How to Overcome the Fear of Publishing Your First Article

I remember sitting in a café, laptop open, staring at my first article. My coffee had gone cold, my leg was bouncing under the table, and my finger hovered over the “Publish” button. My heart was racing like I was about to do something illegal.

I thought about all the things that could go wrong. What if people laughed at it? What if someone pointed out a mistake and called me out? What if… no one even cared?

So, I did what any rational person would do. I closed my laptop and went home.

That article sat in my drafts for weeks. Maybe you have one sitting in yours too. If the thought of putting your words out there makes you panic, trust me, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why this fear happens and how to get past it.

Why Publishing Feels So Scary

Hitting "Publish" isn’t just about sharing words. It feels personal. Like stepping onto a stage in front of strangers and waiting for them to either clap… or throw tomatoes. Here’s what might be running through your head.

• “What if my writing isn’t good enough?” You tweak, edit, and rewrite, hoping to make it perfect. Spoiler alert, perfection doesn’t exist.
• “What if people criticize me?” The internet can be brutal. The thought of someone tearing apart your work is terrifying.
• “What if no one reads it?” Maybe the scariest part isn’t bad feedback but getting zero feedback. Like talking into the void.

These thoughts are normal. But they don’t have to stop you.

How to Push Past the Fear

1. Accept That No One is Overthinking This as Much as You Are

Harsh truth? Most people skim articles while scrolling on their phones, half paying attention. They’re not analyzing every word. If they don’t like it, they move on. No one is sitting around waiting to tear you apart.

2. Your First Article Won’t Be Perfect, and That’s Fine

My first article had typos. It rambled in places. Looking back, I cringe a little. But guess what? It still helped people. It still started my journey. Every writer has a "not-so-great" first article. The only way to improve is to start.

3. Shift Your Focus to Helping, Not Impressing

When I finally published my first article, it wasn’t because I suddenly felt confident. It was because I thought, “Maybe this will help someone.” If your writing can help, inspire, or make someone feel less alone, isn’t that worth sharing?

4. Publish Small, Then Build Up

Not ready to share with the world? Start small. Post in a private group, send it to a friend, or share a short piece on social media. Each small step makes the next one easier.

5. Hit Publish and Walk Away

When I finally published that first article, I slammed my laptop shut and went for a walk. I refused to check for comments or views. A few hours later, I peeked. Nothing bad happened. In fact, people related to it. Some even thanked me for writing it. That fear I had? Gone.

Final Thought, Just Take the Leap

There’s no magical moment where you suddenly feel “ready.” You just do it anyway. Your first article won’t be perfect, but that’s what makes it real. Someone out there needs to hear what you have to say.

So, take a deep breath. Hit publish. Then come back and tell me how it felt. I promise, it’s not as scary as you think.