Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Your Writing Life and How to Combat It

Do you ever feel like a fraud? Like you’re not really qualified to do the things you do, or the things you want to do, like write a book? If so, you might have imposter syndrome. Many people experience some form of it — a kind of fear that makes them doubt their abilities and accomplishments. It can be especially troublesome for writers, and writers who start later in life or in midlife can be particularly sensitive to it.

Imposter syndrome is a condition in which people can’t accept their success and instead attribute it to luck or outside factors. For writers, this often shows up as a fear of not being good enough to be published, or a belief that they don’t have a “right” to want to write. Those thoughts lead writers to abandon their dreams, and as a book coach who serves writers in midlife, I see it far too often.

Signs of imposter syndrome

• “Who do I think I am to think I can write a book?”
• “I’m not smart enough to do this.”
• “Writing a book means I’m saying I’m an expert. What if they find out I’m a fraud?”
• “What will my friends and colleagues think when I tell them I’m writing a book?”
• “I’ve never done this before, so what makes me think I can do it now?” Or, “I’ve tried this before and failed, so I know I can’t.”

Famous people who experience imposter syndrome

It isn’t just “average” people. It affects everyone, regardless of occupation or level of success.

• Maya Angelou: “I have written 11 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.'”
• Oprah Winfrey: “When you’re the first one in your family to graduate from college and have a career, you feel like an impostor. No matter how much I accomplished, it didn’t erase that feeling of inadequacy.”
• Amy Poehler: “Ignore what other people think. Most people aren’t even paying attention to you.”

Imperfections, mistakes, and so-called shortcomings are not proof that you’re unqualified or that you’re an imposter. They’re your golden ticket to belonging and connection. — Michelle Melton Cox

Ways to overcome imposter syndrome

It helps to seek feedback from people who know you well and can attest to your accomplishments, but choose your trusted cheerleaders carefully. Everyone has imposter syndrome at some point, so if someone says something that reinforces yours, consider whether they might be speaking from a place of fear too. It also helps to develop a clearer understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in the area where imposter syndrome is blocking you. Working with a professional — like a book coach — is a good place to start, and entering your writing in a few small contests can build your confidence.

Don’t forget: imposter syndrome shouldn’t stop you from writing. Email me if you’d like help getting past it.