What Makes a Bestseller?

[R. Richard]

I have recently joined the Romance Writers of America.... I wanted to join the Sci Fi writers as well but you have to be published to belong to that one...

I have learned alot in my short time there and I think that the information that they provide is invaluable... I would honestly think of joining it.

Exactly what is the SciFi Witers site? TIA.

 

[Aurora Black]

I could look up the publish dates, but I'm pretty sure Jensen's game beat Brown's book with a few years. -97 or 98, I think. Not that I think it matters much, they both probably drew material from the same sources (like Holy Blood, Holy Grail), and added their own weird-ish speculations to that. The conclusion of the game was pretty unexpected, at least to me.

It was released in the summer of '99, because I rushed to get it when it came out (like the hopeless GK dork I was then).

As for Brown's book, I have no idea when it came out.

 

[Aurora Black]

Well, people occacionally write good books without even getting them published. So, there's more to it than that.

Meaning that scores of writers work on their literary masterpieces and for some reason they hesitate to send in their finished manuscripts for publication?

 

[Quiet_Cool]

What makes a bestseller?

A lot of people buying copies of the same book.

If you want to know why they buy those particular books... Well, then you'd have to get into a breakdown of each book and why it was bought. Something tells me that, while certain things would be found very common (controversial topic, written in a manner the public currently sees as good writing) I seriously doubt we'd find anything that we could genuinely consider a reason why. Not one or two or three predominant reasons, but simply several that recurr.

Not the answer you wanted, I know, but let's face it. If you're asking this for any reason other than curiosity, you're not ready to write your bestseller. Let the hacks write based on what's popular. Write what you want, and write it to the best of your ability. If it doesn't turn out as a bestseller... say "fuck it" and write another one.

Q_C

 

[AngeloMichael]

It was released in the summer of '99, because I rushed to get it when it came out (like the hopeless GK dork I was then).

As for Brown's book, I have no idea when it came out.

From Amazon:

Publisher: Doubleday; 1st ed edition (March 18, 2003)

 

[Aurora Black]

Exactly what is the SciFi Witers site? TIA.

The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

 

[FallingToFly]

Earlier tonight I saw The Da Vinci Code (without having read the book), and I was completely blown away by the plot as well as the vast amount of time, effort and research that Dan Brown must have put into writing the novel. Now, several hours later, I am sleepless and excited. The movie has affected me very deeply; not just because I enjoyed it, but because watching it on screen has strengthened my resolve to write a bestseller of my own. I want it more than anything.

My novel is in its infancy, and I have recently begun reading books that discuss the craft as well as how the industry works (King's On Writing, Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel). From these titles, I have gleaned ideas on what it takes to write a novel that gets noticed by the big publishing houses.

I'm starting this thread because I am curious to learn what the rest of you think makes a bestseller. I respect many of the AH writers who have more experience with the writing process than I, and your insight means a lot to me. Anything you add to the discussion, I believe, would be a boon to myself and others who are taking this first step into unknown territory. Thank you in advance.

Rora:

I have carefully avoided the Da Vinci Code frenzy. I may read it a few years from now, I doubt I'll see the movie unless it happens to be on while I'm in the room. I just have no interest in the premise. The tearing down of faith- in any way- bothers me.

I will say this in reference to writing, as I'm also enduring the valley of the shadow of death by distress (AKA- writing a novel): Research can either help or hinder you. I've had to research both Celtic mythology and modern society for this behemoth, and somehow weave magic, myth, and modern reality into it. It's been a pain in the ass.

It's very easy to fall into the trap of following research lines too closely, and ending up with something that is just like everything else out there. It's also frighteningly easy to fall into the abyss of not doing enough research, and coming up with something so complicated and confusing that the plot gets lost and it's unreadable.

I finally figured out what works for me, as a balancing act- I run it past my husband. If he can follow it, anyone can. If it catches his attention, not even the most ADHD person on the planet will be hooked. That's what I want. I want it to be somethign that, if you pick it up, you read it. Hopefully, more than once, and lend it out to all your friends and tell people to read it.

