If you’ve ever stared at your screen and thought, “Who am I to be writing this?” you aren’t alone. Every writer to ever exist has shared that sinking feeling of insecurity.
I certainly have.
In fact, overcoming imposter syndrome has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in nearly a decade of being a freelance writer.
Maybe you’ve just landed a big client, and instead of celebrating, you’re secretly wondering how long it will take for them to realize you have no idea what you’re doing.
Or maybe you’ve been writing for years, but every pitch still feels like a shot in the dark.
If any of this sounds familiar, congrats! You’re officially a real freelance writer.
Seriously, though. Imposter syndrome—those nagging doubts that you aren’t good enough, smart enough, or “legit” enough—can be debilitating.
The fact you care so much about your work is proof you take this career seriously. It’s a sign you deserve the work you’ve earned.
But self-doubt doesn’t pay the bills.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a freelance writer is a difficult but essential journey if you’re in this for the long haul.
I won’t tell you to just believe in yourself (because, let’s be real, it isn’t easy). What I will do is show you what I did to push past my doubts. I call it the T.H.R.I.V.E system.
T – Trust Your Abilities
Self-doubt is sneaky. It makes you believe you tricked your way into every opportunity you’ve had—or worse, that luck is the only reason you’re successful.
While you might have some lucky breaks, the idea you can build an entire on anything other than hard work is preposterous.
Try rereading something you wrote a year ago. Then compare it today. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll see growth. If you’ve improved, it means you belong.
Every client you’ve worked with is further proof. Each dollar made is a sign that your writing is worthy, and so are you.
If you’re brand new, acknowledge what you DO know, rather than focusing on what you don’t. Maybe you don’t have years of experience, but your knowledge, research skills, and unique perspective are valuable.
H – Highlight Your Successes
Imposter syndrome makes it easy to forget every win the second it happens. If you’re like me, you ruminate three times longer on something you did wrong than you celebrate something done well.
Yuck.
To beat this, start making a point of acknowledging your success.
Create a “success file” where you save every positive email from a client, every great testimonial, and every project you’re proud of.
On the days you feel like a fraud, open it to remind yourself that you have done good work and that people appreciate your writing.
R – Reframe Your Doubts
All writers have a nasty voice in the back of our heads telling us we suck. Anne Lamott refers to it as the “Critic” or “Perfectionist” in her book “Bird by Bird.”
Spoiler alert, that voice is lying. Giving it a name helps you identify where the thoughts come from.
When the Critic starts spewing doubts, don’t try to silence it (this doesn’t work). Try reframing the thoughts instead.
“I don’t deserve this client” becomes → “I worked hard to get here, and I’ll do my best.”
“I’m not as good as other writers” becomes → “Every writer has their own strengths, and I have mine, too.”
Each day you learn, grow, and show up exemplifies that you’re a professional. So stop listening to anything telling you otherwise.
I – Immerse Yourself in Learning
My favorite way to shut down imposter syndrome? Keep learning. I’m always reading books on writing or watching videos on the latest SEO trends.
Not because I’m not good enough, but because I know there’s more to learn, and growth builds confidence.
Don’t just learn from the “experts” either. Experience and hands-on work are often the most effective teachers.
Instead of seeing gaps in your knowledge as proof of failure, see them as opportunities. No writer knows everything. If they say otherwise, they’re lying.
The best writers are the ones who never stop working to improve. Over time, your confidence will grow alongside your skills.
V – Value Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is the deadliest trap I know of. It lulls you into the illusion that if your writing isn’t perfect, it shouldn’t exist at all.
Again, no writer is perfect. Not even the bestselling authors, seasoned copywriters, or industry veterans claiming to make $10k a week.
The difference between writers stuck in imposter syndrome and them? They write anyway. They pitch anyway. They know that done is always better than perfect.
Reset your mindset from being the best writer ever to being a better writer than you were yesterday.
When you keep moving, you gain more proof that you are capable, so keep writing even if being imperfect is uncomfortable.
E – Engage with Others
Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. Unfortunately, freelancing can be lonely work. If you are the only person you talk to, it’s easy to believe the worst in yourself.
That’s why community matters.
Connect with other writers—whether online or in local groups—and you’ll quickly realize that everyone struggles with doubt.
Talking about imposter syndrome makes it far less powerful. Plus, surrounding yourself with people who get it can be the encouragement you need to keep going.
You Belong Here
Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight. Don’t expect it to.
You don’t have to be the best writer to be a “real” writer. You just need to keep showing up.
Next time you find yourself stuck in the toxic cycle that is imposter syndrome, apply the T.H.R.I.V.E system and you’ll prove to yourself, over and over again, that you belong.
Now, go write.