How to Know If Your Book Idea Is Worth Pursuing

Does your next book concept have what it takes? Let’s find out!

The rush of inspiration that comes with a new book idea is exhilarating! The themes, core concepts, or characters start forming in your mind, and you can almost envision the book that will captivate readers and make an impact. Before you dive headfirst into writing, however, you may find yourself asking: Is this book idea actually worth pursuing?

Many writers fight with self-doubts:

• What if no one wants to read it?

• What if I lose interest halfway through?

• What if I invest months (or years) into something that never takes off?

These are valid fears, but they shouldn’t paralyze you or prevent you from moving forward at all. Instead, they should push you to evaluate your idea with a strategic mindset before investing time and resources.

This guide will walk you through smart questions to ask yourself, market research techniques to complete, and validation strategies to perform to ensure your book idea has the strength to succeed. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding to help you determine whether to move forward or refine your idea until it’s truly worth the journey you’ll take with it.

The 5 Core Questions to Ask Before Writing

Before committing to any book project, evaluate whether your idea has the depth, market viability, and personal resonance to stand on its own. The following five questions will guide you through this process in detail.

1. Am I passionate about this idea?

Continued passion is the fuel that keeps a writer going for months (or even years) of writing, revising, and publishing. Think about your responses to these questions:

• Could you talk about this idea endlessly without losing interest?

• Do you feel excited every time you think about the story or topic?

• Would you still write this book even if it never became a bestseller?

• Can you picture yourself sticking with this idea for the long haul?

2. Does my book solve a problem or fulfill a need (for nonfiction)? Does my story have a compelling hook (for fiction)?

For nonfiction, think about your responses to these questions:

• Readers want books that solve problems, educate, or inspire. What specific need does your book address?

• Can you clearly articulate the transformation your reader will experience?

Is there an existing demand for this information, and do you bring a fresh perspective?