My Job in 5: Daniel Eggleston

Describe your role
As social media and marketing assistant, my main task is to help get copies of Ulverscroft’s large print and audiobooks into libraries around the world. Working quarterly, this can take many forms from proofing marketing catalogues to creating email marketing campaigns and organising content for our social media channels.

What do you like best about your role?
Whether it’s sharing news of an upcoming adaptation with libraries, contacting an author to inform them we’ve published their title, or promoting an upcoming digital event, having the opportunity to encourage the enjoyment of books regardless of a person’s age or level of eyesight is my main highlight. Being allowed to utilise my creativity to make these things happen is also a bonus.

Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
Change is afoot at Ulverscroft. Having recently acquired Oakhill Publishing, launched two new large print imprints (Ulverscroft Collections and Publisher Selections), and with an update to our digital platform uLIBRARY coming soon, there are a number of different things to get stuck into at the moment. The first batch of Ulverscroft Collections authors have been announced, so I am currently organising social media content in relation to them. Through doing this, I’ve discovered the great works of James Herriot, H E Bates and Dorothy L Sayers, as well as rediscovering the brilliance of P G Wodehouse. With all of them creating such quotable works, this particular task has been no hardship.

What skills do you need for your role?
I think the most important skill is to be able to work as part of a team. Our marketing department is compact but by working together, we’re able to accomplish a lot of great things in a short amount of time. Being able to communicate is a key component to this success. A keen eye for detail is also beneficial, as we do a lot of proofing before the final product is released and, finally, you can never go wrong with a little bit of creativity.

What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. If they’re interesting enough, people will listen and they may be able to help make them even better.