Episode 262 - Combating and Tapping into Imposter Syndrome with Diane Vallere
October 29, 2024
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Diane Vallere discusses COMBATING AND TAPPING INTO IMPOSTER SYNDROME, including how understanding personal goals and recognizing the difference between internal self-assessment and external comparisons can help manage imposter syndrome; the benefits for creatives of focusing on our own definition of success rather than external validation; and how pricing our work appropriately is crucial in avoiding the pitfalls of both imposter syndrome and undervaluation.
Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of over forty books, including the Material Witness, Madison Night, and Killer Fashion mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania where she spends her free time curled up with a book.
Links
Diane's Links:
https://facebook.com/dianevallereauthor
https://instagram.com/dianevallere
https://pinterest.com/dianevallere
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4739022.Diane_Vallere
https://www.youtube.com/dianevallere
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://facebook.com/dianevallereauthor
https://instagram.com/dianevallere
https://pinterest.com/dianevallere
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4739022.Diane_Vallere
https://www.youtube.com/dianevallere
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed this episode! Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, especially creatives. How do you combat self-doubt in your artistic or professional journey?
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Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Diane Vallere about tackling imposter syndrome as an independent author. Throughout the episode, they delve into the psychological challenges that writers may face and how these affect their careers and creative processes. Importantly, they discuss how authors can manage the pressures of comparing themselves to others and staying motivated. Diane Vallere brings her insights as an indie author to the table, as they explore crucial themes such as comparison, rejection, and pricing in the publishing industry.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Creativity
Diving into the podcast, Matty and Diane discuss the widely accepted notion that writers are introverts, and they challenge assumptions about imposter syndrome being an inevitable phenomenon for all creatives. Diane emphasizes that imposter syndrome typically arises when we doubt our abilities or face criticism that fuels our self-doubt. She notes that the writing and self-promotion required of authors can exacerbate these feelings, leading one to question their worth or the quality of their work. Diane states, "No one ever experiences imposter syndrome when they know they can do something."
Matty raises the question of imposter syndrome in the context of one's creative life, suggesting that these doubts can impact other areas. Diane concurs, identifying the myriad of question marks when transitioning from a stable job to a creative endeavor and the self-doubt that accompanies such a change. They agree that both imposter syndrome and "comparisonitis"—an obsession with comparing oneself to others—are related, with Matty noting, "It’s the internal assessment versus the external assessment."
Navigating Comparison and Setting Personal Goals
One critical point they explore is how comparisonitis, while often condemned, can sometimes serve as a useful indicator of what we want in our careers. Diane suggests using others' successes as a guide, saying, "When you see somebody who has something, and you realize you want it, that is huge because it tells you something about your own journey."
Matty and Diane caution against setting overly aspirational goals, like comparing oneself to bestselling authors with extensive support teams. Instead, focusing on achievable goals inspired by peers can provide clearer, actionable steps. They highlight the importance of knowing one's goals, whether it’s gaining reviews, awards, or a wider readership, and aligning one's efforts with these objectives.
Dealing with Rejection and Maintaining Control
Matty brings up the inevitability of rejection in the creative industry, whether from agents, publishers, or even platforms like BookBub that promote books to large audiences. Matty advises treating rejections as transactional decisions rather than personal judgments. Persistence is key; authors should continue submitting work and understand that many factors in a rejection decision are beyond their control.
Rejection should not deter authors from pursuing promotional opportunities, as the process of applying itself can be an affirmation of one's belief in their work. This mindset allows authors to maintain focus on what they can control—writing the best book possible.
Pricing and Perception of Quality
The podcast delves into how pricing can influence readers' perceptions of a book's quality, a topic of significant interest to indie authors. Matty shares her experience of raising the prices of his books and encourages other authors to charge prices that reflect the quality of their work. Diane agrees, noting that while low prices can initially attract readers, they may also signal inferior quality.
