Writing has always been my passion, but as life changes, so do priorities. Recently, I found myself asking an important question: Can writing replace a full-time income? It’s a challenge that many authors face, especially in an ever-evolving industry.
Rather than speculating, I decided to ask someone with firsthand experience—Michael Jecks, a prolific historical fiction writer who turned to writing as a career after facing job loss years ago. Given his vast experience in both traditional and self-publishing, I knew his insights would be invaluable.
The Question I Asked
I posed the following question to Michael:
“Michael, what advice would you give to someone who is out of work and looking to replace their income with writing? I understand this is a situation you found yourself in many years ago.”
To my surprise and appreciation, Michael took the time to respond with a dedicated video, sharing his perspective on making a living through writing.
Michael Jecks’ Advice for Writers Seeking Financial Stability
Michael’s response highlighted a crucial reality: writing for a living is possible, but it requires a long-term strategy, adaptability, and relentless effort. The market has changed significantly since he began his career, and while traditional publishing still holds weight, many successful writers today are leveraging subscription-based models, direct reader engagement, and self-publishing to take control of their careers.
My Thoughts on His Advice
Michael’s response resonated with me. Like him, I find myself at a crossroads—my mobility is now compromised, making full-time traditional employment no longer an option. Writing isn’t just a passion for me; it’s something that keeps me moving forward every day.
Fortunately, I have past experience in self-promotion through my work as a sculptor, so I understand the importance of marketing, audience-building, and direct engagement. From what I’ve observed, the writers who are thriving today are the ones who build their own following and maintain control over their intellectual property, rather than relying solely on publishers or retailers.
Yes, it’s more work—but so are book signings, literary talks, and the many obligations that come with traditional publishing. The key is choosing where to invest that effort. For me, that means focusing on creating a direct connection with readers through a subscription model while still considering traditional publishing as an additional stream of income.
Final Thoughts
Hearing from an established author like Michael Jecks reaffirmed my belief that while there is no single path to success in writing, persistence and adaptability are essential. Whether through traditional publishing, self-publishing, or subscription-based models, the goal remains the same: to build a sustainable career doing what we love.
I truly appreciate Michael taking the time to share his wisdom, and I look forward to applying these insights as I take full control of my publishing journey.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe self-publishing and subscription-based models are the future of writing careers, or is traditional publishing still the best path? Let me know in the comments!
Steven Lloyd
Rich,
Judging from the last few posts and past correspondence, your writing style is clear and concise. All that is left is to make whatever you write about interesting. To quote Jacques Barzun, “Make it interesting, because everything is interesting.”