How to Overcome Your Fear of the Publishing Process
Worried about what happens after you finish writing? You’re not alone. The publishing process can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time authors. Questions like, “What are my options?” or “How do I get my book out there?” can create uncertainty and hesitation.
But here’s the good news: the fear of publishing shouldn’t stop you from completing your manuscript. Whether you opt for traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid approach, there’s a path for every writer. Let’s explore these options and how you can overcome the fear of the unknown.
The Traditional Publishing Route
Traditional publishing has long been considered the “gold standard” for authors. It involves submitting your manuscript to agents or publishers, and if accepted, your book will be professionally handled by a team of editors, designers, and marketers. However, the process is competitive and often takes time, as it involves finding the right agent or publisher, multiple submissions, and negotiations. An important point to note is that you hand your work over once accepted, and the publisher takes control of everything, including the copyright and what you’re allowed to do with the book.
Proven Strategies to Navigate Traditional Publishing:
- Get Your Concept in Order: Most publishers don’t want a complete manuscript for non-fiction or memoir (they do for fiction), so focus on getting complete clarity with your ideas and write a sample of that so they can assess your writing style.
- Research and Query Agents: Grab yourself the latest copy of The Writers and Artists Yearbook to find agents specialising in your genre. Craft a compelling query letter that showcases your book’s unique appeal. Make sure you look at their website and submit the exact requirements. They all differ.
- Prepare for Rejections: Even bestselling authors like J.K. Rowling faced rejections. Persistence and patience are key. Each “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
The Self-Publishing Route
Self-publishing offers unparalleled creative control and flexibility. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and others allow you to bring your book directly to readers. While the process is more hands-on, overseeing every detail, from editing to cover design to marketing is empowering.
Proven Strategies for Self-Publishing:
- Invest in Professional Editing and Design: Readers are drawn to polished books with captivating covers. Hiring professionals for these services can elevate your book.
- Research Your Platform: Each platform has its pros and cons. For instance, Amazon KDP is excellent for eBooks and selling directly to consumers for hard copies, while IngramSpark supports wide distribution to bookstores.
- Develop a Marketing Plan: Utilise social media, email lists, and book launch strategies to spread the word about your book.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
The Hybrid Publishing Route
Hybrid publishing combines elements of traditional and self-publishing. With this model, you pay the publisher for some services, such as editing, design, etc, and the publisher handles it all. Hybrid publishers (like me!) often offer more personalised support, making it a great option for authors seeking professional guidance without the gatekeeping of traditional publishing. You still retain full control without the hassle of having to project manage and learn how to do it all.
Proven Strategies for Hybrid Publishing:
- Vet Hybrid Publishers Carefully: Reputable hybrid publishers will be transparent about costs, royalties, and services. Avoid companies that promise guaranteed success or require exorbitant fees for a small return. My clients receive 100% of their royalties.
- Ask Questions About Contracts: Understand what you’re paying for and what the publisher provides in return. Ensure that you retain the copyright of your work.
- Leverage Their Expertise: Hybrid publishers often have a small team of people, albeit smaller than traditional publishers, that can give your book a competitive edge over self-publishing.
Hybrid publishing is fast becoming the new normal in the publishing world. You can work to your timescale, retain full control and earn 100% of your royalties.
Overcoming the Fear of Publishing
Feeling stuck is normal, but the key to overcoming your fear is breaking the process into manageable steps. Here are three practical tips to help:
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Research your publishing options, learn about each process, and explore resources like books, webinars, or courses on publishing.
- Connect with Other Writers: Join writing communities, attend workshops, or seek advice from authors who’ve successfully published their books. Their experiences can provide insight and encouragement.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on the next step, not the entire process. Completing your manuscript, writing a query letter, or designing your book cover are all victories worth celebrating.
Which Path Is Right for You?
The best publishing route depends on your goals, budget, and timeline:
- Traditional publishing is ideal if you want professional backing and broad distribution and are happy to wait to get the book out.
- Self-publishing is perfect if you want full control and are willing to invest time and resources.
- Hybrid publishing offers a blend of support and independence, with some upfront costs, so you know exactly where you stand.
Conclusion
The publishing process doesn’t have to be intimidating. By educating yourself, breaking it down into steps, and choosing the path that aligns with your goals, you can move past the fear and take your story to the world.
Remember, every published book begins with a writer who dared to take the next step. What will yours be?
