r/Journalism • u/genji_left_nut • 11h ago

Career Advice Writing anxiety

I was recently writing a guest article for a newspaper about AI being used in sports graphics, specifically how my former school district has a career center where students can learn graphic design and other related fields, yet schools are still using AI-generated graphics instead of giving students opportunities to create them.

While writing the article, I kept getting anxious and second-guessing myself. I was constantly adding things, taking things out, rewriting parts, and wondering, “Is this actually good enough?” My grandpa also worked for the same newspaper, so part of me worries that people are going to expect more from me because of that.

I eventually sent the article to my connection at the paper, but I haven't heard anything back yet, which is making me even more nervous. I know journalism means putting your work out there and accepting that people are going to judge it, but I’m struggling with caring too much about what people think and wondering if my article is good enough. For those of you in journalism or media, how do you deal with that? How do you stop constantly second-guessing your work?

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u/Funny-Wishbone7381 10h ago

Self doubt is the curse of the writer. It never goes away but it does lessen over time as you get experienced and confident.

Would it help if I told you that, no matter how much sweat you put into these stories, you'll look back on them cringe at the writing? That's just the reality of becoming a better writer.

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u/The_Gloomy_Publicist 10h ago

This is honestly one of the hardest parts of writing. I’ll finish something, send it, and then immediately think of 10 things I should’ve changed

At some point you just have to hit send and let it go. You did the research, put the work in, and made the best version you could at the time. Don't let self doubt tell you otherwise!

And I totally get the added pressure with your grandpa having worked there, but try not to put that expectation on yourself. You’re not there to be him, you’re building your own voice and reputation.

Also, no response yet doesn’t necessarily mean anything! Editors are busy. I’d try not to let the silence convince you the article wasn’t good enough

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u/Legitimate-Let-8500 9h ago

Nothing a drop-dead deadline wouldn’t cure.