Are you a highly skilled professional struggling to start your book? Attorneys, physicians, legal nurse consultants, and public speakers often operate under high pressure, where mistakes are costly and standards are high. They’ve trained for years, built respected careers, and earned the trust of their peers and clients.
So why do so many of these accomplished professionals struggle to start their book?
The answer is not lack of knowledge.
- It’s fear of exposure.
- Fear of imperfection.
- Fear of criticism.
Even those who are confident speakers or seasoned experts frequently pause when faced with the vulnerability of authorship. Writing a book creates a lasting, public representation of your thoughts. There’s no back-and-forth to clarify, no judge or jury to sway in real time. Just your words—on the page, open to scrutiny.
“I don’t want to embarrass myself.”
That’s the unspoken concern. And it’s understandable.
In your professional life, you are expected to be precise, authoritative, and informed. When you write, especially for a general or mixed audience, there’s always a risk that your words will be misunderstood—or worse, dismissed. The higher your standing, the more exposed you may feel.
But it’s important to remember: writing isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. It is about getting your book done, and stopping the struggle, hesitancy, and procrastination.
Books aren’t peer-reviewed journal articles. They don’t require citations on every line or flawless prose. They are human. Relatable. Thought-provoking. Your book is meant to reach someone who can benefit from your experience or your viewpoint—not to prove that you’re beyond critique.
A skilled editor can improve on your writing and make you proud of the book that bears your name.
Why fear hits high achievers the hardest
When you’ve built a career on competence and credibility, your bar for success is high. If you’re not 100% confident the book will be stellar, you might not start at all.
But here’s the irony: those most afraid of publishing something subpar are often the ones who write with the most care. Their standards ensure thoughtful content, even if they second-guess themselves at every turn.
So, what do you do if you want to write a book but can’t shake the fear?
- Reframe the goal.
Your goal isn’t to write a perfect book. It’s to communicate something meaningful. Write the book you wish someone had given you early in your career. Know that an editor will improve on it. - Narrow your focus.
You don’t need to include everything you know. In fact, trying to do that will dilute your message. Choose a specific topic or audience. You’ll be more confident writing for a clearly defined reader. - Enlist support.
Work with a ghostwriter, writing coach, or editor—someone who understands your field. Their expertise will help you shape your content and avoid rookie mistakes without making you feel inadequate. - Remember your audience.
Most readers aren’t looking for holes to poke—they’re looking for solutions. If your book offers insight or comfort, they’ll thank you, not criticize you.
You’ve already done hard things in struggling to start your book
If you’ve diagnosed complex medical conditions, deposed witnesses, presented to critical audiences, or handled high-stakes decisions, you’ve already worked under pressure. Writing a book is no different—except this time, you have the freedom to revise, refine, and polish before anyone sees it.
Think of your first draft as a conversation with a colleague, not a final verdict on your intelligence.
Give yourself permission to learn
Every author starts somewhere. Even published writers look back on their early work and see things they’d change. That’s growth. The goal isn’t to be flawless—it’s to get started and to stop struggling to start your book.
A book with heart and authenticity will resonate more than one that’s technically perfect but emotionally sterile.
A legacy worth leaving
When you write, you contribute to your profession’s future. You leave something behind that others can learn from. That’s the power of publishing—not to prove you’re perfect, but to share what matters.
The next time you hesitate to write because you’re afraid it won’t be good enough, ask yourself this:
“What will happen if I never write it? How much will I regret that?”
Then take a step forward. Contact me to set up a time to talk about how to get you started. Email me at pat at patiyer dot com.
Pat Iyer MSN RN LNCC is a consultant, speaker, author, editor and coach. She has written or edited over 68 of her own books and worked with dozens of authors. Pat is an Amazon international #1 bestselling author. Coaches, consultants, and speakers hire Pat to help release the knowledge inside them so that they can attract their ideal clients.
She delights in assisting people to share their expertise by writing. Pat serves international and national experts as an editor, book coach, and a medical and business writer.
