Long time writer with not much in the way of publications - mostly because I've been busy with life and all that. But I decided I really want to write a self-help book about relationships. I have about 7,000 words so far.

Today, I was looking at some info about self-help publishing before I got started for information about organizing my book. I also absorbed from several resources about writing self-help that one should really be an expert in their field - as in, having a degree in therapy or psychology. I do have two master's degrees, but they are not in relationships. I learned that through experience.

I am not getting all impostor syndrome-y about writing this book. I have helped a couple of friends through their relationships, but I haven't officially been paid to help anyone. I do feel that I've made a huge shift in my consciousness that I'd like to share with others. I also do have research experience, and can tie my strategy in with current research as needed.

How important do you think my background is? Should I try to frame myself as qualified (without stretching the truth, but maybe framing it with more confidence)? Or would that actually be understood as faking it by publishers/readers? What do you think?