How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Ever sat in front of your screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, convinced you're one keystroke away from being exposed as a total fraud? That nagging doubt that whispers, You’re not a real writer?

If so, welcome to the club—you’re not alone.

In this post, we’re tackling that sneaky mindset known as imposter syndrome. But we’re not just here to commiserate; we’re here to arm you with the tools to silence that inner critic and thrive as the writer you truly are. Ready to unmask the imposter and unlock your full writing potential? Let’s begin!

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome, also called imposter phenomenon, is a persistent feeling that you don't deserve your achievements, that you're not a "real writer", or that you're just faking it (and everyone else is the real deal), regardless of your skills, abilities, or actual accomplishments. 

Imagine you’re typing away, crafting a compelling story, but a voice in your head insists your writing, including any successes you've had along the way, is a cosmic mistake. That’s imposter syndrome—your brain tricking you into thinking you don’t belong. Even celebrated writers like Cheryl Strayed, Maya Angelou, and Agatha Christie have battled this feeling.

Societal pressures, perfectionism, and the desire to measure up all contribute to it. Your brain takes all this and concocts a story that you don't belong in the writer's club.

But here’s an important distinction: not all self-doubt is imposter syndrome. Doubting your work occasionally is normal—it’s how we improve. Imposter syndrome, however, is relentless. It convinces you that no matter what you achieve, you’re still a fraud.

Strategies to overcome Imposter Syndrome for writers

Recognize the signs and challenge the thoughts

So how do you stop feeling like a fraud when writing? When imposter syndrome creeps in, don’t ignore it—face it. Ask yourself:

• Is this thought actually true? (Spoiler: It’s not.)
• Is this doubt helping or holding me back?

Simply acknowledging your feelings and asking those two questions can help ease your worries. Remember, imposter syndrome loves to attack high-achieving individuals—which means you’re already proving yourself.

To counteract negative thoughts, track your wins. Keep a notebook or digital document where you record writing achievements, big or small. Have you finished a short story? Received positive feedback? Landed a publication? Write it down.

If you feel like you don't deserve your success or that your wins are just due to luck, be sure to also to write down all the work you've put into your writing (perhaps a daily log of words written or the time spent writing). 

When doubt strikes, revisit your list. Seeing this concrete record of all your work and accomplishments can send those feelings of self doubt running for the hills.

Also, identify your triggers. Does your negative self-talk or feeling of self-doubt spike when you submit work or share your writing? Recognizing patterns can help you prepare and overcome them. Let's say you find that your doubt spikes on submission day for your critique group. Knowing this, the next time submission day rolls around you'll expect to feel the doubt, and it becomes a normal part of the process. 

And don’t forget self-compassion. Life is full of setbacks, but they’re not roadblocks—just detours. Even the greatest writers have flops. Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is. Cut yourself some slack and embrace the journey.

Rewrite the narrative

It’s time to shift from a "perfectionist" mindset to a "let's learn and grow" mindset. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re proof that you’re taking risks and pushing your creative boundaries. Writers like Octavia Butler and Angeline Boulley didn’t master their craft overnight. Set achievable goals, celebrate small wins, and recognize that every step forward is a victory.

Use affirmations to reframe your imposter feelings. Instead of "I'm not good enough," tell yourself, "I am a talented writer deserving of success." When negative thoughts arise, write them down and reframe them. Maybe you can identify your feelings of "fear" or "uneasiness" as "excitement" or "exhilaration" instead. 

Visualization is another powerful tool. Picture yourself confidently sharing your work, nailing an author interview, or holding your published book in your hands. Your mindset shapes your reality.

Embrace vulnerability

Imposter syndrome thrives on isolation. The more you hide your struggles, the stronger it becomes, leading to cycles of self-doubt and even burnout. But when you open up about it, you realize—you’re far from alone.

It thrives on our fears of rejection. The key to overcoming it? Vulnerability. Share your journey—the wins, the struggles, the moments of doubt. Being honest about your experiences not only makes you more relatable but also fosters authentic connections. Your readers appreciate authenticity, and so does your writing community.

As Brené Brown says: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.”

Cultivate a supportive environment

Surround yourself with fellow writers who understand the imposter struggle. Join a critique group, connect with writing communities (like the Writing Mastery Community!), and have open conversations about feelings of imposter syndrome and the fear of failure. When you realize others feel the same way, imposter syndrome loses its grip. Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor—embrace your community and let it lift you up!

Ready to stop feeling like an imposter?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t define you—your perseverance and passion do. The fact that you’re here, reading this, proves you care about your craft. So keep writing, keep growing, and never let doubt stop you. Remember, every writer you admire felt exactly like this, and they kept going. So can you!