There are practical exercises and inspiring ideas, complete with checklists, exercises and further reading sections throughout. A comprehensive guide to style, grammar and punctuation is provided, as well as an A to Z of style terms. For writers ready to submit, there is a writers’ directory with advice on how to make that first approach, as well as a directory of publishers, literary agents, trade press, societies and associations. This directory will provide a basis, but further research will be needed before submission (for contact names and individual submission guidelines).

When I was considering approaching agents and publishers, I bought both Writer’s Market UK and The Writer’s Handbook. They were heavy directories and this is where How to Write differs. Packed with lots of accessible anecdotes and advice, this book offers very rounded guidance and delves into numerous aspects of writing. How to Write is the size of a standard paperback, will fit into your handbag or manbag and will help any aspiring writer to polish both their focus, their ambition and their writing style. It is an essential read for any would-be writer.

How to Write can be bought here.

And, the people at Guardian Books have agreed that I can give away TWO copies of How to Write. All you have to do is leave a ‘please pick me’ comment by 3pm (GMT) August 20, then I’ll pop all names in a mug and ask a small child to select a winner. This competition is open to all.