"Is My Book Worth Writing?" The Lie That’s Holding You Back

Sep 10
3 min read

Every writer asks this at some point, some of us over and over again.

Is my book worth writing?

Maybe you’ve scribbled the beginnings of a novel or outlined a memoir that’s too close to your heart. Maybe your hard drive is full of false starts and story sparks. And maybe, deep down, you’re wondering if you’re wasting your time.

I’ve been there. More than once.

But after nearly two decades as a writer, coach, and mentor to hundreds of creatives, I can tell you this with certainty: that question is less about your book’s value and more about fear.

Let’s talk about why that fear shows up, why your idea is more than enough, and how you can move forward with confidence.

Why We Ask, “Is My Book Worth Writing?”

The first time I doubted a book idea, it wasn’t because it lacked characters or structure. It was because I thought no one would care.

That’s what this question really means, right?

“Is my book worth writing…to anyone but me?”

This fear often wears different masks:

My story isn’t interesting enough.
It’s already been done.
I’m not a “real” writer.
I’m not qualified to write this.

But behind every excuse is the same insecurity: what if I pour my soul into this, and it goes nowhere?

It’s not about the idea.

It’s about the risk.

The Truth About “Book-Worthy” Ideas

Here’s the secret most writing programs and how-to books won’t tell you:

There’s no such thing as a “book-worthy” idea.

There are only ideas that get written and ideas that don’t.

Some books that seemed unlikely—quirky novels, quiet memoirs, niche poetry collections—became bestsellers or cult favorites. Not because they were trendy, but because someone believed in them enough to finish them.

You don’t need a world-shaking premise.

You need:

Clarity about what you’re trying to say.
Commitment to showing up for the work.
A willingness to get it wrong before you get it right.

Your idea doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.

What Makes a Book “Worth It”

Let’s reframe the question from “is my book worth writing?” to “what would make it worth it?”

Here are a few reasons that absolutely count:

You want to understand yourself better. Memoir, journaling, and fiction can all be forms of reflection.
You want to connect with others. Your story can make someone feel less alone.
You want to honor a part of your life. Writing gives voice to experiences that were silenced.
You want to serve. A devotional, a guide, or a testimony could be the answer to someone’s prayer.