Why a consumer friendly television plug wouldn't go amiss...

Mary Lawson's lecture was both inspirational and sobering. Inspirational because she is as brilliant a public speaker as she is a writer and sobering because despite her obvious talent, it took her twelve years to get "Crow Lake", her first novel, published.

Her second novel, "The Other Side of the Bridge", was long listed for the Booker prize and selected by Richard and Judy. Which had the most impact on sales? Richard and Judy, by far.

A majority of consumers are as confused by the thousands of books on offer in the average Waterstones as they are by the infamous "wall of wine" often quoted in surveys.

Richard and Judy's recommendations have given them confidence to try new authors. One novel on their list is allegedly enough to keep a publisher afloat for six months to a year.

Wine competitions, like literary prizes, help consumers pick the best of the bunch. Like literary prizes though, their impact on sales is limited, possibly because they are, quite rightly, seen to reward excellence, something the average consumer can find intimidating.

The beauty of the Richard and Judy selection is its approachability. Instead of selecting books solely for their literary merit, it points them out to readers, promising enjoyment, just as a friend would. Being on television helps, of course.

This is exactly what Jilly and Oz used to do and they proved it works for wine too. Oz and James May's recent series was huge fun to watch but could have achieved even more by recommending a selection of relevant wines at the end of each episode.

With the price of wine going one way and disposable incomes the other, our business needs all the help it can get and a consumer friendly television plug would be a good place to start.

After twenty years (ill?) spent in the Wine Trade, Anne Burchett is currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing and writing a novel set - unsurprisingly - in the world of wine.

• Harpers Says...