Join our book writing contest

The Herald is teaming up with publishing firm Mighty Pens to encourage writers of all standards to craft their own book. Many of us would like to write a book – a novel, or even a short story. Among us there are people who have a great fictional tale inside them, an interesting life story or perhaps an interest in birds of prey, historic buildings, or Scottish life.

Mighty Pens produces books in many different ways from basic publishing for family and fun to commercial publishing. Books can be hardback, paperback, e-books and audio. Mighty Pens also has a coaching facility. The possibilities are enormous since Mighty Pens can help you with novels, short stories, full-scale non-fiction books and articles, script-writing, songwriting, press and marketing, website copy, poetry and just about anything else that requires writing. Browse mightypens.co.uk and email for further advice. Mention HMPP in your message for priority information.

HOW TO ENTER:

If you are over 18 write a short story or non-fiction article of no more than 1200 words. The subject matter must be suitable for general readership. The piece must not have appeared before in any other publication or been placed in another competition.

Send your entry with your name, postal address and email and phone number, and mark your entry HMPSS to competitions@theherald.co.uk or by post to The Herald Writing Competition, Marketing department, The Herald, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow, G32 8FG.

The closing date is February 16 at noon. There will be three winners selected by the Herald-Mighty Pens panel. Prizes include:

* A personal appraisal by one of Mighty Pens’ award-winning coaches

* Mighty Pens Membership for a year

* Your work appearing on The Herald website

* Your work in Mighty Pens Magazine

* A Mighty Pens coaching course of your choice

Editor’s decision is final.