I have written a number of books and generally found that the most daunting process was to prepare the draft for printing. Over the years I have worked with a number of graphic artists and in late 2012 a work colleague suggested I make contact with Michael at Praxis Creative in Canberra. I was in the final stages of the draft for Paid Wet and Dry - 101 Memories of Tasmania's Public Works System - three years work creating 300 pages and around 250 000 words with a number of photographs.

I met Michael in February 2013 and gave him the complete draft as a Word document. At that first meeting, Michael was extremely helpful and readily understood what I wanted and how best to achieve a high quality product ready for printing. Because the book was based on oral history interviews it was 'wordy' and we both knew that a number of corrections to the draft would be required. This was the case. We met a number of times at his office and worked together 'on screen' as a team to produce a book that has sold well, with the interviewees, many elderly, highly complimentary of the standard of production.

For me, the words that describe Michael are professional, highly competent, dedicated, relaxed, friendly, approachable and respectful who has the author's interest at heart to produce an outstanding product.

Gary Barker, 2014