Interview #9: How Mike Sacks Makes Money Writing

In this interview, Mike shares how self-publishing and audio collaborations opened doors traditional publishing never could.

Mike Sacks has built one of the most quietly prolific comedy writing careers of the past few decades. He’s written for The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Esquire, McSweeney’s, and published both traditionally and independently—often on his own terms, under his own imprint. Whether he’s interviewing legends, writing absurdist audio books starring Jon Hamm, or editing anthologies, Mike’s approach has always been the same: create consistently, don’t wait for permission, and keep your day job if it means protecting the work you actually care about.

In this interview, Mike shares how he’s made freelance writing sustainable over the long haul, why self-publishing gave him more creative control, and what he’s learned from balancing passion projects with steady editorial work. If you’re trying to write what you love without burning out or selling out, this one’s for you.