We all know the cycle. Words are flowing, our plot is weaving together nicely, and we’re starting to feel like maybe, just maybe, we’re nailing it. Our writing is even, dare I say, good? And then comes the next bit, the part where we doubt everything about ourselves, our writing, and our future in publishing.

Imposter syndrome hits us all differently. Some of us might feel like frauds, some fear never living up to expectations, and some simply are immobilized by seemingly-inevitable failure.

The good news is that you can write over, under, around and through imposter syndrome!

Here are a few ways to keep that feeling of inadequacy from stifling your creativity:

Do Your Homework

Being prepared in your publishing journey is key. Read all the blogs, take all the workshops, make all the notes. The more you are exposed to best practices and various types of writing, the more skills you’ll have in your toolkit. The constant learning and developing will hone your craft and give you the confidence that you’re growing and adapting as well.

Find Your Why

There’s a reason why you started writing. Odds are it had something to do with a love of storytelling. In fact, you’d probably carried an untold story in you for so many years, it was harder not to write it. And in that release, you fell in love with the act of putting it all on paper. Find that spark again, and let it make you as happy as it did opening that blank word document for the first time.

Let Go of Expectations

Every path is different. Don’t compare yourself to published authors, or people touting how many agents offered them on their first novel in their first round of queries. Your path is going to be your path. You have no control over this path except for writing the best manuscript you can, putting in the work to make it better, and querying appropriately. At that point, it’s out of your hands. Let the process happen.

Celebrate Small Victories

Victory is multi-faceted. One common trait amongst writers is seeing the endgame before taking the first step. We see the printed book in our hands, long before we comprehend the process to get there. Victory is defined in a theme park built upon your book’s premise, a hit blockbuster movie adaptation, inclusion on Reese’s book club, or hitting the top of the New York Times bestseller list… but you know what victory is? Typing “The End” on your manuscript. Sending your first query. A partial request. A full request. Let yourself celebrate these wins because each one brings you closer to that endgame.

Enjoy the Ride

You can only control how you develop your craft. You can’t force success, you also can’t force the work you’ll need to put in to make your craft better. Take each victory and loss for what it is, an opportunity. Part of being a writer is also building a community. Join contests and engage with your peers! They’re going through the query trenches with you. Share resources! Be supportive! Make the ride more enjoyable for everyone on the train.

Any other tips for writing through imposter syndrome? Drop them in the comments below!