The Anxiety of Online Publishing: A Practical Guide to Overcome It
Publishing online can be exciting, however, it can also trigger many not-so-positive emotions within us. Sometimes the prospect of exposing ourselves to the world brings with it a mix of feelings that are very complicated to deal with, including anxiety.
'What if I'm not good enough?', 'What if no one reads me?', 'What if they're bored by my story?', 'What if they don't like it?'. These and even some questions with more damaging overtones can invade us at the moment of wanting to share our writing with the world.
However, even though it can be difficult, feeling anxious is much more common than you might think. Facing your fears in a positive way can help you understand yourself as a person and come to terms with what's happening to you.
How does the anxiety of publishing on digital platforms manifest itself?
The anxiety of publishing online can appear at any time in life, even if you are an experienced writer. Sometimes, something that before wasn't scary becomes terrifying; and it leads us to question things, mostly way too much.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first step in managing anxiety is to understand and accept what we're feeling.
Anxiety can manifest itself in different ways. Fear of external criticism is one of the most common forms that anxiety takes. We may even feel an irrational fear of rejection or negative criticism.
However, mental health experts indicate that one of the bravest actions we can take is to face our fears and subject ourselves to the situations that cause us discomfort, in order to learn how to deal with them.
Writing online is much more than sharing our work and exposing it to third parties. By publishing on friendly digital platforms, we can connect with others, receive feedback and, above all, revalue our creative expression.
12 practical tips to overcome anxiety
Here are some useful tips that may help you deal with the anxiety of publishing online.
1. Recognize your value as a writer
The first thing you need to do before publishing online is to remember what your work is worth and what you are worth as an artist.
Say it out loud and with us: “other people's opinions don't define me”.
Now, start believing it.
2. Be resilient
Negative, as well as positive feedback, is a unique opportunity to grow. Use each comment as a tool to strengthen your creativity. Who knows? Maybe those comments that make you feel anxious can help you solve problems in your story.
3. Be self-compassionate
Why do you forget to be kind to yourself? Are you saying things to yourself that you would never say to someone else? Practicing self-compassion during the creative process is essential. Speak kindly to yourself, especially when you have to face something that terrifies you.
4. Grow as a person
The act of posting online is an action that leaves us vulnerable, as we are exposing a very intimate part of ourselves to the world. However, don't forget that it's also an act of courage.
Remember that by doing things with courage we are investing in our personal growth.
5. Prioritize your well-being
Prioritizing your well-being is related to knowing how to recognize our emotions. Putting a name to what we feel helps us to work with them, as well as learning to recognize when we need support and seek it when necessary.
If today you need to take a step aside and step away from social media or, on the other hand, upload a million stories to Instagram talking about things other than writing, do it. Listen to yourself and follow your wishes.
6. Celebrate your accomplishments
Even if it's something like publishing a chapter. That's an accomplishment. No matter how small, celebrate what you do. You should be your number one fan, support yourself as such. The result and the comments don't matter, do things because they are good for you.
7. Seek information in advance
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest seeking information before doing something, as it is proven that being informed reduces anxiety levels.
If we anticipate matters such as the type of community that exists on a certain website or the feedback that is usually given, we can reduce the levels of anxiety that causes us to publish online.
8. Find a group
Sharing with other writers and artists in the same community will help you find people who understand what you are going through. Writers' groups or online communities, like the one we have on Discord, are excellent places to find support and get advice.
Remember that although writing is a lonely road, you will never be alone. There will always be colleagues willing to accompany you and readers who want to read you.
9. Set realistic expectations
It's important to understand that not every story will be a bestseller. Come on, let's be honest, most stories won't even be reread by us as their writers. Don't lie to yourself anymore: that story you wrote when you were 12 years old is not going to be edited now when you're 25.
Be clear about your goals. You must learn to adjust your expectations based on your reality.
10. Balance yourself with mindfulness techniques
Meditating, doing breathing exercises or staying in the present moment are basic techniques that can help you combat anxiety. Try to practice them regularly. They will help you calm your mind and stop thinking about the future.
11. Expose yourself gradually
Starting small, although it sometimes sounds silly or basic, can help you deal with the pressure of publishing online.
You can try with one or a few short stories or poems first. As time goes on, you'll start to feel more comfortable enough to try more ambitious projects like full-length novels.
12. Seek professional help
Last but not least, if anxiety reaches crippling limits, consider seeking professional help. Therapy can be extremely helpful in learning to manage and cope with the consequences of anxiety.
Remember that being afraid and feeling vulnerable about posting on the Internet is the same anxiety that comes from exposure to the gaze of others. However, knowing how to recognize what you are feeling is the first step to understanding and dealing with it.
Overcoming the anxiety of publishing online will help you to value yourself and develop your path as a writer. Remember that you are doing this for you and no one else. Along the way, don't forget to be understanding and kind to yourself.
Be encouraged to publish, if that's what you want, and never regret sharing your voice with the world!