I wrote about why publishing a book always feels a little humiliating, even when things go well. Link to full essay in profile. garthgreenwell.substack.com/p/on-being-r...

not sure I agree. I wrote my book because I felt like it was a history that needed to be told and put into the world. I would also be lying if i said the reviews, awards and sales didn't matter to me. it means people read it and liked it and bought it. which means the work lives on