Take a moment to identify which publishing route feels right for you and start researching the first step to move forward. If you need to speak to someone about it, you can find me here.
You’ve got this!
How to Overcome Emotional Blocks and Keep Writing
Writing is an incredibly personal and emotional process. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt memoir, diving deep into complex themes, or tackling a nonfiction project that stirs up personal memories, emotions can rise to the surface—and sometimes, they can create blocks that feel insurmountable. Sometimes, the mere act of diving into a personal story can trigger old wounds or unresolved feelings, making it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand.
These emotional blocks might appear as dread when facing a blank page, the fear of judgment about sharing something vulnerable, not being able to get past a certain point because you don’t want to expose your deep vulnerabilities or the resurfacing of unresolved feelings triggered by your story. If you’ve ever felt stuck because of emotions, know this: you’re not alone, and there are ways to move forward.
Here’s how to overcome emotional blocks and keep writing with clarity and confidence.
1. Understand and Accept Your Emotional Blocks
Before you can tackle emotional blocks, you need to identify and accept them. Ask yourself:
- What emotions are coming up as I write?
- Why does this feel difficult to write right now?
- Am I afraid of something—criticism, failure, fear of being judged or perhaps the memories the writing stirs?
Acknowledging your emotions doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human and strengthens you. Recognising what you’re feeling is the first step to working through those emotions and regaining your creative flow.
2. Use Journaling to Process Your Feelings
Journaling is one of the most effective tools for writers experiencing emotional blocks. By putting your thoughts and feelings on paper, you can explore what’s weighing you down without worrying about structure, perfection, or anyone else reading it, and you eventually get to release some of the emotional weight that’s holding you back.
💡 Example Prompt: “Why does this part of my story feel so hard to write? What am I afraid of?”
When I was writing Becoming the GOAT*, I hit a wall while recounting a challenging moment in my childhood. Journaling helped me confront the emotions tied to that memory and clarify how to move forward authentically.
3. Talk It Out with Someone You Trust
Sometimes, processing emotions requires connection. Talking to a friend, coach, or fellow writer can help you untangle the feelings blocking your progress.
Writers benefit from a support network, especially those tackling emotionally charged material. A trusted confidant, a writing coach, or a critique group can guide you to move past these hurdles. Having people who understand and encourage you can make all the difference.
💬 One of my coaching clients hit a brick wall when writing a memoir. She didn’t want to include parts of her life that still hurt her, and didn’t know how to move forward to finish the rest of the book. She needed reassurance and support to write down that part of her life. She didn’t need to include it in the book, but getting it down on paper was a cathartic exercise that released the block in her creativity.
4. Take Intentional Breaks
If your emotions feel overwhelming, permit yourself to momentarily step away from your project. Stepping away from the project doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it’s an act of self-care. It’s not quitting; it’s recharging. During this time, you can focus on nurturing your emotional well-being.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Take a walk in nature to clear your mind.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to re-centre yourself.
- Enjoy a creative outlet unrelated to writing, like drawing or cooking.
These breaks allow your mind to process emotions subconsciously, and clarity returns when you least expect it.
5. Write Through the Emotions
When you’re ready, channel your emotions directly into your writing. Once you’ve processed your emotions, don’t shy away from bringing them into your writing. Some of the most moving and impactful works come from a place of deep emotional truth, from writers who leaned into their feelings instead of running from them.
Emotions are not the enemy; they are your power. They make your characters, your story, and your voice feel real.
6. Reframe Your Perspective on Vulnerability
Feeling vulnerable is part of writing. But instead of fearing vulnerability, embrace it as a strength. Your readers connect with authenticity. They’re not looking for perfection—they’re looking for honesty.
Consider this quote from Brené Brown:
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
By allowing your emotions to inform your writing, you’re creating something uniquely yours that will resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection
Remember, you don’t have to conquer emotional blocks overnight. Every small step you take—whether it’s journaling, reaching out for support, or writing just one raw paragraph—is progress.
When emotions arise, see them as part of your story, not a barrier to it. By working through them, you’re not just finishing your book but growing as a writer and person.
What About You?
Have you ever faced emotional blocks while writing? How did you overcome them? Or are you currently battling emotional blocks, with little or no motivation to continue writing? Share your thoughts here or book a free book audit with me if you need a safe space to talk about your journey.
Your story matters, and so do you. Keep writing!