Hi, my name is Mark and I’m an imposter. Chances are, so are you. You might not even realize it but you feel it. You want to write a book but you have this feeling that nobody will like it or the book isn’t good enough to be published or you’re not a real writer and people will think you’re a fraud.
All of those are false. Trust me. I’ve been there. I’ve written and published four books and several short stories and I still feel like an imposter.
This is called Imposter Syndrome.
So what is Imposter Syndrome?
Well, it’s the belief that your accomplishments are all due to luck, timing, or some grand conspiracy, rather than your skill, talent, and hard work. It’s that little voice in your head that’s telling you your success is undeserved or it won’t last and everyone will discover you’re just pretending to know what you’re doing.
Imposter Syndrome was first coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s. Back then they called it the Imposter Phenomenon. Dr. Clance even wrote a book about it called… you guessed it… The Imposter Phenomenon. You can check it out HERE if you want.
The thing with imposter syndrome is that it’s not limited to just one profession or group. I once got promoted at a job and went from an average employee to sitting in meetings with managers over the course of a couple of days. Let me tell you, my imposter syndrome was STRONG. But not nearly as strong as it was when I published my first book. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing your first book, or you’re a seasoned self-published author with a few titles under your belt, imposter syndrome has a knack for showing up uninvited.
So how can we overcome Imposter Syndrome? Honestly, there is no guarantee you even can overcome it. But you can try. And that’s all I ask of you. Here’s some tips that have helped me in the past.
1. Embrace the Learning Curve
Look, nobody starts out as an expert. No one writes a perfect book the first time around. There’s no magic spell you can recite that makes you an author. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by self-publishing, it’s okay to feel unsure. Embrace it. Every author, whether they’ve written one book or twenty, has been in your shoes. Trust that your skills will improve with every manuscript and every book release.
Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, try this: acknowledge that every mistake is part of the process. Messing up is actually part of the fun. It is for me, anyway. I love learning from my mistakes. It’s the best way to grow as an author.
2. Separate Your Self-Worth from Your Book Sales
As much as we would all love to get paid for our writing, you have to remember that your worth as an author isn’t tied to how many books you sell or how many reviews you get or how many likes you score on your Instagram post. The truth is, success in self-publishing isn’t just about numbers. It's about creating something that’s meaningful to you. Trust me, I’m still trying to make a living with just my writing.
So, if you’re feeling like a failure because of slow book sales or a less than stellar book launch, it’s time to remind yourself that you are more than your Amazon rankings. Seriously, your worth isn’t reflected in your book’s performance. You are a writer because you write, and that’s already a huge accomplishment.
3. Track Your Wins
Imposter syndrome can trick your brain into thinking that nothing you’ve done matters. So, to battle this, it’s time to start keeping a “win journal.” I know it sounds cheesy but hear me out. Whenever you accomplish something big (or small), like finishing a chapter, getting your first review, or even just getting a little better at your social media game, write it down.
That way, the next time imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, you can look back on all those moments of growth and success. Also, if someone complements your writing (outside of a review) or your book cover or the characters you created, write it down.
I once received a lovely email from one my readers who regrettably lost a loved one, which is what a good portion of my book was about. I’ll never forget that email. It will always be a win for me. Not because of the subject matter. But because my writing meant that much to someone that they took the time to send me an email.
Nothing silences doubt faster than a solid list of your accomplishments.
4. Share the Love (And the Struggles)
Imposter syndrome is a silent struggle, but it’s also pretty universal. Other authors — yes, even the ones who seem to have it all together — are fighting similar battles. The more you share your experiences with fellow writers, the more you’ll realize you’re not alone. Talking about your struggles and acknowledging the challenges others are facing can lift that weight off your shoulders.
Whether it’s through a writer’s group, social media, or even casual chats with writer friends, discussing the difficulties of being an author makes imposter syndrome feel less powerful. I love talking about stories, whether they are mine or someone else’s. It helps me get out of my own head. If you ever want to talk about your story with someone, hit me up! We’re all in this together, and mutual support can be a game-changer for battling self-doubt.
5. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
We know, it’s tempting to scroll through Instagram and think, "I should be further along by now" or "How are they doing so well?" But, here’s the thing: you’re comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle (or worse, their highlight reel). Every author’s journey is unique, and what works for one person might not work for you. So, focus on your own path and what feels right for your writing career.
Plus, everyone has imposter syndrome in one form or another. Just because someone looks like they have it all together doesn’t mean they aren’t secretly struggling with self-doubt. So stop using their journey as something to measure your journey. Instead, focus on where YOU want to go.
6. Fake It 'Til You Make It
Okay, I’m not suggesting you pretend to be someone you’re not. But sometimes, acting with confidence, even when you don’t feel it, can help break the cycle of self-doubt. I used this method a lot when I worked in a call center. I wasn’t confident dealing with unruly customers over the phone. But I faked confidence until I was. It actually worked.
The truth is, nobody really knows what they’re doing 100% of the time. We’re all just figuring it out as we go along. So, when you’re feeling less-than-confident, fake it. Speak to your audience like you’re the expert you are (even if you’re still figuring out how to format your book correctly). Confidence is contagious — both for you and your readers.
In Conclusion: You Belong Here, Imposter Syndrome Be Damned!
It’s easy to get stuck in the trap of imposter syndrome, especially in the world of self-publishing, where you’re constantly wearing many hats — writer, marketer, businessperson, designer. But remember, every author you admire has been there too. They’ve dealt with doubt, fear, and frustration. And what got them through it wasn’t perfection — it was perseverance.
So, the next time imposter syndrome knocks on your door, send it packing. Keep writing, keep learning, and, most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Your words matter, and your stories deserve to be shared. I, for one, can’t wait to read what you create.