Explore what Mike can offer
Do you need a writer, editor or a publisher with the expertise to write an in-depth feature, create a sparkling brochure or a high-quality printed autobiography? I will help you bring your vision to life.
Publishing & project management
As a publisher with extensive experience sourcing print and distribution services while managing an editorial team and sales targets, I am ideally placed to help you write, design and produce your company brochure, report or event programme.
I work with a trusted team of colleagues and suppliers to deliver the printed material you require at the quality and price point you need.
For personal projects such as a family history or autobiography, I can help you plan and prioritise your sources and organise your story into a compelling read. If you wish to immortalise this on the printed page, I can help guide you through the design and printing process, either using one of the many online platforms or with a bespoke printer.
Interviews & biographies
Throughout my career I have interviewed prominent figures from the world of live music, festivals, politics, business and the creative arts. These have ranged from engaging Q&A pieces and emotional personal journeys to in-depth studies of successful working lives. I’d be delighted to work with you on your biography, be that a short summary or a magnum opus.
Features
From education or social issues to international market studies and interviews with household names, I am a proficient writer of long form magazine features. I can explore any subject in depth, engage the reader, persuade them to commit their time to your subject and tell an often complex story with dynamism and flare. While continuing to be an active feature writer, I’m also able to provide tuition to anyone wishing to learn this craft.
Proofreading
When it comes to proofreading, pedantry rules! My skills as a sub-editor and proofreader have been recognised and appreciated by some the English language’s fussiest editors, who are still metaphorically looking over my shoulder. They have sharpened my eye for everything from hilarious bloopers and layout inconsistencies to actionable libels. If you need a safe pair of hands for proofreading your project, please look no further.
News
As a reporter, I have covered a range of significant stories, particularly in the live music industry, using my knowledge of the sector, my research skills and ability to reach authoritative sources to provide fresh insight into the issues of the day. As well as continuing to write news, I offer tuition to aspiring journalists and bloggers.
Some thoughts about AI
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool in a wide range of applications, particularly in the sciences and technology, but I would just ask one question if you’re considering it for your writing project: who do you want to read your work? While AI can take some of the “legwork” out of writing, it merely copies existing styles. It does not innovate and cannot express emotions or jeopardy in an original, empathic way, unique to you. Despite its increasing sophistication, it is still deaf to complex nuances that are glaringly obvious to your human readership and will occasionally make extraordinary blunders. Be aware, too, that publishers require authors to warrant that their works are original, which you may be unable to do if you use AI. My belief is, if your story is to be read by humans it should be written by humans. At the very least it will need editing and proofing by a human professional.
