Welcome to the “Friend” team, Eddy!
We just have a few questions . . .
You came to us from Findmypast. What did you do there?
I was primarily working on the digitisation of the 1921 Census (which is due for release in early 2022) by monitoring the quality of transcription and categorising the back-end data.
I also put aside time to write newspaper histories for the British Newspaper Archives.
What made you decide to apply to the “Friend”?
I’m a writer at heart, and I’ve always been keen to gravitate my career towards the publishing industry – and this was an opportunity to work for a celebrated and longstanding publication.
I knew I could feel at home here, so I couldn’t resist.
You’ve started at an unusual time, with the “Friend” team all working from home. How are you finding it?
It’s certainly a strange way to start a new role! But everyone I’ve met (well, sort of met) has been very welcoming and helpful in getting me into the swing of things.
What will your new job on the Production team involve?
I’ll be sub-editing stories and features for the “Friend”, making sure all spelling, grammar, punctuation and everything else is correct before it goes to press.
What are you most looking forward to doing in your new job?
I’m really excited to be able to utilise my love of reading and writing on a daily basis.
But I’m also looking forward to the learning that will come from working with like-minded people, and from simply being a part of such an historic title.
I’m also excited to read a lot of fiction and interesting features, as well as get to know regular contributors.
Favourite reading?
I’ll delve into most genres, but I spend a lot of time reading horror, fantasy and historical fiction. C.J. Sansom’s “Shardlake” series has been a recent favourite, a murder mystery in Tudor London.
My favourite books are “Rosemary’s Baby” by Ira Levin and “Stoner” by John Williams, a beautiful novel about what it means to live a life.
Do you have any connections to the “Friend”?
I may remember seeing it in an aunt’s house, but I’d have to ask them!
Meet more of the “Friend” team here.
Find out what we’ve been up to lately over on our blog.
Iain McDonald I am the Digital Content Editor at the “Friend”, making me responsible for managing the flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine’s website and social media channels.
