5 Ways to Boost Your Credibility as an Author

Introduction

The holidays are approaching soon, and with them, so are the gatherings. With that in mind, I wanted to give you some tips and tricks to make those career conversations a tad easier. Walk with me for a second through a scenario that may be painfully familiar. 

“What do you do for work?" 

“Oh, I’m a writer!”

 “That’s cool, but I mean what do you do to make money?”

We’ve all had a conversation similar to this either at Thanksgiving, a partner's work mixer, or in the grocery store line.

 The truth is, being a writer is a hard sell, in your personal life and when pitching yourself to literary agents or publishing companies. 

But here are a few tips to make that elevator pitch and overall branding more appealing to others and create more credibility for yourself.

If you have any questions about the contents of this post, please reach out to me at this email and I will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Prerequisites – What does Credibility as a Writer Even Mean?

The definition for credibility given by Merriam-Webster is “the quality or power of inspiring belief.” Therefore, building credibility as a writer is getting others to believe that you are a writer and more so to believe in your work. This can be difficult if you have never had anything published or even if you are on The New York Times Best Sellers list. But the key to boosting your credibility is not always just what you produce but how you present it.

To build credibility in yourself as a writer, it is important to make a good “first impression” (even if it’s to your uncle you have seen every Hanukkah since you can remember). The best way to do that is keep in mind nonverbal communication. Stand tall and talk about your work with confidence; keep in mind that people have preconceived notions of who you are and your career choice, and it is up to this interaction to confirm or disprove this idea. Lastly, it is important to note the primacy effect, which is that the information we encounter first tends to carry more weight than information introduced later, influencing how we interpret later interactions and making initial impressions resistant to change. So, essentially, your first impression is very, very serious when it comes to establishing your credibility and legitimacy as a writer.

Warm Up – How to Talk Confidently

In this YouTube video about improving your speaking skills and confidence, Adama walks viewers through how she became a confident speaker.  Take notes of the tips she gives viewers and see what you already implement and how you can begin practicing these tricks to become a more credible speaker.

• Luckily for you, you are already practicing her first tip which is embedding yourself in language. By reading and writing you are actively improving your communication skills.

• Studying speakers allows you to better understand what you like or dislike when it comes to public speaking. Going on TED Talks or watching celebrity interviews is a great way of studying how people verbalize their thoughts and opinions and using that as a resource can be helpful in finding your own speaking style.

• Engaging with a multitude of topics allows you to better understand what connects things and aids you in being able to use strong examples and communicate your ideas because you have studied multiple disciplines.

• Take your time when speaking, slowing down your speech shows more confidence and better engages your audience.

• Find opportunities to practice your speaking skills, whether it is networking events, book clubs or even recording yourself. Being able to learn how you implement speech and communicating ideas allows you to improve your effective communication.

• Capture yourself speaking so you can study it and note what you're proud of and things you want to work on.

• Speak on things you are interested in, it will make you a much more engaging and knowledgeable speaker.

• Preparing beforehand allows you to calm yourself because you already know your points and have a direction for your conversation

• Lean on your strengths, if you always have a resource on the tip of your tongue, share that. If people love your humor, utilize that when speaking.

5 Ways to Improve Credibility as a Writer

1. Find Your Niche

You can’t know everything about everything. Specializing in a particular genre or subject allows you to speak with more ease, authority, and confidence. For example, if you write gothic romance, dive deep into its history, cultural significance, notable authors, and what draws readers to it. The more immersed you are, the more you position yourself as an expert, lending authenticity to your work and your voice. Never underestimate the power of your niche!

2. Maintain a Consistent Brand

In today’s digital age, your online presence shapes how readers and peers perceive you. Ensure your bios across platforms—Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)—are aligned in tone and content. Use the same profile photo and maintain a unified aesthetic and voice in your posts. Consistency builds trust and makes your personal brand recognizable.

3. Build a Strong Network

Connections matter. Developing relationships with fellow authors, editors, publishers, and literary agents not only opens doors but also deepens your understanding of the industry. Attending conferences, engaging in writing communities, and participating in literary discussions can lead to collaborations . . . and possibly even a book deal.

4. Stay Informed About the Industry

The publishing world is constantly evolving. Stay current with trends, emerging platforms, and shifts in reader preferences. Being able to discuss these changes intelligently not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps your work relevant and timely.

5. Speak with Confidence

Credibility isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about how you present it. Once you’ve built expertise and connections, talk about your work with assurance. Share insights with authority, cite reliable sources, and own your voice. Confidence signals to readers and industry professionals alike that you take your craft seriously.

Conclusion

You’re a writer. Full stop. Not “aspiring,” not “dabbling”—a writer. Confidence does not come naturally to most, but it is the moments of drawing on what you know and believing in it that is what creates credibility. Or, as Taylor Swift once put it, “They said, ‘Babe, you gotta fake it till you make it.’ And I did.” The work is your proof, now you just need to walk with your head held high to the career (and credibility) you deserve.

Resources

improve your speaking skills and confidence | impact your career, content, talks & relationships - Adama Lorna walks through how she became a better and more confident public speaker.

Credibility and Connection Through Thoughtful Authenticity | Lauren Wittenberg Weiner | TEDxEustis - Lauren Wittenberg Weiner shares her experience of how she created success as a female business leader in the insular world of Special Operations and won the largest contract awarded to a woman-owned business.

Emily Williams is an intern with A.E. Williams Editorial and is majoring in Public Relations at the University of Georgia. She is interested in marketing for the publishing industry and hopes to pursue a career in the field. The draw of reading and the community around books piqued her interest, and she's been hooked ever since! You can connect with her on the company Facebook, LinkedIn, or through email.