Find a sounding board, even if it's just a friend or your pet or what have you. Take lots of breaks when you get frustrated, adn remember to breathe. Eventually, you'll either get to the end, or give up and start something new.

And have fun!

 

[Aurora Black]

Rora:

I have carefully avoided the Da Vinci Code frenzy. I may read it a few years from now, I doubt I'll see the movie unless it happens to be on while I'm in the room. I just have no interest in the premise. The tearing down of faith- in any way- bothers me.

I will say this in reference to writing, as I'm also enduring the valley of the shadow of death by distress (AKA- writing a novel): Research can either help or hinder you. I've had to research both Celtic mythology and modern society for this behemoth, and somehow weave magic, myth, and modern reality into it. It's been a pain in the ass.

It's very easy to fall into the trap of following research lines too closely, and ending up with something that is just like everything else out there. It's also frighteningly easy to fall into the abyss of not doing enough research, and coming up with something so complicated and confusing that the plot gets lost and it's unreadable.

I finally figured out what works for me, as a balancing act- I run it past my husband. If he can follow it, anyone can. If it catches his attention, not even the most ADHD person on the planet will be hooked. That's what I want. I want it to be somethign that, if you pick it up, you read it. Hopefully, more than once, and lend it out to all your friends and tell people to read it.

Find a sounding board, even if it's just a friend or your pet or what have you. Take lots of breaks when you get frustrated, adn remember to breathe. Eventually, you'll either get to the end, or give up and start something new.

And have fun!

Thanks, hon. I only used Da Vinci as an example of a recent successful bestseller, that's all.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Thanks, hon. I only used Da Vinci as an example of a recent successful bestseller, that's all.

Good book.

 

[Liar]

Good book.

And more to the point, should probably have it's own picture at the Bestseller entry in the encyclopedia by now. it's so bestselling it gives other bestsellers inferiority complex.

 

[Aurora Black]

And more to the point, should probably have it's own picture at the Bestseller entry in the encyclopedia by now. it's so bestselling it gives other bestsellers inferiority complex.

It's intimidating as hell, yes. Does anyone know if it has outsold "Gone With the Wind"? Somehow I doubt it's been that successful.

 

[Antfarmer77]

I won't see the movie solely because of all the hype, but the book was pretty good ( I had a staunch religious up bringing BTW) and it's based on legend that has been around for ages, but it's popularity is due to the contreversy no doubt. I don't think a book has to be succesful to be good. Take "Cosmic Banditos" by Alan Weisbecker, I loved that book, but it's by no means a huge seller, although there is an interesting story behind it, but that's another thread LOL
The other day at the store I saw a book on the book rack that had a sticker on it that said the author had 100 books on the NY Times 10 Best Sellers list..100!! And I had never heard of her. I have to stop there tomorrow for some stuff and I'll check it out again..I must've misread it, but I was sure it said 100. I don't even know if I've read 100 books! LOL I'll be lucky if I can get my first one written.

 

[Aurora Black]

I'll be lucky if I can get my first one written.

I second that, although I believe we have the power to make it happen if we want it badly enough.

 

[Antfarmer77]

I second that, although I believe we have the power to make it happen if we want it badly enough.

You really need to seriously consider becoming my Muse

 

[fifty5]

There's all sorts of best-seller. Booker (or any other) prize winners sell well...

Most common denominators to me are:
- text that is easy to read
- enough suspense to make sure the reader wants to turn the next page
- wish-fulfilment: lots of readers think they'd like to be a protagonist
- some sex (almost everyone wants to have sex), without offending too many (though offense can be a source of controversy, which generates media attention)
- hitting the contemporary ethos: don't preach a message from the last century, but make it relevant NOW.
- LUCK

Good writing in all its dimensions can help, but isn't essential. Ian Fleming's James Bond is largely crap - and despite Fleming's real life experiance, probably had very little indeed to do with real life spying. What it did have was a life style that looked good and wasn't really available to most readers - and pace.

Like I said, readers just can't bear to leave the next page unread.

 

[Aurora Black]

There's all sorts of best-seller. Booker (or any other) prize winners sell well...

