All statistics are taken from the bookcareers.com 2008 Salary Survey and are the copyright of bookcareers.com.

Respondents completed an online form, between March and May 2008. The form was advertised to all those registered with bookcareers.com in Publishing News, and via trade associations such as the SYP, Women in Publishing, Galley Club and SFEP.

We received a total of 550 valid responses.

We really must thank all of these respondents for their input - without them this survey would not be possible.

* The average overall salary was £24,871 (£23,942 in 2004)

* The average starting salary was £17,300 (£16,300 in 2004)

* 82.8% of all respondents were under the age of 35
(80% of all respondents were under the age of 35 in 2004)

* 82.9% of respondents were female, 17.1% male
(78% of respondents were female, 22% male in 2004)

* Although across the board the sample ratio of male v female was low and should be used with caution, we found in the majority of instances men were receiving higher salaries than their female colleagues. (2004: Men are receiving higher salaries than women)