What was the first piece of book business related advice you were given?

I was told to read widely, but it wasn’t advice I needed to be honest, I’ve been a voracious reader since my early years.  When I was starting out as an editor, I learnt that a book has to be more than just ‘good enough’ to be taken on by agents and publishers.  It needs a spark or something just that little bit more for them to get enthusiastic about it.

What was the most recent piece of bookish advice you gave or received?

I was talking to a young person who wanted to get into publishing, and I suggested they try and get a job in a bookshop.  There is no better training ground for understanding the book industry today and for meeting readers.  Readers should be at the heart of everything publishers do, but they can get side-lined!

I think everyone should make friends with their local bookshop.  Booksellers have a wealth of knowledge that they love to share, and bookshops are such beautiful places to spend time in.

What piece of advice would you most like to pass on?

Never have a reading pile bigger than your head – actually I can’t say I follow that!  Prioritise reading, it’s really good for your health (many studies have shown) and it’s one of the first things that gets put aside in busy lives.  It can be as simple as setting aside an hour at the weekend as your own personal book moment, and you’ll find it spreads!  Of course if you’re struggling, you can always come on a Reading Retreat…

Biography – Cressida Downing is a freelance editor who has worked in bookselling and publishing for over 25 years.  She runs www.readingretreat.co.uk with her business partner, Sara Noel, dedicated to taking readers away and letting them fall back in love with reading again.