Imposter Syndrome in Writing: How to Silence Self-Doubt and Keep Creating
Sometimes, it feels like no matter how much you write, revise, or polish your work, that nagging voice of self-doubt refuses to go away. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not a “real” writer or that your success is somehow undeserved, you’re not alone. This feeling has a name: Imposter Syndrome. It’s something that affects many writers, regardless of experience or accomplishments.
Imposter syndrome is that insidious voice that whispers, Who do you think you are? It’s the doubt that creeps in when you’re staring at a blank page, reading someone else’s book, or comparing yourself to other writers on social media. But imposter syndrome is a liar, and it’s time to shut it down.
Imposter Syndrome in Writing: How to Silence Self-Doubt and Keep Creating.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that you’re not as capable or talented as others perceive you to be, and that at any moment, you’ll be exposed as a fraud. For writers, it often manifests as:
Self-doubt about your abilities
A fear that you’ll never write as well as others
Believing any success you’ve achieved is due to luck, not skill
Constantly comparing yourself to other writers and feeling inadequate
Feeling unworthy of being called a "real" writer
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Writers at every level of success face these same thoughts. For example, John Steinbeck, despite being a Nobel Prize-winning author, often felt like his work wasn’t good enough. He wrote in his journal, “I’m not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself and other people.” If even Steinbeck could feel this way, it’s clear that imposter syndrome has nothing to do with talent or ability.
Why Do Writers Struggle with Imposter Syndrome?
Writing is an inherently vulnerable act. You pour your heart, thoughts, and imagination onto the page, and when you share it with others, it can feel like you’re exposing a piece of yourself to the world. This kind of vulnerability can easily lead to feeling like you’re not good enough, especially in an industry that often seems obsessed with success stories and instant recognition.
Add to that the pressure of publication, readers’ expectations, and the constant social media comparisons to other writers, and it’s easy to see why imposter syndrome thrives in creative fields like writing. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of Half of a Yellow Sun, has admitted to questioning her own abilities, particularly early in her career. She has reflected on how challenging it was to write her debut novel and feel confident about its place in the literary world. Despite being an internationally acclaimed writer, she, too, has battled feelings of inadequacy—a reminder that this struggle transcends all levels of success.
But imposter syndrome isn’t just tied to self-doubt. It’s also directly connected to fear—whether it’s fear of failure or even fear of success. We often experience discomfort in facing the unknown. What happens if your book succeeds beyond your wildest dreams? Or if it’s met with criticism or indifference? Both outcomes represent change, and change can feel overwhelming. The fear of failure can make writers afraid to share their work, while the fear of success can bring anxiety about rising expectations and future projects.
Success brings its own pressures, and sometimes this fear of not living up to newfound expectations can paralyze writers in the same way failure does. This fear of the unknown can be so powerful that it prevents us from taking risks or putting our work out into the world. But recognizing these fears for what they are—the product of vulnerability and change—can help us push through and continue creating.
How to Silence Imposter Syndrome
1. Acknowledge it for what it is
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing it for what it is—a mental hurdle, not a reflection of your actual abilities. Remember that these thoughts are not facts; they’re just fear-based assumptions. Try journaling your negative self-talk and actively questioning its validity. When you see these thoughts written down, it can be easier to see just how irrational they are.
It can also help to name your imposter syndrome for what it is: a common experience shared by many people, not just writers. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, frequently discusses how fear and doubt are ever-present companions in the creative process. She once said, “I was never going to let fear stop me from doing the things I cared about. Fear and creativity are conjoined twins, after all—each one inseparable from the other. They share the same life source.” Understanding that imposter syndrome is part of the creative journey, not a roadblock, can empower you to keep moving forward.
2. Remember your achievements
It’s easy to lose sight of your progress when you’re constantly focusing on what you haven’t achieved. Keeping a list of your writing accomplishments—no matter how small—can serve as a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come. Did you finish a draft? Submit a short story? Receive positive feedback? These are all milestones worth celebrating. Revisiting your successes can help counteract the feeling that you're "not good enough."
Maya Angelou faced this struggle often, despite being a beloved poet and writer. She famously said, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” Like Angelou, keeping track of your wins, big or small, can provide a necessary boost during moments of self-doubt.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others
Comparison is the thief of joy, and nowhere is that more true than in writing. Every writer has their own unique journey, voice, and timeline. When you constantly compare yourself to others—whether it’s a fellow writer who landed an agent, or someone whose debut novel is making waves—you’re only undermining your own progress.
