Perfectionism - How to Overcome and Help to Finish Your Book

Perfectionism can feel like a double-edged sword for writers. While it pushes you to deliver quality work, it can also stop you from reaching your end goal, keeping you stuck in an endless cycle of editing, rewording, and trying to reach that ‘perfect’ status. Many writers fall into this perfectionism trap, which can make finishing a book feel impossible. It may be one of the reasons you are sitting there with a half-written book that hasn’t been published YET.

But here's the truth: your book doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be good enough. By letting go of perfectionism and embracing progress over flawlessness, you can finally complete your book. Below are some proven strategies to help you overcome perfectionism and reach that final chapter.

 

Why Perfectionism Holds Writers Back

Perfectionism sets an impossible standard. Constantly tweaking every sentence and hunting for the ‘perfect’ word, sentence or paragraph can mean you never actually move forward. Even bestselling books aren’t flawless, and readers are more interested in the heart of the message or story than in a flawless piece of work. The only caveat to that is that if it is dotted with tonnes of mistakes, it can detract from what you are trying to get across. Aim for the middle ground.

As author Anne Lamott said, ‘Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.’ It keeps us focused on minutiae instead of on delivering the story we want to tell.

 

Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism and Finish Your Book

1. Write a Messy First Draft

Give yourself permission to write a messy, imperfect first draft. Letting go of the need for perfection allows ideas to flow more freely. Get your stuff down on paper to go back over and edit another day.

Many writers, like Jodi Picoult, advocate for this approach. She says, ‘You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.’ By focusing on getting the words down, you have material to work with later.

 

2. Set a Timer and Write without Editing

Try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and write without stopping or editing during that time. This technique quiets the inner critic and helps you prioritise progress. You can find many Pomodoro timers online that are designed to help you work in short bursts.

Tip: During this exercise, even if your mind wants to edit, ignore the urge. The goal is to capture your thoughts and ideas.

Try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and write without stopping or editing during that time.
Try setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and write without stopping or editing during that time.

3. Commit to the End of Each Chapter Before Revising

Finish each chapter before going back to revise. By doing this, you’ll be able to see the bigger picture and identify areas to improve later. If you’re unsure you’ve got the order right, just keep going and re-order it when editing.

‘The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.Terry Pratchett

Focus on completing the ‘story’ for yourself initially, without worrying about the perfect wording.

 

4. Limit Your Editing Sessions

Assign specific times or deadlines for editing after significant progress. This approach allows you to get ‘in the zone’ for writing and then shift to an editing mindset later.

Think of it like cooking. You wouldn’t stop to taste-test every spoonful before finishing the dish—you’d get the basic recipe together and adjust as needed once it was almost ready.

When you get the basic recipe together, you don't need to taste very often.
When you get the basic recipe together, you don't need to taste very often.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines

Sometimes, perfectionism is a result of high expectations. Instead, set achievable daily or weekly word goals. If you meet your goal, celebrate it without dwelling on what ‘could be better.’

Tip: Use a progress tracker or a writing buddy to hold yourself accountable. A little encouragement and structure go a long way!

Having a writing buddy can help you be more accountable.
Having a writing buddy can help you be more accountable.

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive Writers

Join a writing group, online forum, or have an accountability partner or group who can remind you that perfection isn’t required to finish a book. If you’re interested in this kind of support, find out how I can help here

A supportive community can offer you a fresh perspective and positive feedback that helps you stay focused on progress over perfection.

 

Remember: Done is Better than Perfect

By letting go of perfectionism and focusing on finishing, you’ll move forward faster and more confidently. Each edit can be improved, but that’s impossible without a first draft to build from. And don’t improve it too many times. Once is the minimum, twice is probably the sweet spot. Embrace your imperfections, and you may just find that your work becomes even more powerful and relatable for readers. If you spot minor things to improve, you can always release a second edition down the line.

Finishing your book doesn’t require perfection; it requires perseverance and a willingness to let go of tiny details in favor of the bigger picture. Remember, the magic of your story lies in its authenticity, not its flawlessness.

 

So, here’s a question for you: What would it feel like to hold your finished book in your hands, even if it’s not ‘perfect’? 

Take a small step today—commit to writing without editing for just 15 minutes, or finishing that chapter before revisiting it. How will you break through perfectionism and bring your story to life?

 

Come and let us know how you’ve got on here.