404 Ink bags collection of advice from successful Scots

Indie press 404 Ink is publishing a student’s collection of life and careers advice from from successful Scots including Andy Murray and Ali Smith.

Publisher Heather McDaid acquired world rights for Never, Ever Take Anybody's Advice on Anything direct from the book’s 21-year-old editor Euan Lownie. It will be published in November.

Lownie has been working on the project throughout his teens, asking Scots what advice they would give to people starting out. He received a Hunter Foundation 100 Disrupters grant, set up by businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to encourage ambitious young people with their projects and, after he asked 404 Ink for advice, the press decided to publish the book.

Its synopsis explains: “From actor Alan Cumming and Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches, Wimbledon champ Andy Murray to Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay and bestselling author Ali Smith, founders of organisations and businesses including Glasgow Women’s Library, Social Bite, The Hunter Foundation, and BHP Comics, to scientists, nurses, designers, and more across various professions and trades, Never, Ever Take Anybody’s Advice on Anything: And Other Advice on Careers and Life from Successful Scots looks to offer help to those looking to their future with advice on specific careers, and more broadly life, by showcasing the talent Scotland has to offer. A perfect motivational pep talk for students to those looking for daily motivation alike.”

Lownie said: “I started this project on leaving school. I thought that having a collection of career advice from successful Scots would be useful in helping people to pursue their dream careers (including me). I was overwhelmed at the response I got from the people I contacted and thought this could make an interesting and helpful book. I’m over the moon that the book is being published. It’s all a bit mad really!”

McDaid added: “When Euan approached us for advice for his book, we were so impressed by the project and all the work he had done that instead we offered to help make the book a reality. Euan has undertaken a fantastic project with the goal to help people at a crucial point in their lives, and we’re delighted to be able to help him make that happen!”