Photo by Vasilis Caravitis on Unsplash
You wrote the book. You've brainstormed, outlined, and maybe even edited it a few times. Now, you're feeling stuck. It’s not necessarily because the story isn’t ready, but because you might not be.
If you’re finding every excuse to avoid sending it to an agent or asking for feedback or telling people about it, it’s not because you’re lazy or uncommitted. It may be because you’re scared.
You’re scared of being seen or being judged. You’re scared of what happens if someone actually reads it.
This fear is sly. It could show up in multiple ways, by telling you:
“I need to edit Chapter 5 again.”
“It’s not ready yet.”
“Maybe I’ll take another course first.”
“Who am I to write a book?”
“I should clean my house first.”
You don’t have to be fully ready
There’s no magical moment when you suddenly feel 100% confident and fearless. Most authors don’t feel completely ready when they hit publish or send that email to an agent. They just do it anyway.
You don’t have to shout about your book. You just have to take the next small step:
Share a piece of your writing online.
Tell people you’re writing a book.
Research agents or publishers or explore self-publishing.
Ask for feedback on that draft you've edited multiple times.
Each step proves to your nervous system that being seen isn’t dangerous. It’s powerful.
Stop hiding and share your story
When we say we’re scared to market, sell, or pitch our book, what we’re often afraid of is being seen and heard. A book isn't just words on a page. It’s a part of you, in written form.
And once it’s out there, people can have opinions that aren’t always the nicest.
But someone needs that story and message you’re carrying. And they’ll never find it if you hide behind fear and doubt.
You don’t have to be a salesperson to market and sell your book. You want to reach the people your words were meant for, so let yourself be heard, even if you’re feeling a little shaky and unsure.
If you’re waiting for permission to put your book into the world, this is it.
We need you’re your voice. We need your story. We need you, even if you’re still figuring it out as you go.
