A former journalist is writing a practical guide for trainees starting out in the world of local newspapers.

Richard Evans, who worked for the Watford Observer, South London Press and Hull Daily Mail, is currently compiling titbits, anecdotes and lessons for a new book – and he’s asking reporters for their help.

Richard, who now works in PR, said: “I did pretty well at my journalism exams and I was confident I would hit the ground running.

“But I remember sitting down in my first week of my first job and being told I had to fill two broadsheet pages with news.

“I might have been able to tell you the intricacies of the libel laws affecting newspapers, but when it came to getting out there and getting stories, I didn’t have a clue.

“A lot of journalists I’ve spoken to have experienced the same thing, and hopefully this book will go some way towards closing that knowledge gap.

“There are so many good local journalists out there who have learned the best way to do things the hard way. I think it would be great to pass on those things to up-and-coming journalists.”

Richard says he is looking for anything not taught in the classroom – those unique lessons that only come with experience and time.

He added: “For example, when I first started I used to be completely honest with press officers about when my final deadline was and they would then be late back, which would mean the sub-editors would be on my back.

“So I’d really urge anyone with a gem of advice for being an effective local journalist to get in touch – whether it’s to do with great questions to ask in interviews, developing contacts, rules for structuring news stories, handling a temperamental newsdesk or dealing with complaints.”

Richard can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] or call 07789 760094.