What is a Bestseller? Understanding the Types, Importance, and How to Achieve It

In the world of publishing, the term “bestseller” carries a certain allure. But what is a bestseller, exactly? 

At its core, a bestseller is any book that achieves significant sales success, often climbing to the top of sales charts and earning widespread recognition. However, the definition can shift depending on the context, with various types of bestsellers each offering unique prestige. 

To help you better understand the differences, I’ll break down what a bestseller is, explore the different types, explain why this status matters to authors, and show how Made for Success Publishing can help you, too, join the ranks of bestselling authors.

Types of Bestsellers

Not all bestsellers are created equal. Here are the main categories you might encounter:

Award-Winning Books

These books earn accolades like the Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award for their literary excellence. While sales aren’t the primary factor, winning such an award often boosts a book’s visibility, driving it toward bestseller status as readers and retailers take notice.

Amazon Bestsellers

Amazon ranks books based on sales within specific categories, updating its lists hourly. This means a book can become a bestseller in a niche genre—like self-help or sci-fi—without dominating overall sales. It’s an accessible goal for authors targeting specialized audiences.

USA Today Bestsellers

This list is a numbers game, relying solely on sales data from bookstores, mass merchandisers, and online retailers across the U.S. It’s a clear, unfiltered measure of a book’s popularity, making it a coveted achievement for authors aiming for broad appeal.

New York Times Bestsellers

Arguably the most prestigious and first thought when people hear “bestseller”, the New York Times list blends sales figures with editorial curation. Covering categories like fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, it’s a benchmark of success that carries significant weight in the publishing world.

Each type of bestseller offers its own flavor of recognition, but they all signal a book’s ability to resonate with readers.

Why Being a Bestselling Author Matters

So, why should authors care about achieving bestseller status? Beyond the bragging rights, it delivers tangible benefits that can shape a career:

A Lasting Credential

Once you’ve written a bestseller, that title sticks with you forever. It’s a permanent mark of achievement that can unlock opportunities, from media interviews to lucrative deals, for the rest of your career.

A Badge of Distinction

In a sea of aspiring authors, being a bestselling author sets you apart as part of an elite group. It designates you as one of the successful few who’ve turned ambition into measurable triumph, enhancing your reputation among peers and readers alike.

Elevated Speaker Introductions

Imagine hearing, “Introducing bestselling author [Your Name Here].” That phrase instantly boosts your credibility, whether you’re speaking at a conference or pitching a workshop. It’s a powerful hook that commands attention.

Stronger Author Bios

When launching your next book, “bestselling author” in your bio signals proven success. Publishers, agents, and readers are more likely to take notice, giving your future projects a head start.

In essence, bestseller status isn’t just a milestone. It’s a career accelerator that opens doors and amplifies your voice.

How Made for Success Publishing Can Help

Achieving bestseller status might sound daunting, but our team here at Made for Success Publishing makes it attainable. With a mission to empower authors, we offer a suite of services tailored to elevate your book from manuscript to market leader. 

Here’s how we can help:

Top-Notch Publishing Support

Made for Success provides professional editing, eye-catching cover design, and expert formatting to ensure your book meets industry standards. A polished product is the foundation for bestseller success.

Broad Distribution Channels

We get your book into major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, libraries, brick & mortar stores as well as online platforms in foreign markets, maximizing its reach. Wider availability means more chances to climb those sales charts.

Strategic Marketing

Our team crafts targeted campaigns based on your position as an author. Think things like social media blitzes, email outreach, and author branding, all designed to connect your book with its ideal readers. Effective promotion is key to driving the sales that define a bestseller.

Bestseller Campaigns

At Made for Success, we specialize in customized plans to hit bestseller lists, whether it’s an Amazon category or a national ranking like USA Today. Leveraging our industry know-how, we equip you with strategies that work.

With our track record of helping dozens of authors each year reach bestselling status, Made for Success combines expertise and personalized support to boost your odds of bestseller glory.

Conclusion: Your Path to Bestseller Status

So, what is a bestseller? It’s a book that stands out. That status can be due to awards, category dominance, or sheer sales power. A bestseller transforms an author’s career. 

From the lasting credential to the competitive edge it provides, bestseller status is a game-changer worth pursuing. Made for Success Publishing offers the tools, strategies, and support to turn your vision into a reality. 

Ready to see your name on a bestseller list? Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward making it happen.