Michael Feeley, author of The Next Act: A Complete Guide to Career Change, Professional Reinvention, and Finding Work That Matters, recently shared his publishing journey with Summit Press.

When he held his book for the very first time, the feeling was indescribable. “It’s emotional. It leaves you speechless with wonder and with great pride and gratitude,” Michael Feeley told me, beaming through the screen. “Your heart’s bursting out of your chest. You just respect yourself in a deeper way.”

This wasn’t just any book. The Next Act represents the culmination of decades of experience helping people find meaningful work after major life transitions. As a former headhunter with over 20 years of experience in New York City, Michael brings unique insights to those facing career changes, especially those in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

“People are saying this book is needed NOW in big capital letters,” Michael emphasized. “There’s a lot going on with the federal government where people are losing their jobs, they’re in shock, they’re in fear. And I know something about that.”

When I asked what made him finally commit to writing the book, his answer was simple yet profound: “If you don’t do it now, if you don’t finish this product, you will have regret. This is my legacy.”

But the journey wasn’t without challenges. Michael initially envisioned a memoir until our editorial team helped him recognize something more valuable. “You said, ‘All your skills are transferable,’ and the light went on,” he recalled. “I lived through this. I stopped a career, I lost a job and reinvented myself several times. That’s who I’m writing to.”

For those considering their own book journey, Michael emphasized the importance of partnership. “I knew right away I needed an editor. I needed to work in a safe space, a place where I could trust you and the work that we did.”

His advice to aspiring authors? “It’s a matter of trusting the process of writing a book and then figuring out what that process actually is. You have to put yourself out there, show up and commit.”

Now with The Next Act published, Michael isn’t slowing down. He’s appearing on podcasts, building community, and continuing to help people who, as he puts it, “aren’t done yet.”

“We get one time,” Michael reminds us. “You can’t return your life and say, ‘this didn’t work, give me a new life.’ So you’ve got to make your best life. Why not take the shot?”

Michael Feeley’s book “The Next Act: A Complete Guide to Career Change, Professional Reinvention, and Finding Work That Matters” is available on Amazon. You can connect with Michael at michaelfeeleylifecoach.com or on LinkedIn.