xoSelf (short for Love Yourself)) is a weekly advice series where women can anonymously seek advice on topics about relationships, work, finding themselves or life challenges. xoSelf is responded to by educator & life coach Dr. Walter Hidalgo.
Dear xoSelf: It took me five years, but I’ve done it. I finally finished my book that I”m self-publishing and releasing it this fall. However, I am super nervous. I’m afraid that I will fail. I’m afraid that I will not succeed. I have so many people invested in this that I don’t want to let them down. Every morning I wake up and think that I should quit. I don’t know how to stop the anxiety. What should I do?
Answer:
You will not fail! I am also a published author. Now more than ever do you have multiple ways to promote and share your book to the world! Social media, paid ads, etc. This is an exciting time. Are you going to self-publish or are you looking to get published by a publishing company – both have pros and cons. In either case, you will never know your outcome if you don’t try to share your story to the world!
Related article: 14 Creative Ways to Sell Your Self-Published Book
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Dr. Walter Hidalgo is an educator and coach. He has a master’s of arts in Church History and Sociology from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and a doctorate from New York Theological Seminary where his focus was on the intersectionality between Hip-hop culture and socio-spiritual movements. He has taught in universities, high schools, prisons, not-for-profit organizations, and faith-based institutions from all over the world. And finally, he is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Beyond the Four Walls: The Rising Ministry and Spirituality of Hip-hop” where he has worked with numerous Hip-hop artists, educators, and youth from all over the world to create spaces of fun and empowerment.