Danilkin is the former editor of Russian Playboy and is the author of several books, including ‘The Parthian Arrow’ (A review of Russian contemporary literature in 2005, shortlisted for the 'National Bestseller Prize'), ‘Circular journeys round the intestines of a beggar’ (A review of Russian contemporary literature in 2006) and a biography of the writer Alexander Prokhanov ‘The Egg Man. The Life and Opinions of Alexander Prokhanov’ (shortlisted for the  'Big Book Prize' and the 'National Bestseller Prize'), 'Counting from the end'(A review  Russian contemporary literature in 2008, shortlisted for the Bunin Prize). His latest book 'Cludge' is in print.

Danilkin has also translated Julian Barnes’ series of essays, ‘Letters from London'.