Have you ever felt like you’re playing a role you don’t deserve? Like at any moment someone will discover you’re not as capable as they think? These feelings are commonly referred to as imposter syndrome and are common for both new and experienced self-published authors to experience. If you suffer from imposter syndrome, you may have recurring thoughts of being a fraud, incapable, or not good enough to embark on the journey God has called you to. People have felt imposter syndrome for thousands of years. However, influencers on social media and online communities can make us compare ourselves to others at a level never seen before. At EABooks Publishing, we understand these struggles because we’ve walked alongside countless Christian self-published authors just like you. Below, we discuss common warning signs of imposter syndrome and tips for overcoming this feeling so you can share the story God has placed on your heart.

Signs Of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is categorized by overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, failure, and undeserving of success. You may have the persistent feeling of being “found out” for not knowing what you’re doing or being a fraud. When you experience imposter syndrome, you have the tools and knowledge to complete your goal but have insecurities about your ability to do so. You may be experiencing imposter syndrome if any of the following feelings prevent you from accomplishing your goal of becoming a Christian self-published author:

• Second-guessing your writing
• Overworking yourself until you get it “right”
• Obsessive self-editing
• Belief that your ideas or story aren’t meaningful enough to share
• Procrastination with publishing or marketing your book
• Downplaying accomplishments and inability to accept compliments
• Constantly comparing yourself to others
• Inability to accept negative reviews or constructive criticism

How Do You Know If You Have Imposter Syndrome?

Many people don’t recognize that they’re suffering from imposter syndrome on their own. However, some tell-tale behaviors may help you identify what you’re experiencing and help you deal with imposter syndrome. A common behavior associated with imposter syndrome is negative self-talk, with no evidence to support that these statements are true. For instance, you may doubt your ability to be a “real” writer if you don’t go through a traditional publisher (however, we’ve discussed in detail why self-publishing is becoming the preferred publishing method by many authors). You may also find it hard to accept feedback for your work, which prevents you from finishing your manuscript and getting it published. People experiencing imposter syndrome may also experience chronic procrastination. You may be stuck revising draft after draft of the same section of your book without moving on, growing more frustrated as time passes, or abandoning your manuscript altogether. If you experience these feelings, taking a break is okay—just give yourself a timeline to return to writing.

Consequences of Imposter Syndrome

One of the biggest consequences of imposter syndrome is stalling or ditching the writing process. Even if you finish your manuscript, you may hesitate to share your work with an editor or get your book published. You may also refrain from showcasing or marketing your book after publication. Imposter syndrome often makes you experience hyper-perfectionism, which can lead to burnout. In severe cases, you may feel depressed or isolated as you internalize your feelings without sharing your concerns with others.

Tips for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Here are some tips for dealing with imposter syndrome so that you can finally become the Christian self-published author you’ve dreamed of being:

Join a Community

One of the best ways to beat imposter syndrome is to build a network of other Christian self-published authors who understand your feelings and can help you on your self-publishing journey. Connect with online Christian writing groups and attend conferences or local events to meet writers from around the world—find a list here. You can also join a book club that focuses on reading self-published works to learn from other authors and understand your ideal reader on a personal level.

Embrace Imperfection

When dealing with imposter syndrome, employing a “done, not perfect” strategy is wise. Focus on completing your writing goals rather than perfecting every sentence, especially when finishing your first draft. You will have plenty of time to edit your story later with the help of a professional editor, who will help refine your story to reach its full potential.

Build a Daily Writing Habit

Taking action is one of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome. Set a goal to write for a few minutes every day, then build upon that goal to increase your writing over time. With this strategy, your manuscript will be complete before you know it! Also, write things you enjoy, such as journaling, poetry, or reflective free writing.

Know Where Your Worth Comes From

As a Christian self-published author, your ultimate identity is found in Christ, not in your book’s worldly success. Embrace your unique voice and know that if God has called you to share your story, your perspective is valuable and needed—now! When you’re in doubt, reflect on scripture and pray so you can rest in who God has called you to be.

Celebrate Your Milestones

It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your progress, big or small. Find an accountability group that will encourage you to achieve your goals and celebrate you when you reach them.

EABooks Publishing: Your Christian Self-Publishing Partner

You have a unique message, a story given by God, and the world needs to hear it. Don’t let the whispers of imposter syndrome hold you back. At EABooks Publishing, we offer a variety of self-publishing services to help you overcome imposter syndrome and finally get your book published. We can help edit, format, and market your book from start to finish! Ready to start your self-publishing journey? Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can help you realize your dream of becoming a self-published author!