A new guide explaining everything about the journalism industry has been published to offer expert advice from an in-the-know author.

Telegraph boss Kim Fletcher, chairman of the National Council for the Training of Journalists, is the man behind The Journalist’s Handbook – which covers everything from how to get a scoop to how you can avoid libel.

The paperback draws on his experiences – from starting out as a junior at the Sheffield Star, right through to becoming editorial director of The Telegraph Group.

The Journalist’s Handbook is billed as the most up-to-date on the market and has been published as a response to the industry remaining a highly attractive career choice. It is packed with hints, advice and contacts.

Kim’s best advice is: “Become a sponge.

“Once you are around journalists, pay attention. You will learn more from watching your colleagues in action than from any course in journalism.

“Listen how they deal with people on the phone, watch them on a doorstep, see how they handle an interview. Most of all, read their stories.”

His book gives the low-down on all areas of the business, from local weekly and daily newspapers through to magazines, specialist press and broadcasting. There is also a section on the rise of the Internet journalist and explains how freelancers sell their stories.

It tackles stereotype journalists, such as the Fleet Street hard-nosed hacks, and explains how to get into this glamorous profession.

Once in the door, this book also tells you how to get on and even how to write stories. Different writing techniques for quality, middle-market and popular newspapers are covered

It’s got vital information on media law, privacy and ethics, looks at morality – all backed up with great quotes from journalists working at some of the country’s leading publications.

The book is also a mini-encyclopaedia of press contacts, including names, addresses and numbers from the national and regional press, as well as magazines, news agencies and professional associations. There’s a big list of awards to enter for, and a section devoted to bursaries and grants to help get your career off to a solvent start.

The author has worked on Fleet Street since 1981 as a news reporter, feature writer, news editor and editor, his career history adding weight to the advice and arguments in the book.

He was a staff reporter, specialist correspondent and weekly columnist for the Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph, news editor and deputy editor of the Sunday Telegraph, and editor of the Independent on Sunday. He is now editorial director of the Telegraph Group Ltd, and is also a frequent broadcaster on national television and radio.

The Journalist’s Handbook, (ISBN 1405040882), is on sale at £14.99.