Navigating mental health on your publication journey
As well as the joys it can bring, getting published can be stressful; uncertainty, deadlines, scrutiny and anticipation all contribute to potential burnout. Kingsley Pearson talks mental health
It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated or sad at different stages – alongside other, more enjoyable feelings. Here, I offer a few tips for some of the common challenges, to help you stay resilient and make the most of this experience.
Managing disappointment
Disappointment is likely to show up at some point during an author’s career, whether this is when they’re aspiring, debut or established; we write because it is important to us, and when something is important to us and we invest in it, we’re likely to have hopes and expectations about how that endeavour will pay off.
You’ve probably heard of people saying ‘manage your expectations’ (which is not wrong), but I’d like to add nuance to this. This isn’t about not having any hopes or dreams or setting your expectations low. Rather, try to ‘hold them lightly’. See them for what they are: thoughts in your mind, that sometimes reality is not going to match with. In practical terms, you can facilitate this psychological flexibility by researching the norms for querying, getting published, becoming a bestseller, winning awards and so on. Actively seek out interviews that show that even successful authors have weathered setbacks. Dream big, by all means; at the same time, be open to various outcomes. Whatever happens, allow yourself to feel the accompanying emotions, and remind yourself that one step doesn't define your entire journey.
Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you are grateful for each day. This could be the support from your writing community, the progress you've made, or the opportunity to share your story with the world. This practice can shift your perspective to become more balanced – like physiotherapy for the brain.
Maintaining self-esteem
Remember that you are not your book. We writers often tie our self-esteem closely to our work. This can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions based on the status of said book. Understand that your value as a person is not determined by your book's success – whatever that means for you - or failure; you have intrinsic worth that is independent of your writing achievements. Engage in activities and relationships that nurture your identity outside of being a writer, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or self-care such as eating, sleeping and exercising in a way that works for you. This broader perspective can help you maintain a healthy self-image regardless of the fluctuations in your writing career.
Take intentional moments to savour the positive milestones you achieve. Whether it's completing a book, going on submission, or selling your first copy, each step forward is a victory. You could keep a journal to track these accomplishments and reflect on your progress. Celebrating these small wins helps reinforce your sense of capability. You can cultivate a boost if you need one by asking for positive feedback from someone you trust.
Last words: Your publication journey is not just about the end goal: you need to maintain your wellbeing along the way. It’s typically a long road to success for the majority of authors, so set yourself up for a sustainable ride. Embrace the process, actively develop a flexible and open mind, practise gratitude, and cultivate and savour your positive moments to enable yourself to have a more fulfilling and balanced experience.
Kingsley Pearson works as a clinical psychologist in digital mental health (think delivering therapeutic experiences through AI, apps, virtual reality). His writing is informed by both his personal and professional backgrounds, and has been longlisted for the Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers Prize, and shortlisted for the Mo Siewcharran and the Joffe Books Prizes. He is represented by Silé Edwards at Andrew Nurnberg Associates, and his debut, Flat 401, is a psychological suspense novel coming out in April 2025 with Orion Fiction.
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