My heart goes out to all the people who suffer from imposter syndrome. As a writer, I’ve often found myself battling with a voice in my head that keeps telling me, “Why would someone want to read my work?” or “What if people got to know I am not as talented as they think I am.” The worst is when I don’t allow myself the human tendency to feel stuck or struggle because my mind instantly tells me, “I shouldn’t be struggling if I’m really a good writer.” For the longest time, I ingrained this thought into my head that true talent means writing should always come easily to me—but that wasn’t the case.

That’s when I searched for information about imposter syndrome and came across this video of Michelle Obama, which struck me like a sword. She said, “You can’t count on someone else to give you self-confidence,” and “You wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be doing what you are doing if you didn’t belong here.” – I wouldn’t lie; these words rang a bell so loud my mental ears were deafened. She said “You belong. Practice a different set of messages.”

From that moment, I started working on myself and learning more about how to overcome imposter syndrome. Completely getting rid of it is hard, but I’ve learned to take baby steps. The journey is long, but it’s worth it. So today, I take this opportunity to share the knowledge and tips that will help you pull yourself out of self-deprecating thoughts and remind you that your successes are not a fluke.

Key Takeaways

1. This blog covers what imposter syndrome is, when this term was first coined, and how it affects writers.
2. I have discussed that Imposter syndrome can bring a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, regardless of the experience level.
3. The negative beliefs (fraud, fluke, you will be exposed) that are associated with IS are deeply ingrained. Therefore, understanding and accepting them is important, along with challenging them.
4. Understand that being published is not the sole measure of your worth as a writer.
5. Shifting and encouraging positive affirmations to flow in your mind is the best way to counter negative thoughts.
6. Read books on imposter syndrome to learn new strategies from experts in the field.
7. A reminder is given that every writer has a unique perspective and voice that adds value to their work. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on what makes your writing distinct.
8. For people who are looking to overcome imposter syndrome, I have provided ten tips that I have also used in my life to counter and beat the syndrome.
9. Focus on growth and learning. There is no such thing as perfection. We are human, and we make mistakes, and that is okay.
10. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Acknowledging your progress reinforces your sense of achievement and makes you realize that your success is not sheer luck.
11. There is no such thing as “perfect.” Every writer makes mistakes, even the most renowned ones.
12. In the moments of failure – treat yourself with kindness. Setbacks are a normal part of the creative process.
13. Finally, make a commitment to continue writing. The journey is long, but keep pushing through challenges. Remember, everything good and successful comes your way because you worked hard, and you deserve it.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

The term imposter syndrome was first used by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in their research “The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention – 1978.”

NCBI describes it as a “behavioral health phenomenon in which people develop self-doubt about their intellect, skills, or accomplishments. People struggle with internalizing their success and therefore experience pervasive feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression, or a feeling that one day they will be exposed as a fraud, even though they have clear evidence of their success.”

5 Types of Imposter Syndrome

Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, has identified five distinct “types” or patterns of behavior in her research that people with this syndrome exhibit. They are:

1. The Perfectionist

This is when a person, despite completing all of the tasks properly, believes that they could have done better or that what they did was not “perfect” enough.

2. The Expert

This is when people place excessive value on their knowledge. It’s when people believe that they must know everything. So, when they do not have knowledge about a certain topic, it brings them feelings of shame and failure.

3. The Natural Genius

This type of person feels shame or failure when they are unable to execute something or perform a task successfully on their first try. They want to do everything quickly and easily at first.

4. The Soloist

This is classic! A person who believes that asking for help is a sign of weakness or that if he/she were capable, they wouldn’t need help in the first place. Such people want to do everything on their own.

5. The Superhuman

People who suffer from this measure their success by how many roles they can play. They want to play many roles and succeed in them, and if by chance they fall short in any one role – they feel guilty and ashamed even if they are excelling in other roles.

Now, most of the studies related to this syndrome are done on people who are in the academic and healthcare fields (studies suggest that it’s most prevalent in them), but today, we are going to explore this syndrome in writers. It is a subject which has not been written about much.

Why Writers Are Such an Easy Target for Imposter Syndrome?

For writers, as mentioned above, it begins with “I’m such a bad writer” or “I’ll never really be good enough.” This is when people struggle to truly embrace the noun “writer” as they keep thinking they are frauds.

