The Emotional Toll of Self-Publishing

Don’t let it catch you off-guard

Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash

The story is done, your cover is perfect, and the typesetting is complete.

You’ve decided where and how to publish your work.

It’s finally happening! After so much time and effort, the dream you’ve worked so hard to achieve is here.

But what happens next? Are you prepared for the potential upheaval that awaits as you finish your book and release it into the world?

The anxiety over putting your finished product out there to be consumed and judged can be paralyzing when you most need to stay focused.

Knowing What to Expect

Your shoulders are tense. Your head pounds non-stop.

You feel queasy. And you can forget about getting a good night’s sleep.

Here are some additional symptoms you might experience as your publication date nears:

• Anxiety. Everything puts you on edge. Whether it’s the cover design, how you intend to publish, or the story itself, the constant fear of doing something wrong, coupled with the fear your writing is not good enough, can cripple you.
• Insecurity. Doubt fills every moment of your day. What will happen? Will people like your book? Will…