Overcoming Author Envy: Coping Strategies for Competitive Writing Scenarios

Feeling green-eyed about other authors? We sure do! It's all too common – you've just written an amazing novel, but it's stuck on Amazon's 2,000,000 ranking spot while a poor romance piece plagues best-seller lists. Or perhaps you're scrolling through Instagram, admiring the third cover reveal of the year from a writer you follow, while despairing over your unfinished manuscript.

Jealousy can gnaw at even the most determined writer. We compare ourselves to our writing group colleagues, the Instagram influencers, and–oh, Stephen King has a new book out? Heresy! But let's face it – art isn't a zero-sum game.

I remember my own struggles with jealousy as a fledgling author. Throughout high school and university, I yearned to write, but rarely put pen to paper. I'd fixate on my peers in the literary community, feeling they stole seats on the bus to authordom as they published books and climbed the ranks. It wasn't until college that I caught on.

But many others I know never did. I've lost friends over jealousy and needless feelings of competition. I've had close friends flat-out ignore my writing career. I've had acquaintances insult and downplay my abilities while pretending to praise their own. It stinks. It hurts. And I don't want it to happen to anyone else.

So, why do we feel jealous in the first place? Simple answer: other writers have what we think we want. Maybe it's a publishing contract, a movie deal, a finished manuscript – if you want it, someone else already has it. My first response when I saw a more successful writer would be, "Well, I'm so far behind. I'll never amount to anything." Or "They don't deserve that. They just got lucky."

But I don't believe that any more. In fact, when I feel a twinge of envy these days, I get pumped. Because when harnessed properly, jealousy can propel you forward.

Embracing Jealousy as fuel

Jealousy and competition are hardwired parts of our human experience. By acknowledging them and channeling their energy into something positive, they can serve as powerful motivators. The next time you feel green-eyed, take a moment to analyze your emotions and pinpoint the root cause, then devise a plan to tackle it head-on.

Here's a closer look at my jealous moments:

Acknowledge the feeling: "Alright, mate, I'm feeling green as the Emerald City right now."
Forgive yourself: "It's alright. I'm human. It happens."
Find the "What?": "Hmm, looks like my book isn't selling as well as that one. I'd love to know why."
Figure out the "Why?": "I think it's because my marketing strategy sucks."
Use it as a catalyst: "So, what can I do to fix it? For starters, maybe I should learn about marketing?"
Take action: "Excellent! I've got a plan. I'm going to learn everything I can about marketing and watch my sales skyrocket!"

Handling Jealousy the Healthy Way

This section isn't about how to eliminate jealousy entirely, because let's face it, that's a pipe dream. Jealousy is inevitable, and there will always be someone more successful than you. So, how can you manage your green-eyed feelings in a positive, constructive way?

Act Opposite to Your Feelings:Notice a successful author's new book? Take a moment to congratulate them on their achievement – a retweet, a like, or a supportive comment can go a long way. Initially, it may give you a false sense of victory, but eventually, your genuine reaction will bloom.

Learn and Grow:Feel envious of a more successful author's platform? Study their strategies and learn from them. Read their books, follow their articles, and–if you dare – approach them for advice. Rather than resenting their success, use it as a stepping stone to your own progress.

Take Action:If you feel a pang of envy, you now know what you want. Put that desire into action, whether it's in writing, marketing, or networking. You might not be able to achieve all your goals due to circumstances beyond your control, but if you're not putting maximum effort in, don't blame anyone but yourself.

Keep Perspective:If there's someone ahead of you, there must be someone behind you. Maybe you're not making enough to write full-time yet, but there's an aspiring writer out there who dreams of your five-book series. Remember, every writer has been in your shoes.

Be Kind to Yourself:Frequently, jealousy comes hand-in-hand with feelings of inadequacy. Treat yourself with kindness, silence your inner critic, and keep it at bay. A self-respecting, content writer is less likely to be weighed down by bitterness.

Dairy products not doing the trick? Take a break, grab a beer, and let it all out. It really does make everything better.

Hailing from the great Midwest, Kate M. Colby is a multi-genre fiction and creative nonfiction writer, as well as a writing craft blogger. After graduating summa cum laude from Baker University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Sociology, Kate went on to chase her writing dreams. When she's not crafting tales and blogging about the craft, she can be found exploring the great outdoors–riding horses, hiking, and fishing–with her family in the Rockies.

Engaging in education and self-development can help alleviate feelings of jealousy during the creative process. Reading book reviews and learning about successful authors' marketing strategies can provide valuable insights into improving one's own work and craft.
personal-growth often accompanies a first draft as a writer constantly evaluates and refines their work, making it an important step in the creative process and an opportunity for continuous learning and improvement.
Adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes writing and personal growth can help a writer navigate the challenging emotions that arise during the creative process, such as jealousy and self-doubt. This may involve setting aside dedicated time for writing, attending writing workshops or conferences, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community of fellow writers.