Sophie Mayes

Experienced Creative Writer with an enthusiastic and positive approach, who takes ownership and pride in managing projects. Demonstrates high attention to detail accompanied by an abundance of self-motivation and determination. An intuitive and approachable person experienced in adapting writing styles to engage different markets. A passion for the written word and a sharp eye for detail. Skills gained in creative writing, copywriting, proof reading and editing. 

September 2018 - Present

Author • Self Employed – Tamarillas Press

• Planned, wrote, and self-published seven fictional novels.
• Created engaging ad copy for Facebook and Amazon.
• Creative content for social media.
• Managed and wrote a newsletter with monthly updates and exclusive deals for readers.
• Founded and managed a team of 25 ARC (advanced reader copy) readers to gain early reviews for promotional use ahead of publication.
• Collaborated with other indie authors within the same genre to generate more visibility and sales.
• Helped aspiring authors with advice and tips on how to publish and market their books.
• Created graphics using Canva for social media and newsletters and my last 3 book covers.
• Marketed books in person via local craft markets and book fairs.
• Promoted my books on the radio, bookish podcasts and Bookstagram interviews such as “meet the author”
• Set up a mum-based blog with my sister, planned and wrote several blog posts for it.

April 2019 – July 2020

Returned to role of Operations Manager at Excursions Ltd

• Appointed sustainability contact, in charge of managing the company’s sustainability status and reducing the carbon footprint.

April 2018 – April 2019

Maternity Leave

October 2017 – April 2018

Team Leader – Operations Manager – Excursions Ltd

• Proof read and created high end tour copy and oversaw operations.
• Managed a team of 3, planning and operating high end tours for 5- and 6-star luxury cruise ships in the UK and overseas - reported to director - head of operations.
• Managed tours for The South-west and The Channel Islands.
• Distributed work throughout the team and assisted with more complex tours and events.
• Identified areas of training required within my team and implemented training programmes.

December 2014 – October 2017

Operations Manager – Excursions Ltd

Same as previous role of Operations Coordinator as well as:

• Day to day management of key accounts for the Southwest and The Channel Islands.
• Looked for opportunities for business growth and development, attending the Southwest ports monthly meeting to discuss ways to attract more ships.
• Worked closely with cruise line clients to develop new and innovative tours and events, creating appealing copy for clients brochures.

October 2013 – December 2014

Operations Coordinator – Excursions Ltd

• Created high end tour proposal copy for cruise line client brochures, tailored for each cruise line.
• Formulated costings for each tour event to ensure adequate profit would be made.
• Booked suppliers - carefully checking all elements worked within a tour.
• Attended and coordinated shore excursions for cruise ships arriving into the UK, and Channel Islands.
• Negotiated best rates with suppliers.
• Prepared final itinerary documents for clients and suppliers.

September 2010 – October 2013

Conference, sales and events coordinator - Chartridge Conference Company (Lydiard House)

• Sold and planned weddings involving a series of planning meetings/ phone calls and emails with the bride and groom to organise their day.
• Communicated clear itineraries to the operational staff to ensure a smooth day for the couples.
• Dealt with conference, party and event bookings from selling to organising the event and greeting the customer on the day.
• Put together detailed floor plans for weddings, large events and conferences.
• Managed the online bedroom reservation system ensuring that rates reflect how busy the venue is and maximising revenue.
• Relationship building with new and old accounts/clients
• Creating new ideas to generate more revenue and hit company targets.
• Responsible for completing the weekly sales report and SWOT analysis every quarter.
• Managing and updating the client database.

Degree – 2:2 – BA Honours in media radio production – Warrington Collegiate September 2002 – June 2005