Why do so many self-published non-fiction books fail? Because most authors skip the essentials. These three critical mistakes undermine credibility, positioning, and execution—long before the book reaches readers.

A successful book begins long before the writing does—but how do you know if your idea is truly viable? These five pillars show how to evaluate demand, study reader needs, analyze competitors, define a clear USP, and secure verified expertise. When done correctly, validation eliminates guesswork and ensures your manuscript is built on evidence, relevance, and credibility—not assumptions.