Most common denominators to me are:
- text that is easy to read
- enough suspense to make sure the reader wants to turn the next page
- wish-fulfilment: lots of readers think they'd like to be a protagonist
- some sex (almost everyone wants to have sex), without offending too many (though offense can be a source of controversy, which generates media attention)
- hitting the contemporary ethos: don't preach a message from the last century, but make it relevant NOW.
- LUCK

Good writing in all its dimensions can help, but isn't essential. Ian Fleming's James Bond is largely crap - and despite Fleming's real life experiance, probably had very little indeed to do with real life spying. What it did have was a life style that looked good and wasn't really available to most readers - and pace.

Like I said, readers just can't bear to leave the next page unread.

Text that's easy on the eyes (and brain) is a must in my book as well. People read books to escape their world by entering another, and it may be difficult for them to get into a book when every other word is "expeditiously" (exaggeration, of course) or something that takes a higher level of understanding than that of the common public. That's why I try my best to get as close as I can to everyday speech when I write, so my work will be universal.

Maass states in his book (I'm paraphrasing) that the plot must have enough twists so the reader will be pulled into the story (as well as emotionally involved with the characters and their plight), and that they must be constantly entertained by the plot or else the writer will lose them.

Ant: Sure.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Thanks, hon. I only used Da Vinci as an example of a recent successful bestseller, that's all.

No, it is the quintessential definition of a bestseller. It is written poorly, the characterization is two-dimensional and gives no sympathetic hero/heroine to the reader. Yet, within the unbelievable codes and self-flagellating monks, it preys on our innermost suspicions of the Catholic faith, Opus Dei and the mystery of the Protestant religion.

In their ways, writers like Sheldon, Grisham, Steel - even King - have missed the perfection that Dan Brown achieved. Have you read Deception Point or Angels and Demons. Same style but missing the X-factor.

Don't get me wrong! I take my hat off to D Brown and wish I'd thought of the same hokum- I wanna be a'writer', but I'd like to have a Ferrarri more.

Just write, submit, and file the rejection slips.

 

[Antfarmer77]

Text that's easy on the eyes (and brain) is a must in my book as well. I'm of the same thought as you, but have you read Dickens or Cooper? Both considered to be great authors but I can't stick with either very long, all the fanicful language, perhaps nineteenth century folks, while susposedly less educated , had a better grasp on the english language than I do.
Ant: Sure.

DEAL!!

 

[Aurora Black]

No, it is the quintessential definition of a bestseller. It is written poorly, the characterization is two-dimensional and gives no sympathetic hero/heroine to the reader. Yet, within the unbelievable codes and self-flagellating monks, it preys on our innermost suspicions of the Catholic faith, Opus Dei and the mystery of the Protestant religion.

In their ways, writers like Sheldon, Grisham, Steel - even King - have missed the perfection that Dan Brown achieved. Have you read Deception Point or Angels and Demons. Same style but missing the X-factor.

Don't get me wrong! I take my hat off to D Brown and wish I'd thought of the same hokum- I wanna be a'writer', but I'd like to have a Ferrarri more.

Just write, submit, and file the rejection slips.

Interesting. Throughout this whole discussion, I've had the old saying in mind: Find a need and fill it. Since watching the movie, I've been trying to dissect the novel (we have the Greek translation) to find Brown's secret of success in terms of plot, and I think that he struck paydirt by writing (albeit badly) about a subject that everyone has opinions and feelings about: religion itself.

America is a deeply religious country (the same can be said for other countries around the globe) and Brown's book was guaranteed to provoke the public. Whether they love or hate the book, it doesn't matter as long as they buy it.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Interesting. Throughout this whole discussion, I've had the old saying in mind: Find a need and fill it. Since watching the movie, I've been trying to dissect the novel (we have the Greek translation) to find Brown's secret of success in terms of plot, and I think that he struck paydirt by writing (albeit badly) about a subject that everyone has opinions and feelings about: religion itself.

America is a deeply religious country (the same can be said for other countries around the globe) and Brown's book was guaranteed to provoke the public. Whether they love or hate the book, it doesn't matter as long as they buy it.

You've just answered your own queation.

 

[Aurora Black]

Anyone else?

 

[Aurora Black]

*kick*