One of the most important traits of a successful author is confidence.

Of course you must have confidence in the quality of your work. There are so many opportunities to receive rejections that authors have to know beyond any doubt that their work is worthy of being published.

The value of your work might come from the message it offers, how it tackles some social issue, or simply from the fact that it is a heart-stopping, fast-paced read.

Know the value of your work and allow that to inform your confidence. Be rock steady with this. No matter whether you work with a traditional publisher, print your own books, or strike a hybrid balance, you’ll need confidence to build your career over the long haul.