Impostor Syndrome in Writing: How to Believe in Your Work
- Justine Martin
- May 22
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Because yes, you really are a writer.
You’ve written something. Or you’re in the middle of it. Maybe you’ve even published a book. And yet, that little voice still whispers: “Who do you think you are?” “You’re not good enough.” “Soon they’ll find out you’re a fraud.”
Welcome to impostor syndrome, the unwanted sidekick of many writers, from beginners to bestsellers.
At Morpheus Publishing, we’ve worked with dozens of authors who felt like they weren’t “real” writers even while holding their book in their hands. The good news? Impostor syndrome is common and beatable.
Here’s how to silence the self-doubt and start believing in your voice.
What Is Impostor Syndrome (and Why Do Writers Get It)?
Impostor syndrome is that feeling that you’re not as competent or talented as people think you are, that your success is luck, timing, or temporary.
Writers are especially prone to it because:
Writing is deeply personal and vulnerable
There’s no official qualification or title that makes you “a writer”
You’re constantly comparing yourself to others.
Perfectionism runs high in creative work.
But here’s the truth: every writer, yes, even the greats, has doubted their own words.
1. Redefine What It Means to Be a “Real Writer”
You don’t need to:
Be traditionally published.
Have a degree in literature.
Write every day.
Make money from your writing.
To be a real writer, you just need to write.
If you’ve ever:
✍️ Jotted down your thoughts
✍️ Told a story
✍️ Written a blog, a book, or even a journal entry ...you are a writer. Full stop.
2. Remember: Your Story Is Worth Telling
You don’t have to write like Hemingway. You don’t need your life to be perfect or dramatic.
Your voice matters because it’s yours. Your story matters because someone out there needs to hear it, in the exact way only you can tell it.
Let that be your anchor when doubt creeps in.
3. Talk Back to the Inner Critic
That voice in your head saying “You’re not good enough”? It’s not truth. It’s fear.
Try this:
Name the voice (some authors call it “The Critic” or “The Editor”)
Thank it for trying to protect you, but tell it you’ve got this
Replace it with an affirmation:
“I may not feel ready, but I am capable.”
“My story can help someone else.”
“Done is better than perfect.”
4. Reframe Rejection and Feedback
Every writer gets rejected. Every writer receives edits. This doesn’t mean your work is bad it means you’re in the game.
Reframe it like this:
Rejection = redirection
Edits = refinement
Doubt = a sign you care.
You’re not an impostor, you’re growing.
5. Focus on the Readers You’re Helping (Not the Ones You’re Comparing Yourself To)
Comparison is a killer of creativity. If you find yourself saying:
“My writing isn’t as good as theirs...”
“I’ll never be that successful...”
Shift your focus from comparison to connection.
Even if your book only touches one person, that’s one person whose life you’ve impacted. That’s the true magic of writing.
6. Celebrate How Far You’ve Come
Impostor syndrome thrives when we forget to look back.
Grab a notebook and list:
What you’ve written (even rough drafts count)
What you’ve learnt
What brave steps you’ve taken
What fears you faced and written through
Sometimes the best way to fight impostor syndrome is to remind yourself of the evidence: you’ve already done hard things. You’re still here. You’re still writing.
Final Thoughts: If You’re Writing, You’re Winning
Impostor syndrome might never go away entirely, but you can learn to keep writing anyway.
Because here’s the truth:
You are not a fraud. You are a creator. Your words have value. Your story has power. And your voice is exactly what the world needs right now, as it is.
At Morpheus Publishing, we believe in your words, your growth, and your potential. Whether you’re writing your first sentence or launching your next book, you don’t have to do it alone.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt? Want support and encouragement? We offer coaching, editing, and a publishing process designed for real people with real stories.
Comments