The future of publishing is about having connections to readers and the knowledge of what those readers want.
The way to work with a bully is to take the ball and go home. First time, every time. When there's no ball, there's no game. Bullies hate that. So they'll either behave so they can play with you or they'll go bully someone else.
Being aware of your fear is smart. Overcoming it is the mark of a successful person.
In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.