Navigating Poor Author Self-Esteem

Navigating through poor author self-esteem is a common topic that has surfaced in coaching sessions, something I have personally worked on, and see in writing groups. As a career coach and writer, I have a few suggestions to help you overcome low self-esteem as an author and create your best work.

Poor Author Self-Esteem Defined

An author’s self-esteem ties their belief in their worth and value to their competence as a writer. This can include how they evaluate their skills, voice, ideas, and their place in the publishing realm, which can seem daunting.

You may find yourself comparing your work to other writers, repeating self-debasing statements such as: “My story isn’t good enough,” “Who will want to read what I have to say,” or “I’m not a real writer.” The thoughts could lead to imposter syndrome, procrastination, or quitting the creative process altogether, never testing the water. Failure means you tried.

Tips to Overcome Poor Author Self-Esteem

1. Recognize the negative internal narratives and start by looking in the mirror and changing the dialogue. Instead of "I’m a fraud," say, "I’m an author." Use a journal, add it to your intentions, and practice stating the positive. Then, attach how it makes you feel: "I am an author worthy of publication, and I feel joyful," or whatever emotion works for your narration. This is the story of your journey, no one else’s.

2. Shift your mindset. If you cannot attach an emotion, I can offer what I like to do. I love visiting a bookstore, perusing the books, touching them, and imagining my novel on the shelves. I am also a prolific reader, reading non-fiction, one of my favorite authors, or an author within my genre, and listening to an audiobook, often at the same time. This helps me to realize the vast variety of writers and that we all have something to offer. The more you act as the writer you want to become, the more your internal evaluation shifts.

3. Celebrate small wins, even if publishing milestones haven’t occurred yet. Whether you devote one hour a day or five, applaud yourself for not quitting. Embrace your voice, your process, your creative act as worthy in itself — not just validated by external success. Keep a WINS file of what you have completed thus far: draft, outline, word count, etc.

4. Acknowledge that being a published author exposes you to public scrutiny through reviews and feedback, which can trigger vulnerabilities in your self-esteem. Some criticism you can learn and grow from; others, ignore. They do not define you. Imagine it as data, not a verdict.

5. Cultivate self-compassion and self-care into your daily routine. Understand that self-esteem is different from self-acceptance. One evaluates, the other accepts. For us authors, this means being kind to yourself when the writing is slow, inspiration lags, or when you just aren’t in the creative mind. I like to meditate before writing, set aside time in the morning when my brain is freshest, light a candle, make some tea, and listen to a playlist. Take all my tips—or none—as this is your journey, not mine. Then, when I switch gears, I’ll do a quick workout to refresh and reset.

   
   

6. Connect with supportive communities, writing groups, book clubs, peer critique circles on social media, local networking, or coaching sessions. Feedback and encouragement can help validate “writer” identity and counter isolation, which can worsen low self-esteem. Feedback on a manuscript = feedback on a piece of work, not on your inherent worth as a writer or person.

   
   

7. Focus on the craft, not only the market. At some point, the book will be edited, published, and the creative journey will be over. Ask yourself, "What does success as an author mean for me?" Is it creative fulfillment or connecting with readers, rather than a narrow definition of becoming a best-selling author within a year? The latter creates a vulnerability with fluctuations beyond our control.

   
   

8. Finally, be in it to win it through building a long-term mindset. Self-esteem for authors doesn’t build overnight. It grows through repeated acts of creation, revision, publication, and feedback. Recognize that each manuscript, each feedback loop, and each promotion attempt contributes to your identity and competence as a writer.

   
   

Free Discovery Call

If you’re ready to gain clarity and take control of your future, book a free discovery call with Coaching with Ms. D today to learn how to navigate poor author self-esteem and love the creative writing process. I am a published author of a cosmetology guide and am on the first draft of a novel. While not an established, best-selling author, I’ve helped many authors overcome low self-esteem, map out writing goals, and cheer them on through the publishing process. You can do it too!

Coaching with Ms. D offers both individual and package options of 30- and 60-minute Coaching Sessions, where you will be asked thought-provoking questions and learn strategies to build your life, advance your career, and strengthen your relationships. You will gain clarity, confidence, and be prepared with a personalized approach to achieve your goals.

I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

Do you want to work in the beauty field? My book, The Future Professional's Guide to Cosmetology, answers all your questions about the industry. Email your inquiries to deirdre@coachingwithmsd.com or call me at 732-800-6416 (during Eastern Standard Time business hours).

Follow me on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for coaching and site subscription updates. Coming soon: Online classes and webinars. Visit www.asktheprostylist.com for online cosmetology tutoring, state board prep, and a downloadable cosmetology practice exam.

©Deirdre Haggerty 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written consent.