A Goodreads user asked Joseph Delaney:

Maybe you've never had this problem but how did you manage to get past your insecurities and publish your first book? I love to write and many people tell me that I'm good at it but I can never maintain concentration for a full story. I don't lack ideas but I fear that they're unoriginal and that even if I do happen upon the perfect idea I won't be good enough to do it justice. Did you feel this too?

Joseph Delaney When I got my first rejection letter I replied to the publisher asking why they hadn't accepted it and I was so sensitive to their criticism I didn't write for two years but I persevered through the rejections (97 when I stopped counting) and developed a thick skin. Every time my agent told me a manuscript had been rejected I was ready with another. You have to believe in yourself and just keep plugging away, write everyday and make a note of all your ideas no matter how silly they are. Eventually you will find one that you can develop further. But remember getting published is difficult . Just because your manuscript is returned it doesn't mean it is not any good - it may just not be what the publishers are looking for at the time. A publisher’s list is limited and the number of authors they have may become significantly fewer when economic conditions are bad. So I wish you luck in your efforts to get published. If you enjoy writing as I did, the journey is worth it even if you never arrive.

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