So why do people feel like that?

This is because writing is a very peculiar profession. Usually, all of us work in isolation, so there is no one around to tell us that we are doing a great job or what it is that we need to correct. Then, we put our work out in front of complete strangers to judge. This makes us second-guess our abilities and start an internal conversation. Another reason why many writers struggle with imposter syndrome is because either they are not published or they do not have any professional accomplishments under their home. Writers begin to believe that they are not true writers because they do not have the stamp of approval from a traditional publishing house.

This is when writers begin to compare themselves to others and create standards that don’t exist. We see and read other published posts and wonder, “Wow, such a perfect and well-written piece; it is so easy for them – they are so professional.” However, what we fail to see is the amount of time and effort the other writer has put into creating that piece. Without this understanding, we judge harshly and label ourselves as frauds or failures simply because we couldn’t produce a top-quality piece on the first go.

This feeling heightens and becomes dangerous, especially when writers have to step out of their comfort zone. This happens when you pitch an article to a publisher or apply for a writing job, and to your horror, you’ve been accepted. This is when insecurity gets a strong grip on you and makes you fear “being exposed” or “they will look right through you – they know you are fake.”

Do Famous Writers Also Suffers from Imposter Syndrome?

Yes! Surprised?

Well, if you think being famous or having a stamp from publishers reduces or eliminates this feeling, then you are wrong. Famous writers like Neil Gaiman still feel like a fraud. In a story he shared about being invited to a gathering of great and accomplished people, he felt that at any moment, they would realize that he didn’t belong there. In that very gathering, he spoke with astronaut Neil Armstrong, who admitted to having similar feelings. Gaiman then said, “If Neil Armstrong felt like an imposter, maybe everyone does. Maybe it’s not just me.”

Another great example of a writer who feels like an imposter is Maya Angelou. She said, “Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. 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.”

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tips That You Must Follow

Now, before I begin listing the helpful tips, it is important to understand that there is no quick fix for imposter syndrome. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again – it takes time, so be patient. You can’t just snap your fingers and say “get lost” for it to go away (though honestly, that’s what I often wish I could do).

Imposter syndrome is not caused by external factors, so basically, it doesn’t matter how well you write, how many good reviews or stars your book has, or how much money you are making. This syndrome lives deep inside us like a parasite. This means getting rid of it requires concentration and continuous effort.

Take the First Step!

Before proceeding to read the tips, you must take the first step, which is acceptance. Many people resist acknowledging that they have IS because they have a fear of being exposed and the fact that they feel extremely hesitant to discuss their feelings of inadequacy.

Accepting it will help you effectively address and manage your symptoms. It will also help normalize the experience and encourage you to seek help. This will lead to reduced anxiety, tension, and fear of being exposed to fraud.

Be kind and accepting towards yourself. Having said that, let’s move to the list of tips that will help you overcome imposter syndrome.

1. Being Published Isn’t Everything

First things first – understand that being published does not equate to being a good writer. Yes, it is easy to measure your worth by accomplishments like external recognition or publications, but the true value lies in your writing skills, passion, and ability to grow as a writer.

What do you think were Jane Austen or Ernest Hemingway any less than authors before publishing their manuscripts? Of course not. It is the process of writing that grants you the right to call yourself an author and storyteller.

I understand that we all love praise, but don’t let it become external validation for who you are.

2. Keep Track of Your Progress

Looking for an answer to “how to beat imposter syndrome?” – the solution lies in keeping track of your progress. This means that you must take some time and sit quietly to review your work. It could be anything: your last blog, poetry, a story you wrote in high school, or a short story you wrote.

If you find mistakes in your old work or cringe at it – know that it is a good thing. It shows that you have grown as a writer. This means you are learning and are able to point out mistakes and know that there is a better way to write them.

Now, what does this tell you?

You are growing and improving, and growth indicates that you are not a fraud but that you have actually concentrated and invested time in perfecting your skills.

This tip applies to everyone – whether you have been writing for years or picked up the pen lately and feel “I’m such a bad writer.” Practicing this tip will remind you that you are not “posing” as a writer but actually growing as one.

3. Acknowledge Your Success

To overcome imposter syndrome, this is the most important tip that you must follow.

