If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it" Toni Morrison

Novel, memoir, screenplay or children's book - whatever you're thinking of writing, this guide brings you the tricks of the trade from those in the know. Whether it's Robert Harris on penning fiction that sells, Catherine Tate on writing for laughs or Michael Rosen on captivating young minds - this book is packed full of invaluable advice from published authors and professionals alike.

If you want to polish up your writing skills, there are practical exercises and inspiring ideas; and if you need guidance on grammar, there is a complete handbook of style. You'll also find pointers on how to get published, plus a full directory of publishers, agents and other useful contacts, to ensure your manuscript finds its way into the right hands.

Covering everything from getting started to seeing your work in print, How to Write is essential reading for every budding writer.

Draws together material from "The Guardian"'s 'How To Write' supplements in 2008, covering fiction, poetry, comedy, screenwriting, biography and journalism.

"The Guardian"'s 2008 "How to Write" supplements were a huge success with wordsmiths of all stripes. Covering fiction, poetry, comedy, screen writing, biography and journalism, they offered invaluable advice and bags of encouragement from a range of leading professionals. This book draws together the material from those supplements.