1. They just haven’t found it yet.
2. You’re still finding your voice and developing your style. I know everyone says this, but they say it because it’s true.
3. You’re trying to write content you’re not passionate about just because it’s “popular.”
4. You’re not putting things out there consistently. Unfortunately, the less you publish, the easier it is for people to forget you — or never discover you at all.
5. You’re not promoting it! Or you’re promoting it too much! Find a happy medium, whatever that might look like for you.
6. You’re just starting out. Instant gratification in the publishing world does not exist. Don’t expect it.
7. You’re in an oversaturated genre. That doesn’t mean you can’t break through, it’s just going to take time — and a LOT of effort.
8. You’re only writing about yourself and ignoring people who want to read about themselves. It’s weird, I know, don’t question it, just accept it.
9. No one cares about you (yet). By that I mean to most internet people you’re just a random stranger saying words. Figure out a (good) way to convince people your words are worth listening to.
10. Your ascension to recognition is the slow, quiet, stealthy kind. My favorite kind!
11. You’ve locked yourself inside a set timeline when success doesn’t have one.
12. You’re almost there. It doesn’t feel like it, but you’re close. So close that the best and only thing you can do is to work harder than you ever have before. Don’t give up. Keep writing.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a 10-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.
Meg Dowell Writes 