Stop devaluing yourself, your work, and your talent. When your post does well, or your book is loved by people, do not think it happened by luck. When someone compliments you for YOUR work – do not shrug it off; instead, take responsibility for your victories.

Remind yourself that it is your talent and your writing skills that help you earn that victory. So, make sure you write your victories down, no matter how big or small they are, and read it every time imposter syndrome sneaks in to make you feel like a fraud.

This will help reinforce your belief that you have talent and your work is valuable. Tiwalola Ogunlesi says, “Imposter syndrome is just temporary memory loss, where you have forgotten all the amazing things about you,” This is why, to help yourself, it is a must that you write down your achievements, reflect on them, own them, and remind yourself of your strengths every now and then.

4. Practice Positive Messages

What I personally realized while making a list for myself on how to beat imposter syndrome was that I was not very kind to myself, and I tend to indulge in negative internal conversations. It made me think honestly that the world is not kind to us – it is important that we practice kindness towards ourselves. That’s when I replaced negative self-talk with positive affirmations.

That is exactly what you have to do as well. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m such a bad writer,” or “Anyone could write this,” or “I don’t deserve this success,” – you must say that:

“Every writer improves with practice.”

“I earned this through hard work.”

“I am proud of the progress I’ve made.”

“My voice and perspective are unique, and they matter.”

These affirmations may not directly improve your self-esteem, but they will help you to be kinder to yourself and serve as a reminder that your successes are not mere luck. You are smart and brave, and everything you have achieved is a result of your hard work. You belong in this place or position.

5. Read Books on Imposter Syndrome

A great way to overcome the syndrome is by reading about and exploring it in detail. For this, it is best to find books on imposter syndrome written by experts who provide insights, strategies, and relatable experiences. Here are some of the best books you can read:

• The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
• The Impostor Cure by Dr. Jessamy Hibberd
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

6. Never Stop Learning and Growing

Many negative thoughts will try to hold you back, but you know what you have to do, right? You need to keep learning and keep growing. Basically, every new thing that you write is evidence that will remind you that you know what you are doing.

With this, you also have to recognize that you don’t need to know everything right now. Remind yourself that growth is a journey, not a destination. By consistently learning new skills and gaining knowledge, you’ll build confidence in your abilities and reinforce your value.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Everyone experiences failures in their life. The key is how you treat yourself during that phase. Imposter syndrome might keep reminding you that you are a fraud and your failure is because you don’t know anything or you are bad at it.

Try to look beyond it and be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up. Rejections, failures, and criticism are part of life, but they do not mean that you are not a writer. This is when you need to be compassionate with yourself. You can do this by:

• Take breaks when you need them
• Watch your favorite series or movie
• Eat something you love
• Go out for a walk
• Talk to your loved ones
• Do yoga
• Take a nap
• Practice the positive reaffirmations mentioned above.

Being compassionate is important during failure and during success, as well. For success, it is because I have observed that the more a writer achieves, the more aggressive imposter syndrome becomes.

Why?

Success often comes with the support of those who believe in you, as well as the challenge of living up to their expectations. Many people don’t share their struggles during times of success, but I feel it’s important to do so. When I find myself struggling to write after experiencing success, I look around—especially on social media—and see others happily achieving their goals. This often leads me to question whether I might be an imposter.

The key takeaway is that even in moments of success, it’s important to remember that you are human. You can achieve your goals, and you are not a fluke or undeserving.

8. Has This Story Already Been Told? So, What – Continue Writing

As a writer, the biggest struggle comes when you are unable to come up with something new or original. Well, your story might be original, but what if it overlaps with another existing story? This makes the writer extremely nervous and like a fluke, because this is when imposter syndrome cruelly whispers, “Can’t think of anything original,” “Are you going to copy their idea,” “What kind of a writer you are if you can’t come up with something new.”

This is when you need to take a deep breath and take a step back. Remind yourself that every story has already been told. Take, for example, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson & The Olympians – don’t they all have the same story? A young boy discovers that he is special and has a destiny in a magical world filled with adventure and danger.

Or take a look at The Matrix and Terminator – don’t they have the same story too? AI is taking over the world, and one man is saving people. Or Deep Blue Sea and Jurassic Park – both are about scientists creating genetically modified creatures that turn against them.

