He grew up with a fascination for language, his own and that of other cultures. He was raised in a Dutch-speaking household, studied Latin in high school, earned a minor in German at Calvin College in Michigan, and acquired a passing knowledge of Spanish on the West Coast. His vocabulary is vast, a must for every facet of successful editorial work. His grasp of syntax is razor-sharp, another prerequisite for superior editing and rewriting.

Brook’s undergraduate degree includes majors in both English and music. He received a master’s degree in theory at Indiana University and pursued postgraduate work at various universities on both coasts. His avocation is creative writing: poetry, short stories, novels, a screen play. His third novel, Islands, is in bookstores, and he is currently completing his fourth, Promise, to be published in the spring. His writing background provides him with dual expertise in fiction and nonfiction (including coauthoring with partner Lois F. Hall a writing manual for medical professionals).

Brook's editorial strengths run the gamut from editing business and professional manuals and medical texts and journals to rewriting a novel for a Boston author and editing another for a New Hampshire writer. He continues to teach creative writing to adult classes and occasionally lectures for student writing seminars. Currently, he is a volunteer literacy tutor for nonreading adults.