Diane and Matty discuss the balance between setting competitive prices and ensuring that the pricing strategy aligns with the perceived value and quality of the book. For authors, pricing is an essential aspect of positioning their work alongside traditional publishing standards.
Conclusion: Self-belief and Continuous Improvement
As the podcast concludes, Matty and Diane reiterate the importance of self-belief while recognizing areas for improvement in one's work. Diane encourages authors to assess their projects honestly and seek feedback to ensure their works meet professional standards. They underscore that imposter syndrome can be mitigated by establishing a robust understanding of one’s work and its place in the market, as well as by celebrating personal achievements.
Ultimately, the podcast offers practical advice and encouragement to indie authors navigating the hurdles of self-doubt and comparison. Diane’s insights emphasize that authors can take actionable steps to overcome imposter syndrome and embark on a confident and self-aware publishing journey.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Creativity
Diving into the podcast, Matty and Diane discuss the widely accepted notion that writers are introverts, and they challenge assumptions about imposter syndrome being an inevitable phenomenon for all creatives. Diane emphasizes that imposter syndrome typically arises when we doubt our abilities or face criticism that fuels our self-doubt. She notes that the writing and self-promotion required of authors can exacerbate these feelings, leading one to question their worth or the quality of their work. Diane states, "No one ever experiences imposter syndrome when they know they can do something."
Matty raises the question of imposter syndrome in the context of one's creative life, suggesting that these doubts can impact other areas. Diane concurs, identifying the myriad of question marks when transitioning from a stable job to a creative endeavor and the self-doubt that accompanies such a change. They agree that both imposter syndrome and "comparisonitis"—an obsession with comparing oneself to others—are related, with Matty noting, "It’s the internal assessment versus the external assessment."
Navigating Comparison and Setting Personal Goals
One critical point they explore is how comparisonitis, while often condemned, can sometimes serve as a useful indicator of what we want in our careers. Diane suggests using others' successes as a guide, saying, "When you see somebody who has something, and you realize you want it, that is huge because it tells you something about your own journey."
Matty and Diane caution against setting overly aspirational goals, like comparing oneself to bestselling authors with extensive support teams. Instead, focusing on achievable goals inspired by peers can provide clearer, actionable steps. They highlight the importance of knowing one's goals, whether it’s gaining reviews, awards, or a wider readership, and aligning one's efforts with these objectives.
Dealing with Rejection and Maintaining Control
Matty brings up the inevitability of rejection in the creative industry, whether from agents, publishers, or even platforms like BookBub that promote books to large audiences. Matty advises treating rejections as transactional decisions rather than personal judgments. Persistence is key; authors should continue submitting work and understand that many factors in a rejection decision are beyond their control.
Rejection should not deter authors from pursuing promotional opportunities, as the process of applying itself can be an affirmation of one's belief in their work. This mindset allows authors to maintain focus on what they can control—writing the best book possible.
Pricing and Perception of Quality
The podcast delves into how pricing can influence readers' perceptions of a book's quality, a topic of significant interest to indie authors. Matty shares her experience of raising the prices of his books and encourages other authors to charge prices that reflect the quality of their work. Diane agrees, noting that while low prices can initially attract readers, they may also signal inferior quality.
Diane and Matty discuss the balance between setting competitive prices and ensuring that the pricing strategy aligns with the perceived value and quality of the book. For authors, pricing is an essential aspect of positioning their work alongside traditional publishing standards.
Conclusion: Self-belief and Continuous Improvement
As the podcast concludes, Matty and Diane reiterate the importance of self-belief while recognizing areas for improvement in one's work. Diane encourages authors to assess their projects honestly and seek feedback to ensure their works meet professional standards. They underscore that imposter syndrome can be mitigated by establishing a robust understanding of one’s work and its place in the market, as well as by celebrating personal achievements.
Ultimately, the podcast offers practical advice and encouragement to indie authors navigating the hurdles of self-doubt and comparison. Diane’s insights emphasize that authors can take actionable steps to overcome imposter syndrome and embark on a confident and self-aware publishing journey.
