1. The list is NOT a pure reflection of sales numbers.
(Several human fingers on that scale)
Last week, Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) again pointed out something funny about his Mom’s book.
She was #11 on the list, but actual sales numbers would have made her #1 that week. See photo.
2. It takes more than one week’s sales to get on that radar, which does affect #1 above.
(Launch day/week is KEY, but keep your foot on the gas)
3. Your self-pubbed book will not get on the list.
(Okay, there are rare exceptions. Even then, you’ll need to create your own publisher imprint with an ISBN)
If you want to run that horse race, your publisher needs to get your book on ALL retailers. Amazon ain’t enough.
If NYT is the goal, ask your publisher for their PLAN. (Ideally, this happens before you sign a deal. This convo can also be quite revealing…)
No plan, no list. Don’t assume.
4. If you love real numbers, go to BookScan
(Bring your credit card)
5. “Bestseller” is one word.
(And non-hyphen-ated)
So many mixed metaphors here, I’m getting dizzy…
Questions? Happy to discuss! As a marketer I’ve had 2 NYT bestsellers. And (amazingly) I’ve co-written four NYT bestsellers!