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Side Hustle School

#2870 - Q&A: “What does it take to make the New York Times bestseller list?”

Nov 9, 2024
Discover the insider secrets to making the New York Times bestseller list! Learn about the magic number of 18,000 print copies you need to sell in just one week from various retailers. Uncover strategies for boosting initial sales through pre-orders and how proper planning can set authors on the path to success. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the publishing world!
06:09

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • To make the New York Times bestseller list, an author needs to sell approximately 18,000 print copies in one week across diverse bookstores.
  • Pre-orders significantly influence first-week sales figures, allowing authors to spread out sales goals over a longer period for better marketing.

Deep dives

Achieving the New York Times Bestseller List

Hitting the New York Times bestseller list requires a significant number of sales, with a strong baseline of around 18,000 print copies sold in a single week being suggested. This figure is crucial as it excludes sales from eBooks and audiobooks and pertains only to U.S. markets. Additionally, sales must come from a diverse geographic distribution, meaning authors need to sell through various bookstores instead of relying solely on platforms like Amazon. The process can be daunting, but understanding this benchmark helps authors set realistic goals for their book launches.

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