How I Switched Careers to Publish My First Book at 38

Have you ever stared at your career and wondered, What if I could do something completely different? That’s exactly where I was a few years ago, knee-deep in recruiting, helping others land dream jobs while quietly dreaming of a different path—writing a novel. It wasn’t a fleeting whim; it was a persistent itch, the kind that keeps you up at night. At 38, I took the plunge, pivoting from HR to publishing my first book, landing a six-figure deal, and building a full-time writing career. Here’s how I made it happen, with practical steps you can steal for your own leap.

From Recruiter to Novelist: A Roadmap to Reinvention

Switching careers, especially to something as creative and unpredictable as writing, feels like jumping off a cliff with no parachute. But I’d spent years guiding others through career transitions, so I leaned on that expertise to chart my own course. It took five years, countless late nights, and a whole lot of grit, but the result? My debut novel hit shelves, and my second is on the way. Below, I’ll break down the exact steps I took, from research to resilience, so you can navigate your own career pivot—whether it’s writing or something else entirely.

Step 1: Dig Deep with Research

Every big change starts with understanding the lay of the land. I knew nothing about publishing, so I treated it like a job hunt. I scoured the internet, diving into blogs, podcasts, and forums to learn the ins and outs of the industry. What does an agent do? How long should a manuscript be? What makes a book sell? These were questions I needed answers to, and Google was my starting point.

Research is the foundation of any successful career pivot. Without it, you’re just guessing.

– Career transition coach

I found goldmines like online writing communities and newsletters that demystified the publishing world. I studied the paths of authors who’d made it—looking at their LinkedIn profiles, interviews, and even their old blog posts. This wasn’t just about inspiration; it was about building a clear map of the skills and steps I needed to take. For you, this could mean researching job postings, industry trends, or even chatting with someone already living your dream.

Step 2: Invest in Your Craft

Knowing the industry was one thing, but I quickly realized I had to learn how to actually write a novel. Reading books wasn’t enough—I needed structured guidance. So, I enrolled in a two-year writing program that walked me through everything from plotting to polishing a manuscript. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny.

The program gave me feedback from published authors and peers, which was a game-changer. I learned how to structure a story, develop characters, and handle criticism. If you’re eyeing a new field, find a course, workshop, or mentor who can teach you the ropes. It’s not just about skills—it’s about confidence. You’re proving to yourself that you’re serious.

• Find a program or mentor that fits your learning style.
• Expect to spend time and money—it’s an investment in your future.
• Seek feedback early and often to grow faster.

Step 3: Practice Like It’s Your Job

Writing a novel wasn’t something I could just dive into and nail on the first try. I needed practice—lots of it. So, I started small, pitching articles to websites and submitting short stories to literary magazines. I wrote about career advice, life on a boat, and even fictional pieces. Some got published; others got rejected, hard. But every piece I wrote made me better.

Rejection stung, but it taught me resilience. I learned to revise based on feedback, work with editors, and keep pushing forward. For you, this might mean taking on small projects in your new field, volunteering, or creating a portfolio. The goal? Build skills and get comfortable with the process, even the messy parts.

Step 4: Build a Network That Opens Doors

Here’s a truth I learned the hard way: Connections matter, but they’re not a shortcut. I attended a writers’ retreat, nervous but excited, and met other aspiring authors who became my cheerleaders and beta readers. They shared tips, read my drafts, and kept me motivated. I also connected with industry pros who taught me things no blog could—like how to pitch an agent or navigate a book auction.

Networking isn’t about schmoozing; it’s about building real relationships. I swapped stories with writers over coffee, joined critique groups, and even helped promote others’ work. In your career pivot, seek out communities—online or in-person—where you can learn, share, and grow. But here’s the kicker: no one will hand you success. Your work has to shine.

Your network can get you in the room, but your skills keep you there.

Step 5: Craft Your Personal Brand

As I got closer to querying agents, I knew I needed a platform that screamed “author.” I already had a website and social media from my career coaching days, so I repurposed them. My website got a new section about my writing journey, and my social posts started mixing boat life with behind-the-scenes writing snippets. It wasn’t about starting from scratch—it was about evolving what I already had.

Think of your brand as your story. What do you want people to know about you? For me, it was showing I was serious about writing while still being relatable. If you’re pivoting, update your LinkedIn, tweak your socials, or start a blog to showcase your new direction. It’s like a digital handshake—make it count.

Step 6: Keep Your Day Job (For Now)

Here’s where it gets real: I didn’t quit my day job. Not at first. I juggled freelance gigs—career coaching, resume writing, even working as a personal assistant—while writing my novel. It was exhausting, no lie. But it gave me financial stability and flexibility while I chased my dream.

My husband’s steady income helped, and we don’t have kids, which made it easier. Your situation might be different, so plan accordingly. The point is, don’t burn bridges or go all-in too soon. A side hustle or part-time gig can keep you afloat while you build your new career.

Step 7: Perfect Your “Application”

In publishing, your application is your manuscript and query letter. I spent months polishing my novel, making sure every word sparkled. My query letter? It was like a cover letter on steroids—personalized for each agent, with a killer hook and no typos. I researched agents who repped books like mine, tailoring every submission to their tastes.

Whatever your field, your “application” needs to be flawless. Whether it’s a portfolio, resume, or pitch, make it reflect your best work. Attention to detail shows you’re serious, and in a competitive world, that’s half the battle.

Step 8: Embrace Patience (and Keep Creating)

Publishing is slow. Like, glacial. Some agents responded in days; others took months or never replied. It took nine months to land an agent, and even then, the journey wasn’t over. While waiting, I started outlining my next book and kept connecting with writers. It kept me sane and productive.

When editors finally showed interest, they asked what else I was working on. Because I hadn’t stopped creating, I had ideas ready, which led to a two-book deal. In your pivot, don’t just wait—keep building. Take on projects, learn new skills, and stay in the game.

Step 9: Never Stop Learning

Even after my first book deal, I kept learning. Feedback from agents and editors pushed me to revise my manuscript, sometimes in ways I hadn’t expected. I embraced it, knowing that a growth mindset was my secret weapon. Each round of edits made my work stronger and taught me more about the craft.

In any career change, staying open to learning is crucial. You’ll hit roadblocks, get feedback that stings, or face unexpected challenges. Lean into them. They’re not setbacks—they’re stepping stones. I’m still learning with every book I write, and that’s what keeps it exciting.

Why This Matters for You

Maybe you’re not dreaming of writing a novel, but the steps I took apply to any career pivot. Research lays the foundation, learning builds your skills, and practice hones them. Networking opens doors, branding tells your story, and patience keeps you grounded. Most importantly, a willingness to keep growing will carry you further than you imagine.

I won’t sugarcoat it: changing careers is hard. There were moments I doubted myself, nights I stayed up revising, and days I wondered if I’d ever make it. But every step forward built momentum. Now, with one book out and another on the way, I’m living proof that it’s possible. What’s the dream you’re ready to chase?

Success doesn’t come from what you know—it comes from what you’re willing to learn.

Take that first step. Research your new field, sign up for a course, or connect with someone who’s been there. Your pivot might take years, like mine did, but every effort brings you closer. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.