Starting a novel is one of the most exciting—and sometimes daunting—decisions a writer can make. As a book coach who’s helped hundreds of aspiring authors bring their stories to life, I can tell you: the spark of a great idea is where every compelling book begins. But not every idea is ready for a full-length novel. And that’s okay.

Before you commit months (or years) to developing your manuscript, it's wise to pause and assess whether your concept has the ingredients it needs to become a powerful, emotionally resonant story. Evaluating your novel idea upfront isn’t about talking yourself out of writing—it’s about setting yourself up for creative success from page one.

Here are five expert-level questions I encourage all my coaching clients to ask themselves before diving into a draft. Each one will help you deepen your concept, build confidence, and move forward with purpose.

1. Does Your Story Have a Strong Central Conflict?

Conflict is the heartbeat of fiction. Without it, stories fall flat—no matter how lyrical your prose may be. Think of conflict as the fuel that drives your plot and challenges your characters. It's what gives the reader a reason to turn the page.

Start by asking: What does my protagonist want more than anything—and what’s standing in their way? Strong novels usually feature both internal and external conflicts. Maybe your character is trying to solve a mystery and confront a fear of abandonment. Maybe they’re pursuing a dream while battling imposter syndrome. The richer and more layered the conflict, the more gripping your novel will be.

As a coach, I often see promising drafts falter because the stakes aren't clear or high enough. If your story idea feels like it’s missing tension, try ramping up what your character stands to lose—and who or what is trying to stop them.

2. What Makes Your Idea Unique?

Let’s be real: there are a lot of novels out there. So what makes yours different?

This doesn’t mean you need a brand-new genre-bending concept. In fact, readers love familiar tropes and genres—as long as there’s something fresh in the delivery. What matters is your unique lens as a writer. Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your cultural background, your insights into relationships, or your deep understanding of human psychology.

Try answering this: What can I say in this story that no one else can?

Sometimes it’s a character dynamic you’ve never seen portrayed honestly. Sometimes it’s a setting that feels rich and real because you’ve lived it. Uniqueness often comes from specificity. Instead of worrying about being wildly original, focus on being authentically you.

3. Who Is Your Audience—and Why Will They Care?

One of the biggest mindset shifts I teach is this: You’re not just writing for yourself—you’re writing for your reader too.

Knowing who your book is for can guide your creative choices. It shapes your tone, pacing, character arcs, and even how you market your novel later on. Ask yourself: Who will see themselves in this story? Is it teenage girls navigating friendship and identity? Adult women craving second-chance romance? Fans of dark academia or spicy fantasy?

Understanding your audience isn’t about limiting your creativity—it’s about making sure your story connects. A strong idea balances your passion with reader relevance. And when you get that balance right, your book will feel like a gift to the people who need it most.

4. Are You Passionate About This Story?

Here’s the truth: writing a novel is hard. It’s thrilling, yes. But also time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and often messy. If you’re not truly excited about your story, staying motivated will be tough.

So ask yourself: Am I obsessed with this idea? Do your characters keep you up at night? Do you find yourself daydreaming scenes or scribbling notes in the middle of the grocery store? That’s the kind of passion that will carry you through the difficult middle of your manuscript—and help you push through when self-doubt inevitably shows up.

If your enthusiasm feels lukewarm, dig deeper. Maybe the premise is solid, but your protagonist needs a clearer emotional journey. Or maybe the setting needs a twist to get your creativity flowing. Don’t settle for an idea that doesn’t light you up.

5. Is There Room for the Idea to Grow?

A novel isn’t just a single idea—it’s a world. A journey. A transformation.

So ask: Does this concept have enough depth to sustain 70,000+ words? Can you imagine multiple subplots, a character arc, and a satisfying resolution? Great story ideas have the potential to expand as you write. They surprise you. They evolve. They breathe.

If your idea still feels too small, consider exploring side characters, adding moral dilemmas, or weaving in personal themes you’re curious to explore. A good idea doesn’t need to be perfectly developed at the start—but it should offer space to grow into something rich and resonant.

Bonus Tip: Test It Out

If you’re still unsure whether your idea has legs, try writing a few exploratory scenes. Or talk it through with a writing coach or critique partner. Sometimes, voicing the idea out loud reveals its potential—or its limitations.

You can also use tools like mind maps, mood boards, or my Brainstorming Funsheet to develop your concept further. A little prewriting work now can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

Ready to Dive In? Let’s Go Deeper.

If you’re serious about writing a novel that actually gets finished—and that readers love—then don’t skip this foundational step. Evaluating your story idea isn’t just smart; it’s strategic. It gives you clarity, confidence, and direction before you ever write “Chapter One.”

To help you take the next step, I’ve created a free downloadable resource just for you: the Brainstorming Funsheet. It’s packed with thoughtful prompts and creative exercises to help you stress-test your idea, explore character goals, and discover what makes your story truly stand out.

Whether you’re a brand-new writer or returning to fiction after a long break, this is your invitation to start strong.