If you’ve had the opportunity to speak with an agent or have submitted a query, you may have been asked, “Why are you the right person to tell this story?” This question can be straightforward or a tricky one to answer.

For example, if you are writing a story about a character who works and travels with a carnival and you have firsthand experience as a carnie, then your background provides a perfect answer.

However, what if you are writing about someone recovering from their fiancé being murdered by their lover, and you lack even second-hand experience in that area? You having a wild and vivid imagination can’t be your answer.

But you know what, your imagination did draw from your life in some way, whether it’s abstract or on the nose. Here are five questions to help you refine your answer:

1. If you spent time in the area where the novel was set, did your experience shape the setting or tone of the story, or was there something interesting about the area that you felt you needed to explore?
2. Does something about the theme of your story fascinate you?
3. Have you studied any aspect related to the story, such as hobbies, locations, music, diseases, or cultures?
4. Did your upbringing influence the direction of the story or any of the characters?
5. Do you share any traits with the characters?

The answers to these questions reflect your unique perspective, making you the perfect person to tell your story.