Just as trends come back after being out of style for years, stories often repeat themselves as well. However, your story is unique because it reflects your voice. You will add your writing style, personal touch, and sense of humor, which people will appreciate and enjoy. In the examples I provided, you can see that some people prefer one version over another, or they may even love both.

So, what did you learn? Even though the ideas are similar, it is your writing and style that truly make a difference.

9. Seek Feedback from Professionals

Stephen King says, “Do you need someone to make you a paper badge with the word ‘WRITER’ on it before you can believe you are one?” – and I agree. The badge, although, will not help with imposter syndrome, but experts can.

Isolation can increase the intensity of negative voices and self-talk. Therefore, it is important to collaborate with premium online book editors or professional book editing services that can provide constructive feedback on your work.

Knowing that experts value your writing can boost your confidence and help you improve.

How Professionals Can Help

Objective Feedback: Experts working at the best book editing companies can give helpful and constructive feedback to help you improve without making you feel self-doubt.

Refined Writing: Expert editors will also help you refine your work, focusing on structural edits, grammar, and style, which will improve the overall quality of your writing.

Boosts Confidence: Partnering with professional book editing services can counter feelings of inadequacy. When you see experts value your work, it will help boost your self-esteem.

Growth and Development: Working with affordable book editing services will also give you a chance to learn and grow as a writer. You can work on your weaknesses and feel more confident in your skills.

10. Make Mistakes

Humans make mistakes, and there is nothing wrong with it!

Imposter syndrome pushes us to be perfect, and when God forbid we fail to achieve that, it makes us label ourselves as failures and a fraud.

When working on beating the syndrome, it is important to shift your focus from being perfect to learning and improving. Mistakes are a natural part of our lives, and making them and learning from them is a part of the growth process.

That being said, it is important to understand that your work will not be perfect every time. Sometimes, it will genuinely suck, and that is okay too. Give yourself permission and area to make mistakes and be bad; it is fine. But never allow these critiques or mistakes to stop you from writing.

Wrap Up

Batting imposter syndrome is hard because the negative beliefs associated with it are so deep-seated that it’s almost hard to ignore them. Eventually, we give in and believe that our successes are just a fluke. Getting rid of these beliefs and voices is hard, but it’s not impossible.

Remember that it’s not about chasing perfection or external validation but understanding who you really are and owning it unapologetically. After all, “Always be you. Unless you can be Batman. Then be Batman.” So, my fellow writer friend – next time imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, remind yourself of this: You are not an imposter. You are a work in progress, a learner, and a creator. Your voice matters, your efforts count, and the world is better for the unique perspective you bring.

Promise me no matter what, you will never stop writing, will take responsibility for your victory, and will work consistently to overcome imposter syndrome.

I wish you the power and strength to work and write so the imposter syndrome ceases being a painful enemy. The world needs your voice and your story—keep writing, keep learning, and keep growing. Your journey matters!

FAQS

Is impostor syndrome the same as low self-esteem?

They are related but not exactly the same. Self-esteem refers to a lack of confidence in yourself, whereas IS means doubting your abilities and work.

When should I seek professional help for imposter syndrome?

If feelings of imposter syndrome start to ruin your mental health or you feel you have no control over it and it’s ruining your relationship and work performance, then it is best to consult with a professional for support.

How can I build confidence in my writing abilities?

To truly beat IS, it is important to build confidence in your writing. For that, you should set realistic goals, seek constructive feedback, celebrate small victories, and regularly practice your writing skills.

What are some effective strategies to combat writer’s block that is linked to imposter syndrome?

To combat writer’s block, you can try free writing, change your working environment, read, or experiment with different genres to inspire and get creative.

How can I differentiate between constructive criticism and imposter syndrome thoughts?

This is an excellent question. The difference is that constructive criticism is specific and actionable, and you can implement it to improve your work. At the same time, IS thoughts are vague, negative, and self-deprecating. They don’t help you write. Instead, they make you question yourself.

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About Author

Hi My name is Micheal Adams, When I am not watching horror movies and helping my kids with homework or reading my favorite fantasy/supernatural novels – I’m writing to guide aspiring authors. I focus on exploring and simplifying both the technical aspects and the often-overlooked details of book writing and publishing so I can empower new writers to climb the Amazon bestseller list and connect with more readers.