Overcoming self-doubt as an author is a topic that often comes up in the book writing process. Writing a book is a deeply personal journey. It’s a creative process that requires vulnerability, courage, and persistence. No matter how experienced you are, self-doubt can creep in during the writing process, and often even at the very end. Understanding that this is a normal part of the journey is key to overcoming it.
The Reality of Wobbly Wheels
Even the most seasoned authors experience moments of doubt. People often assume that if you’ve written multiple books, the process becomes second nature. But writing is a creative field, and with creativity comes self exposure. You’re putting your ideas, thoughts, and experiences out into the world, which naturally invites scrutiny and criticism.
It’s completely normal to question yourself with thoughts like:
- “Is this terrible?”
- “Does this read well?”
- “Is this information valuable?”
- “Am I kidding myself?”
These feelings arise because, ultimately, you want to produce a world-class book. It’s similar to stage fright, before stepping onto a stage, nerves kick in because you want to do an exceptional job. The same applies to writing a book.
Trust the Writing Process
One of the best ways to manage and help you in overcoming self-doubt as an author is to trust the process that has brought you to this point. If there were fundamental issues with your book, whether in structure, concept, or execution, these would have been identified well before the final manuscript stage. Writing a book involves multiple layers of refinement, including:
- Developing a book pitch
- Writing draft chapters and getting feedback
- Revising based on feedback
- Editing and re-editing
- Proofreading
When each of these steps is followed, the chances of your book being strong are significantly higher. If you’ve worked through this process thoroughly, trust that your book is in good shape.
Build a Strong Support System
Having a team around you, whether it’s editors, beta readers, or a writing coach, can provide valuable perspective and reassurance. If you’re in the middle of writing and feeling unsure, working with a coach or mentor can help you stay on track and ensure your book meets high standards.
Find Confidence in Your Experience
At some point, you have to accept that feeling uncomfortable is part of the process. Confidence comes from recognising the expertise and experience that led you to write this book in the first place. If you ever doubt your work, look at the impact your knowledge has had on others. Consider:
- The people you’ve helped with your insights
- Testimonials and feedback from those who’ve benefited from your expertise
- The real-world success of the ideas you’re sharing
When you focus on the results and the people you’ve influenced, you’ll find renewed confidence in your writing.
Managing Your Mindset Daily
Self-doubt and imposter syndrome don’t just disappear—they need to be managed regularly. The only people who never experience imposter syndrome are often the ones who should. Instead of seeing doubt as a negative, recognise it as part of the creative process. Questioning your work is a sign that you care deeply about producing something valuable.
If you’ve followed a strong writing process and genuinely believe in the value of your content, trust yourself, you’re on the right path. Writing a book is an achievement, and navigating the ups and downs of self-doubt is simply part of the journey.
