What Exactly is the New York Times Bestseller List And How Can Authors Get On It?

One of the many goals of authors these days is to be a bestseller, and what better way to be more recognized than to have ‘New York Times Bestseller’ splashed on the cover of your book. 

The New York Times Bestseller list is a weekly list in the United States, published since 1932, that ranks books sold across the country. Even though it is an American-based list, Authors from around the world have made it, indicating that there is an opportunity for authors from all over the world. 

What exactly is the New York Times Bestseller List?

Initially created to cover bestselling books in New York City only, the New York Times Bestseller List replaced the first United States bestselling list, The Bookman. 

After the first month, the New York Times List continued to expand, covering more cities, until a national list was created in 1942. In current times, it has become a highly sought-after and important marker in the publishing industry. 

While it has been asserted that the editorial team ultimately determines who is included on the list, achieving sales of 5,000 to 10,000 copies within a week from various retailers nationwide is crucial for securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List. Nevertheless, the specifics regarding the retailers and the utilization of this data remain confidential trade secrets of The New York Times. 

This fact has led the New York Times Bestseller to face some criticism, including an author who sued them in 1983, alleging that they refused to include his book on the list despite it meeting the criteria for inclusion. 

Other criticisms include authors manipulating sales to be featured on the list. However, when the Times thinks a book has suspiciously reached the list, the entry on the list is marked with a dagger symbol (†).

What are the Different Categories of The New York Times Bestseller Lists?

The list is divided into various categories, in which books can be found. It is still worth noting that a single book can be featured across multiple categories. The categories are:

• Fiction Combined Print & E-book
• Fiction Hardcover List 
• Fiction Paperback List
• Non-Fiction Combined Print & E-book
• Non-Fiction Hardcover List
• Non-Fiction Paperback List
• Non-Fiction Advice, How-To’s and Miscellaneous List
• Middle Grade Hardcover List
• Middle Grade Paperback List
• Young Adult Hardcover List
• Young Adult Paperback List
• Picture Books 
• Children Series
• Graphic Novel & Manga List
• Mass Market List
• Business List
• Audiobooks  Fiction List 
• Audiobooks Non-Fiction List

How Can Authors Be Featured on The New York Times Best Seller List?

For traditionally published authors, this process would be relatively straightforward compared to self-published authors, as they have established platforms to distribute their books to diverse retailers.  It is by no means impossible, especially for romance novels and ebooks. 

A major way to get on the list is to leverage Pre-Order. To be featured on the list is getting 5000-10,000 sales in a week, and what better way to do that than in the first week of your book sales? As an author, you will need to do the following:

Build an Author Platform:

No one can know you or care about your book if you don’t have a space where they can connect with you as a person and as an author. 

With the advent of social media, you can choose one (or as many) platforms where you can be fully present and consistent, connecting with your target audience. 

Figure out which social platforms your reader persona is most active on— for example, TikTok for ages 15-19 and Instagram for ages 20-30. Then be consistent there. Here are authors who have successfully built a presence on social media, and how you can emulate them. 

You should also connect with influencers who read similar books to yours, organize book giveaways, and work towards features on podcasts and blogs such as Creative Writing News. 

Build an Email List:

Just like an author platform, an email list can play a vital role in connecting you with your audience and bringing your book closer to the New York Times Best Seller List. 

This classic yet effective format enables you to connect personally with readers who genuinely care about you and your work. Through it, you can easily persuade your subscribers to preorder a copy of your book, as you have established a relationship with them. 

Build a Launch Team of Readers:

UGC is significant in the marketing world, and it applies to books as well. Bring together people who are willing to volunteer to spread the word about your book, both online and offline. 

Their goals would be to create social media posts, write reviews, and form book clubs to bring more readers to your book. They should also be rewarded with incentives such as bonus discounts and bonus chapters, etc. 

Finally, on How to Get on the New York Times Bestseller List 

The ultimate goal is to get your book in front of 5,000-10,000 readers who will preorder and contribute to the sales needed to secure a spot on the list. Ultimately, as an author, making the New York Times Bestseller List should be an added benefit to wanting to connect with your readers, to sharing your story and seeing lives changed with your words. 

Whether you make the list or not, you are an author regardless, so celebrate your effort in writing your book.