How easy is it to be a New York Times best seller?

Question

Because it seems like all the books i see are one, or have a NY times best selling author

Answer 1

It is extremely difficult if you consider the percentage of published books that make it onto that list. However being a New York Times bestseller doesn't necessarily mean as much as people think it does. It only means that on one particular week, you sold enough copies of your book to be in the top 50 of that week. But if you only appear in it just once, maybe you've only sold 10 000 copies that one week and none after that.



EDIT: SK, the Times does share how it determines who goes on the bestseller list. Just go on their website and read the fine prints at the bottom of the list.

Answer 2

It depends on the author's skill really. For example, if the author was a bit lacking in writing skills, it would be actually somewhat difficult for them to create a best-seller without a business technique (like writing about a popular topic, etc.). However, if they have been practicing, polishing and spending loads of time on their story, it might be easy for that book to become a best-seller. It all depends! :)

Answer 3

Megan, it's really hard--and the Times does not ever share how it determines what's a best seller, so its best seller list is only one of many valid lists showing good sales.



I know hundreds of authors online, plenty of them with dozens of books out, but only one who's been on the NYT best seller list. (She wrote "The Night Circus.")

Answer 4

Extraordinarily difficult.



~Dr. B.~

Answer 5

Oh god.. I wish it wasn't easy!