A Guide to Making a Bestselling Book

Many authors share the same dream—writing the next great American novel. But it’s not about prestige or even potential earnings. Many authors want to create a hit novel to reach a broad audience, touch lives, and leave a mark on the literary world.

But what propels a book to become a bestseller? Is it sheer luck, or is there a formula to follow?

This blog post will delve into the complex machinery behind bestselling books. We’ll explore the critical elements—from your content's quality to your marketing's effectiveness—that can significantly influence your book’s success. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, understanding these factors can help you craft a strategy to meet and exceed your publishing goals. Let’s get started.

Write Quality Content

Do not pass go; do not collect $200 until you have a quality book ready to share with the world.

This principle is the foundation of a bestseller.

No amount of marketing can save a book if the content doesn’t resonate with readers. Quality content is at the heart of every bestseller—writing that captivates, entertains, and provides value. Whether it’s a thrilling novel, a comprehensive how-to guide, or an insightful non-fiction narrative, the substance of your book must be engaging and well-crafted.

So, how do you ensure that your book hits the mark?

Invest in Professional Editing

Refining your prose is crucial before your manuscript reaches any shelves or devices. Investing in professional editing like NY Book Editors is one of the most significant steps you can take toward creating a quality book. As editors, we do more than correct grammar. We enhance readability, ensure coherence in your narrative, and help hone your voice.

Learn more about our professional editing services here.

We offer several editing packages, including manuscript critiques, comprehensive edits, copy edits, and follow-up services. Let us polish your text to a professional standard.

By prioritizing quality from the outset, you lay a solid foundation for everything that follows. Remember, a well-written book is more likely to garner positive reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and a place on the bestseller list.

Invest in an Amazing Cover Design

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but a cover often makes the first impression. This fact is why your cover needs to be a good one. An eye-catching and professional cover design can significantly influence a reader’s decision to pick up your book. A great cover reflects the essence of your content and appeals to your target audience.

Finding the Right Designer

If you’re self-publishing, consider hiring a professional graphic designer who specializes in book covers and can make your book stand out. (Those of you working with a traditional publisher most likely do not have the luxury of choosing your cover.)

Platforms like 99designs or Behance can connect you with talented designers who can bring your vision to life. Be sure to communicate clearly about your book’s themes, tone, and audience to ensure the design aligns with your content.

Consider Genre Conventions

While creativity is crucial, your cover should also align with genre expectations. Readers often look for familiar cues that indicate the type of book they’re about to invest in. A romance novel, for instance, will usually feature softer, more intimate imagery, whereas a thriller might have bold, stark graphics.

Build a Strong Author Platform

A strong author platform is more than just a necessity in the digital era—it’s your direct line to current and future readers. Your platform will help you create meaningful connections to amplify your reach and influence as an author. Here’s how to do it:

Create a Professional Author Website

Your author website will be the professional hub for your work online. Include a regularly updated blog where you share insights into your writing process, stories behind your books, or articles related to the themes your writing explores. Also, add an email newsletter signup form on your website to collect email addresses. This frequent contact will allow you to reach your most engaged readers directly. You can use freemium services like MailChimp or ConvertKit to create your email newsletter in a few easy clicks.

Use Social Media Strategically

Select one or two social media platforms where you feel most comfortable and where your audience hangs out. For instance, if you write young adult novels, Instagram and TikTok might be fruitful due to their younger demographic. Share behind-the-scenes content, book teasers, and interactive posts like Q&As or live readings. Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to maintain a consistent posting schedule without it taking over your life.

Engage Authentically

Engagement goes beyond posting regularly. Respond to comments, participate in relevant conversations, and join or form communities around your genre or interests. For example, if you write historical fiction, engage with history enthusiasts’ groups or blogs. These deeper interactions authentically build trust and interest.

Create a Comprehensive Marketing Plan

A strategic marketing plan is crucial for the success of any book. This plan should encompass a variety of promotional tactics to reach your target audience effectively. Here are a few best practices to put in place:

Do Pre-Launch Activities

Generate buzz before your book hits the shelves. Organize a cover reveal event, share sneak peeks of your book through your newsletter, and use countdown posts on social media to build anticipation.

Go on Book Tours

Coordinate a book tour that combines virtual and physical stops. For virtual tours, collaborate with bloggers for interviews and guest posts. Connect with local bookstores and libraries for physical tours to arrange signings and readings.

Secure Reviews and Endorsements

Reach out to other respected authors in your genre for endorsements and try to secure a foreword or review from them that you can include in your book. Also, aim to get your book into the hands of influential book bloggers and reviewers early on.

Integrate Traditional and Digital Marketing

Combine traditional marketing techniques like press releases and media appearances with digital strategies such as targeted Facebook ads and Google AdWords campaigns. Tailor your messages to the platforms you use to ensure they resonate with the specific audiences.

Optimize the Timing of Your Launch

Choosing the right time to launch your book can significantly impact its initial success. The goal is to maximize visibility and capitalize on periods when your target audience is most receptive.

Analyze Market Trends

Examine the release dates of similar books in your genre. Avoid launching when other high-profile releases could overshadow your book. Consider seasonality—some genres sell better during certain times of the year, like romance around Valentine’s Day or horror near Halloween.

Consider Industry Events

Time your launch to coincide with major literary events or festivals where your book could gain additional exposure. For example, if your book relates to historical events, launching it around the anniversary of those events can generate extra interest.

Plan for Retailer Cycles

Understand that large retailers may have specific cycles for introducing new titles. Getting into their system at the right time can help ensure your book is available when consumers are most likely to buy.

Leverage Reviews

Reviews are a powerful tool for influencing potential readers and improving your book’s visibility. Amazon and Goodreads are incredibly influential. Here’s how to make the most of your reviews:

Encourage Early Reviews

Offer advanced reader copies (ARCs) to readers who leave honest reviews. These early reviews can create a buzz and provide valuable feedback. Send reminders and direct links to where they can leave their reviews, making it easy for them to review.

Utilize Mailing Lists

Encourage your email subscribers to review your book by providing direct, easy-to-follow instructions and incentives, such as entry into a giveaway for reviewers. Emphasize how much their feedback matters to you and the book's success.

Engage with Reviewers

Respond to reviews, thanking the reviewers for their time, regardless of whether the review is positive or negative. This interaction shows that you value reader feedback and can help build a loyal readership over time.

Price Your Book Right

Proper book pricing is crucial for attracting readers while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your work. Here’s what you need to know:

Understand Your Market

Research the standard pricing for books in your genre and format. Pricing too high might deter potential readers, while pricing too low could undervalue your work. For eBooks, consider the typical range of $2.99 to $9.99, as this bracket often maximizes revenue and affordability.

Use Promotions Wisely

Launching your book with a promotional price or temporarily lowering the price can boost sales and visibility. Consider timing these promotions around holidays or significant events when people are more likely to purchase new books.

Experiment with Pricing Models

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pricing strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. Utilize A/B testing on your pricing through various platforms to gather data on what works best.

Final Thoughts

Achieving bestseller status requires more than just writing a great book. It involves strategic planning, from crafting engaging content to choosing the optimal launch time and pricing effectively. Remember that “never giving us” is vital. Keep writing, keep reaching out, and keep believing in your journey. Success might be just around the corner.