About
Welcome to Brooks Books. My name is Mike Brooks and this website showcases my creative writing and editorial services.
I am a writer and journalist who has worked as a reporter, sub-editor and editor for over 25 years. I am also interested in creative writing, with my first novel, The Machine Society, published in 2016.
I began training as a psychotherapist in 2009, qualifying with a Masters degree in 2016. I’ve been seeing clients since 2013 and started my private practice in 2017.
Editorial work
After qualifying as a journalist (Certificate in Reporter Journalism with Sheffield University; National Certificate in Newspaper Journalism), I worked for local newspapers in Goole and London. I then edited in-house magazines for a major department store chain and, for 16 years, I was the editor for an international development agency, producing magazines and marketing material.
I've undertaken numerous freelance projects, working as an editor, copywriter and proofreader in a wide range of fields, including market research, the charity sector and psychology.
Creative writing
My first creative writing project was a comic aimed at students, called The Winebibber, which took a sympathetic but satirical look at religion. The comic was compiled and published by HarperCollins as The Big Holy One.
My first published novel is The Machine Society, a dystopian fiction set in London following a North/South war in the UK. The book is a thriller and a satire on how modern life has become submerged in branding, consumerism and virtual reality.
Proofreading for counsellors and psychotherapists
I have a degree in psychology from Lancashire Polytechnic and a Masters degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from Northampton University. I run a private psychotherapy practice in west London.
Drawing together the strands of writing and therapy, I have developed a specialism in supporting students and psychotherapists with the preparation of essays, college work, papers and books.
Memoir, autobiography and family history
I am a keen reader of autobiography and memoir. I like how someone’s story, told in their own words, can give a direct sense of that person.
In addition, I have experience of researching my own family history and know that remarkable discoveries can be made. I am now eager to help others capture their stories, which can be a highly rewarding and therapeutic exercise, as well a gift for their families.
Read more about my memoir-writing service.