Combat Impostor Syndrome as a Business Author

Do you ever stare at the draft of your business book and feel like a fraud? You’re not alone. Impostor syndrome haunts even the most seasoned authorpreneurs, whispering doubts about their talent, credibility, and worth.

But here’s the truth: if you’re writing a business book, you are a business author and a thought leader. And you can learn to combat impostor syndrome as a writer using the right mindset and strategies.

Identify impostor syndrome and take steps to overcome it

Impostor syndrome manifests in many ways. Some business authors dismiss praise, attributing success to luck rather than skill. Others hesitate to share their work, fearing it’s not “good enough.” Still other authorpreneurs compare themselves to established business authors and feel like they’ll never measure up.

Here’s the good news: Identifying these patterns is the first step to breaking free and learning how to combat impostor syndrome as a writer. Once you understand how to recognize these self-defeating thoughts, you can start shifting your perspective to one that fosters growth, confidence, and productivity, which you can channel into completing your business book.

Tips to combat impostor syndrome as a writer

Acknowledging that impostor syndrome has crept in is the first step to beating it. Next, you can try out a handful of methods that other business authors have used to combat it so they can complete their masterpieces and reinforce their thought leadership with an impactful book.

Reframe your inner narrative

Business authors are often their own toughest critics. The first key to overcoming impostor syndrome as a writer is to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. You’ve built a successful company and risen to the ranks of an industry thought leader, so keep in mind that you do, in fact, have valuable insights to share in your business book.

Then, try to shift how you perceive yourself. Instead of thinking, “I’m not a real writer,” remind yourself, “I am constantly improving my craft.” Replace negative self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your value and abilities.

Build a strong community

You built your career and company with the support of a community: your family, friends, employees, and professional organizations. You can build a similar support system to help you combat impostor syndrome as a writer when you begin to turn your professional experience into a compelling business book. Surrounding yourself with fellow industry leaders and business writers can be a game changer.

Opportunities to build your community are everywhere. You can attend industry events, participate in online forums, or, for general writing support and advice, join a local group of authors. Connecting with others helps normalize self-doubt and can provide encouragement and motivation so you keep making progress on your business book.

Focus on progress, not perfection

Perfectionism feeds impostor syndrome—and many business authors are perfectionists. You didn’t get where you are in your career by being sloppy or ignoring details, but now that you’re a writer and an aspiring authorpreneur, there’s a vital fact you’ll need to accept: No first draft is flawless. 

Writing is an iterative process, and growth comes from revision and persistence. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress each week or month. Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones, whether it’s completing a chapter, submitting your manuscript to a professional book editing service, or achieving the ultimate goal of publishing your masterpiece.

Invest in professional support

Sometimes, the best way to silence self-doubt and combat impostor syndrome as a writer is to work with experts who can validate your talent and help you improve your book. The best business authors invest in services like an expert manuscript evaluation or a writing mentor to help keep them on track. These professionals will help boost your confidence, strengthen your writing, and elevate your work so you publish the very best version of your business book.

Now is the time to defeat impostor syndrome and own your success!

Impostor syndrome loses its grip when you take action. Always remember that your experience and insights are valuable and that your audience will benefit from reading them. So keep pushing through—and when self-doubt creeps in, we’ll be here to help you rebuild your confidence and provide you with the support and expertise your book needs to succeed.

Your message deserves to be shared, and your voice deserves to be heard. Elite Authors can help shape them into a powerful business book that’ll resonate with your industry. Fill out a quick contact form and one of our experienced publishing consultants will send you a quick message to learn about your goals and how we can elevate you to a professional authorpreneur.