Try to shift your focus away from other people’s successes and instead focus on your own growth. You can celebrate their wins without diminishing your own. Focus on the stories that only you can tell, rather than trying to measure up to someone else’s standards. Focusing on your own creative path will help quiet that voice of imposter syndrome.
4. Embrace imperfection
Perfectionism is a close cousin to imposter syndrome, and the two often go hand in hand. But writing is a process, not a product. The pressure to get everything right on the first try can stifle creativity and prevent you from making progress. Instead of aiming for perfection, allow yourself to embrace the messiness of writing. First drafts are supposed to be imperfect—that’s why they’re called drafts!
The key is to keep moving forward. You can always revise, edit, and refine later. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, has spoken about how she embraces the imperfections of her early drafts. She reminds writers that “if I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” Allowing yourself room to make mistakes will ultimately lead to growth.
5. Build a supportive community
One of the most powerful ways to combat imposter syndrome is by surrounding yourself with other writers who understand what you’re going through. Joining a critique group, an online writing community, or attending workshops can provide validation and reassurance when your self-doubt becomes overwhelming.
Hearing from other writers who share the same fears and struggles can make you feel less alone, and they can offer encouragement when you need it most. Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, has been open about her own struggles with self-doubt and how connecting with other writers helped her overcome it. A support network can remind you of your strengths and offer perspectives that help silence your inner critic.
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6. Redefine success
Imposter syndrome often stems from the pressure to achieve an unattainable standard of success. But what does success really mean to you? Take some time to reflect on your personal goals as a writer. Is success finishing your manuscript? Submitting a short story to a literary magazine? Or simply getting words on the page?
By defining success on your own terms, rather than by external metrics, you can free yourself from the constant need to “prove” your worth. Instead of focusing on what you think you should be achieving, focus on what feels meaningful to you. When success is personal, you’re less likely to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome, because you’re measuring progress based on your own goals, not someone else’s.
Keep creating, even through the doubt
Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to stop you from writing. The key is to keep creating, even when the doubt is loud. You deserve to write. You deserve to share your stories with the world. Your voice matters, and the only way to silence that inner critic is to keep going.
So, the next time you hear that voice of doubt, remind yourself that the act of writing makes you a writer. And that’s something no one, not even imposter syndrome, can take away from you.
Imposter syndrome is something that most writers will face at some point, but the important thing is not to let it define your writing journey. By acknowledging it, embracing imperfection, and focusing on your own path, you can keep creating despite the doubt. Remember: your writing matters, and so do you. Keep going!
FAQs
When will I stop feeling imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome may lessen over time, but it might never completely disappear. As you achieve success, the goalposts often shift, and each new stage of your writing journey brings its own unique challenges and uncertainties. For example, landing a publishing deal may create new fears about meeting expectations, while self-publishing may leave you feeling like you’re not part of the "real" literary world. Your journey is valid!
The key is learning how to manage these feelings when they arise. By recognizing imposter syndrome as an unfounded fear and not an actual reflection of your abilities, you can work through it and continue creating. Remember, even successful writers like Maya Angelou and John Steinbeck have confessed to battling imposter syndrome throughout their careers. They’ve learned how to push past it, and so can you.
How do I know I’m experiencing imposter syndrome?
Writers experiencing imposter syndrome often:
Feel like they don’t deserve their success.
Fear being "exposed" as incompetent.
Attribute their accomplishments to luck, rather than skill.
Constantly compare themselves to other writers.
Struggle with perfectionism or the fear of making mistakes.
Feel anxious about submitting their work, even when it’s polished.
These feelings can be discouraging, but recognizing them as part of the imposter syndrome cycle is the first step in overcoming them. You’re not alone, and acknowledging these patterns can help you break free of their hold and keep writing.
Is it normal to feel like I’m “faking it” as a writer?
Yes, it's completely normal! Many writers—whether they’re just starting out or have published multiple books—feel like they’re “faking it” at some point. This is a classic hallmark of imposter syndrome, where you constantly question your legitimacy as a writer, no matter how much evidence there is to the contrary.
The important thing to remember is that if you’re writing, you’re a writer. Everyone’s writing path is different, and there’s no single “right” way to be a writer. Whether you’re writing for yourself, working on your first draft, or submitting your work for publication, the act of creating makes you a writer. Try to embrace your journey without comparing it to others, and know that feeling like you’re “faking it” is a sign you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone—and that’s how you grow.
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Tiffany Grimes (she/they) is the founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial, a queer founded boutique editing and design house for the creatively audacious. At Burgeon, we specialize in book editing, coaching, and web design for the individualists, nonconformists, and trailblazers of the literary world. If you’re a maverick, outsider, rebel, renegade, dissenter, disruptor, or free spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
