Claudia Madden
@claudiamadden
Arts graduate and books retail professional with a path into publishing.
What I'm looking for
I’m an arts graduate with extensive retail experience in a part-time role, and I thrive on customer connection. I’m enthusiastic, approachable, and known for strong communication and customer service.
In my current role as a Sales Assistant at The Athlone Bookshop, I handle opening and closing, cash counting, and daily paperwork, alongside merchandising and shelving deliveries. I also run the shop’s social media to advertise stock and keep customers up to date, and I plan in-store events like book launches and poetry readings.
I’m equally energized by editorial work. As part of the Editorial Team on ROPES Literary Journal, I commissioned new work from established authors, read and selected submissions within set timelines, and coordinated with marketing and design teams for upcoming events. I also copy-edited pieces before going to print, supporting a team of 18 people with weekly meetings and ongoing collaboration.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to build my knowledge and skills for a long-term goal of working in publishing. I bring a proactive approach to problem-solving, flexibility to adapt quickly, and a strong passion for literature—backed by proofreading, researching, and copy editing experience.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Sales Assistant
The Athlone Bookshop
Mar 2023 - Present (3 years 3 months)
Handled daily shop opening/closing, cash counting, and daily paperwork while pricing, shelving, and processing delivery items. Provided customer service by handling orders and recommending books, and ran the shop’s social media plus in-store events.
Editorial Team Member
Ropes Literary Journal
Sep 2022 - May 2023 (8 months)
Commissioned new work from established authors and selected submissions within allocated timeframes for ROPES Literary Journal. Worked with a team of 18 through weekly meetings, coordinated with marketing and design for events, and copy-edited pieces prior to print.
Sales Assistant
Bookstation
Sep 2020 - Jan 2023 (2 years 4 months)
Delivered strong customer service by helping customers with queries across books, stationery, and cards. Supported day-to-day shop upkeep through housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and welcoming sales floor.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Galway
Master of Arts, Literature & Publishing
Completed a Master of Arts in Literature & Publishing in 2023.
Maynooth University
Bachelor of Arts, English
Grade: 2.1
Activities and societies: Undergraduate dissertation supervised by published poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin.
Completed a Bachelor of Arts (Single Major in English) in 2020 with a 2.1.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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