Welcome to the third installment in out Meet the Team series. A series that give us the chance to introduce you to the people behind the imprint, what they do, what they love and why they got into publishing.
Behind every Hodderscape book there is a team of passionate readers working together to bring you the best that the SFF genre has to offer. From editorial to marketing, publicity to design, we're celebrating the many voices that help shape our list. In the spotlight this month is Daisy, designer of our gorgeous covers!
What’s your role at Hodderscape, and what does a typical day look like?
I am a designer at Hodder & Stoughton and I primarily work on designing the Hodderscape trade and special edition titles. My typical day as a designer includes a lot- it is more than just adding type on art. I’m often – reading briefs, creating concept sketches, formulating contracts, writing artwork briefs, contacting illustrators, illustrating things myself, doing several designs across a range of books concurrently, setting up print files, artworking finishes, checking colour percentages and print tests. The list goes on and on really.
What drew you to publishing – and how did you get started?
I’ve always loved reading but to give a less generic response, how I got started was quite a traditional route. I did photography at school but couldn’t think of anything worse than having to share the photos I take with people, so I began researching different uni courses in my last year of sixth form. I then did a degree in Design for Publishing which was a very niche, print specific graphic design undergraduate course. Then once I finished university, I did a few art internships with different publishers and then worked for several years in areas such as illustrated books and children’s publishing. Now I am here working on commercial fantasy & sci-fi!
What book made you fall in love with SF&F? And what, in your opinion is the most under-rated SF&F book?
Straight up – I read a book called Unleashed by Debbie Viguié and Nancy Holder and it did something to my pre-teen brain. Have been reading anything in this genre since!
Most under-rated SFF book!!!!?? You got me going through my goodreads . . . Recently (actually not recently it was last year) I read The Wind Weaver and it was my top book of 2025 and oddly I haven’t seen that many people talk about it (not a dig plsss!! I love it). It has elemental magic, a realistic FMC and a lil’ soft love triangle.
What is the best thing about your job?
Probably when the editor sends me lovely words from the author about a cover I made. I’m also a comment dweller and lurk like a gremlin in our cover reveal posts. Love when everyone is saying the cover is pretty, like thanks . . . I made it – doing this all for you readers so you can have pretty shelves.
What are you most proud of in your role?
Seeing the printed book. Not sure if readers know this but art works 12-16 months in advance with elements of the project being ongoing up until press which is 2 months before pub dates. Seeing the printed book is showing a year’s worth of work so I can be quite chuffed sometimes with the results.
What is your top tip for someone wanting to get into the publishing industry?
Be yourself – everyone is human. I think when starting in the industry or trying to get a foot in, it can be very daunting. It’s scary trying to push your art to the right audiences. Just remember everyone here is just a person who likes reading too. Let your passion shine, it can be what drives the best performance, experience doesn’t have to be a leading factor.
Covers Daisy has worked on:
