What to Do When the Excitement of Publication Wears Off
Post-publication blues are more common than you think!
As writers, the dream of seeing our work published is a monumental milestone. We pour so much of ourselves into our books, and when the moment finally arrives, it’s exhilarating. But once the excitement of publication fades, some authors find themselves experiencing, shall we say, the post-publication blues.
After all the hard work, the anticipation, and the thrill of seeing your book out in the world, you might be left wondering (perhaps with some modicum of despair)…what’s next?
In this article, I’ll discuss why post-publication depression happens, what you can do about it, and how to regain your motivation without losing steam.
Why Do We Experience Post-Publication Blues?
Post-publication blues often stems from a combination of factors. The emotional rollercoaster leading up to publication is intense—there’s excitement, anxiety, anticipation. After the book is out, those emotions tend to plateau or even decline, leaving many authors feeling deflated or even lost. Here’s why:
Achievement Paradox
The sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing and publishing a book can lead to a sudden emotional dip. Once the goal is achieved, it’s common to feel a little aimless.
After dedicating so much time and energy to one task, the absence of that focus can leave you feeling lost, as though you’ve reached the peak but aren’t sure where to go next.
Creative Exhaustion
Writing a book is mentally and emotionally draining. When it’s done, there’s often a sense of loss not just from completing the project, but also from the emotional investment it took.
The sense of fulfillment is often accompanied by a deep fatigue, as if you’ve poured all of your creative reserves into the book, and now you’re left with little to give.
Pressure
With the book out, there’s now pressure to promote it and meet expectations, which can be incredibly overwhelming. The responsibility to market your work and keep up with reviews can feel like a constant, looming task.
This pressure can intensify as you realize the work is no longer just yours; it’s now subject to the opinions and demands of a wider audience.
Is It Normal to Feel Sad After Publication?
Yes, it’s completely normal!
Many writers experience post-publication blues. Even well-established authors like Stephen King have admitted to feeling a sense of emptiness after completing a book. There’s a lot of pressure to keep moving forward, but it’s important to remember that these feelings are part of the creative process.
You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it doesn’t mean you’re not a successful author. It’s simply the emotional aftermath of a major life accomplishment.
When the Excitement of Publishing Fades
Once the euphoria of publishing fades, many authors don’t know where to go from there. Suddenly, there’s no looming deadline, no writing schedule, and no immediate purpose for the next step.
Even if you have sequels to write or other projects in the pipeline, the absence of a clear, pressing goal can leave you feeling adrift. The excitement of publication often overshadows the next step, making it hard to transition into the next stage of your creative journey.
When the focus shifts from creation to promotion, it can feel like you’re chasing something that’s already out of your control. This is where the emotional letdown happens. The excitement fades, and the questions pile up: What now? What’s next? How do I keep the momentum going?
How to Cope with Post-Publication Blues
While it’s important to honor the emotional space you’re in, there are several steps you can take to regain momentum and motivation.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Recognize that what you’re feeling is completely natural.
Whether it’s exhaustion, loss, or even anxiety, these emotions are valid. Reflect on why you might be feeling this way—are you burnt out? Are you struggling to let go of your book?
Understanding why you feel the way you do will help you process and move forward.
2. Revisit Your “Why”
When you first started writing your book, there was a reason you embarked on this journey! Maybe it was to share a meaningful story, or to make a difference. Maybe you wanted to inspire others or simply explore a world that had been building in your mind. Perhaps you felt a deep need to express something you couldn’t find the words to say in any other way.
Whatever the reason, it was a spark that drove you forward, and in some ways, that purpose may still be there, even if it’s harder to identify now.
Returning to your initial motivation can help you reconnect with the passion that drove you to write the book in the first place. Think about what your book represents to you and remind yourself of its purpose.
3. Celebrate Your Accomplishment
It’s easy to move on to the next project, but taking time to celebrate your success is essential! You did a Big Thing!
This doesn’t have to be a large celebration. It could be as simple as reflecting on your journey, acknowledging your hard work, and giving yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished. Celebrating helps you recognize the significance of your achievement and can reignite your sense of pride in your work.
4. Take a Break
After the intense focus of writing and publishing, it’s important to step back and recharge. Take some time away from writing to refresh your mind and spirit.
Whether it’s a day off or a week of relaxation, allow yourself the space to reset. But don’t take too long—a break is meant to help you return with renewed energy, not create a larger distance from your creative work.
5. Engage With Your Readers
One of the most rewarding aspects of publishing a book is connecting with your readers. Engage with them through social media, respond to emails, and thank them for their support. This not only validates your work but also reminds you of the impact you’re having. It could be the encouragement you need to keep going!
6. Start Your Next Project
Sometimes, the best way to overcome post-publication blues is to dive into your next project!
Whether it’s brainstorming ideas for a new book or revisiting an old draft, getting back to work can help you regain the sense of purpose and excitement that may have faded. Starting a new project doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your current book—it’s simply a way to keep your creative energy flowing.
Moving Forward & Embracing the Journey
The post-publication blues is quite common, but it doesn’t have to derail your writing career. By acknowledging your feelings, reconnecting with your purpose, and allowing yourself time to recharge, you can move through this phase and continue growing as an author.
Remember, publication is just one step in your creative journey. Embrace the highs and lows, and know that each phase of the process—whether it’s completing a book or navigating the aftereffects—is a valuable part of your evolution as a writer!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.