I believe you're reading this as much more negative and confrontative than it was meant to be. The post was about how there was an emotional journey to creating great things. My comment simply relayed a personal experience that agreed with the tweet. That's it. It's an emotional journey. Creating things of value can be deeply emotional.

More to the point, recognize the sucky parts and continue on anyway.

"I think you would benefit from seeking advice from an unbiased third party." -- sure thing. I've ran more than 50 beta readers through the book. And I plan on seeking editing services. A trusted third-party is always a good thing. Why wouldn't it be?

"How can you possibly know who will benefit from your work and who won't ahead of time?" Well you can't, which is why you use beta readers. I know my work. I know my work helps people. And I know the people I help would also be helped from this book. That's just a starting place, mind you, but it's a pretty strong one. Then, and only then, do you start looking at tone, product-market fit and the rest of it.

I decided not to go the professional publishing route, even though I probably could have made it work. Why? Because I am purposefully doing this upside-down. That doesn't mean a professional publisher or editor wouldn't be great. Self-publishing is a ton of work. But so is ditch-digging. So is anything of this nature.

Yes, I can certainly make my work attractive while also being honest. I have work to do. Yay!

The purpose of the tweet was to tell people that there's an emotional trough you have to go through. That was also my purpose. It's normal -- and whether you need to get angry, happy, sad, or whatnot to make your way through it, it's quite an emotional ride! Don't lie to yourself about what's ahead and prepare yourself.