Shhhh, lean in and I will tell you. One of the traits that most authors have and wish no one knew is that they lack self-confidence.
On the outside a writer wishes that they could be made of stone and have the fiery darts of criticism bounce off of them without so much as a flinch. Many attempt an air of arrogance that comes off to other writers as coveted charisma.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few writers out there that have convinced themselves that they are gods of the written word, but the average writer lacks that imperturbability.
I am not going to try and convince you that this is something that every writer must shake off; remaining humble and connected to what your readers think is important to a writer’s success. After all, the reader buys the writer’s work. That ultimately makes the reader your boss, unless you don’t care if you sell a single word.
So how should a writer get over the crippling and sometimes incapacitating fear that prevents them from publishing?
The answer is simple; find yourself an advocate. This advocate should not be your best friend, your mother, or the next-door neighbor. Each one of those people are wonderful to have in your support network, but they are not going to tell you that your manuscript sucked rotten apples; they have a vested interest in your happiness. Yes, even your next-door neighbor. Who wants to be enemies with the next-door neighbor?
Your advocate can be anyone. I recommend impartial beta readers. There are loads of beta readers on social media groups vying to read your book and let you know what they think.
I know that a lot of indie authors think that they don’t have the money to hire an editor; I don’t believe it, but I understand. However, consider what your goal for your book is. The last thing you want is for a bad review to kick you out of Amazon. Amazon’s content acceptance page says, “We don’t accept books that provide a poor customer experience. We reserve the right to determine whether content provides a poor customer experience.”
The good news is an editor can range in price. There are many freelance editors available for reasonable costs and even more that are willing to jump at the chance to help you out. A definite confidence boost would be to hire an editor, or to get honest feedback from people that read your book. These people are hired to be truthful, and an editor has the added bonus of having a stake in your success. If your work stinks, they will do whatever they can to help you make it better. So, the best advice I can give you writers that have your precious manuscript wrapped in your arms while slowly rocking back and forth, let someone else read it.
That should help you feel self-assured; maybe not arrogant but maybe it will put you on the path.
Share with me below any harrowing stories about publishing or getting over your fears. For more confidence and support find me on Facebook or check out my website at www.editsbystacey.com.
