Let’s be real—writing is hard enough without that little voice in your head whispering, Who do you think you are? or You’re not a real writer. Sound familiar? That, my friend, is self-doubt and its evil twin, writer imposter syndrome.
The truth is, almost every writer—yes, even the bestselling ones—struggles with feeling like they’re not good enough at some point. But the difference between writers who keep going and those who let self-doubt win? They learn how to manage it.
So, let’s talk about how to shut that inner critic up and start believing in yourself. Because guess what? You are a real writer. And you do deserve to share your words with the world.
Step 1: Recognize That Self-Doubt and Writer Imposter Syndrome are Normal
First things first—self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer. It just means you’re human.
Even the most successful authors have moments of insecurity. Maya Angelou once said, "I've written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find me out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’”
If one of the greatest writers of all time felt like that, then trust me—you’re in good company.
Instead of letting self-doubt and writer imposter syndrome stop you, see it as a sign that you care about your craft. You want to do well, and that’s a good thing! But don’t let it paralyze you.
Step 2: Reframe Your Thoughts
Your brain is a storyteller—and sometimes, it tells you some pretty crappy stories about yourself. Nobody will read this. I’m not talented enough. I’ll never be as good as [insert famous author here].
It’s time to rewrite that narrative.
Instead of: I’m not a real writer.
Try: I write, therefore I am a writer.
Instead of: This story isn’t good enough.
Try: This story isn’t perfect yet, but I can improve it.
Instead of: Everyone else is better than me.
Try: Every writer has a unique voice, including me.
Your thoughts shape your reality. Start shifting the way you talk to yourself, and you’ll start seeing a difference in your confidence.
Step 3: Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the fastest way to kill creativity.
It’s easy to look at other writers and think, They’re more successful than me. They write better. They have more followers. They publish faster. But you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel.
That writer you admire? They’ve had their fair share of self-doubt, rejection, and rewrites. You just don’t see it.
Your journey is yours. Stay in your lane, focus on your own growth, and remember: your voice matters.
Step 4: When in Doubt, Write Through the Doubt
You know what writer imposter syndrome wants you to do? Stop writing. And you know what you should do? Write anyway.
Even if you feel like your words aren’t good enough.
Even if you’re convinced nobody will care.
Even if you think you’ll never be as good as your favorite author.
The only way to get better is to keep writing. The more you show up, the more confident you’ll become. Action builds confidence—not the other way around.
Step 5: Keep a “Proof of Awesome” Folder
Whenever self-doubt creeps in, you need receipts to remind yourself that you don’t suck.
Create a folder (digital or physical) and fill it with:
✔ Positive feedback from beta readers, friends, or reviewers
✔ Your favorite passages from your own writing
✔ Screenshots of kind messages about your work
✔ Any small (or big) writing wins you’ve had
Whenever imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, open that folder. You have proof that you’re doing great. Believe it.
Step 6: Surround Yourself with the Right People
Writing can be lonely, and self-doubt thrives in isolation. That’s why finding a supportive community is SO important.
Join a writing group (online or in person)
Follow encouraging writers on social media (and mute the ones that make you feel bad about yourself)
Find a critique partner who hypes you up while giving constructive feedback
Being around other writers reminds you that you’re not alone. Plus, when you have people cheering you on, it’s a lot harder for self-doubt to win.
Step 7: Remember WHY You Started Writing
At the end of the day, forget the sales, the validation, and the pressure to be “good enough.” Why did you start writing in the first place?
Because you love telling stories?
Because writing helps you process your thoughts?
Because you have a message the world needs to hear?
Hold onto that. Your words matter, even if they don’t reach millions of people. If your story touches one person, that’s enough. And if that one person is you—the person who needed to write it? That’s enough too.
Final Thoughts: You Belong Here
Writer imposter syndrome is a liar. The fact that you’re writing, showing up, and pushing through the doubt proves that you ARE a writer.
So keep going. Keep creating. Keep believing in yourself, even when it feels hard.
Because one day, someone is going to read your words and think, Wow, I needed this. And that, my friend, is why you’re meant to do this.
Now tell me, how do YOU handle self-doubt?
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