Blogger: Rachel Kent
What gives a book bestseller potential? I’m not entirely sure of the answer to this question myself, so I’d love to explore it with you. I have an example of a bestseller and the reasons why I think it is so successful, and at the end of the post I’ll be asking for your contributions.
In the most recent Publisher’s Weekly magazine, there was an advertisement for the 5th edition of What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. The advertisement listed all sorts of statistics about the book’s success. Here are a few:
- The book has over 18.5 million copies in print.
- It is the longest-running New York Times bestseller ever–as in number one in the entire history of The New York Times bestseller list.
- It is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book, and it is the pregnancy book most recommended by doctors.
In this book’s case, I believe what gives it the boost it needs to keep selling is that there are always new buyers. New women get pregnant each year and this book has a good reputation and is likely to be recommended by a pregnant friend or a doctor.
With my first pregnancy, I got a used copy of this book from my mom and my mother-in-law. These weren’t their books, but they both found it used somewhere and thought of me. I wasn’t going to buy a pregnancy book for myself, but I did end up using this one quite a bit. I liked the week-by-week format and personable tone. I got rid of both copies after my pregnancy thinking that I already knew everything about pregnancy after being pregnant once. Turns out that this pregnancy (yes, I’m expecting again) has been completely different and I’ve occasionally wished for a copy of that book.
I also think that this book’s greatest advantage–the fact that there are always new buyers–is countered by the fact that there are always women finishing their “new mom” time of life and they are all getting rid of their copies. The publisher is smart to release new additions to try to combat this and it seems to be working for them.
This book is also a book that many people could give as a gift to a mom-to-be. I could see that it is a natural gift for moms to give to their pregnant daughters when they are told the good news.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on why bestselling books are successful.
Can you name a bestseller? Why do you think that book has done so well?
Can you think of other reasons why What to Expect When You’re Expecting is so successful?
First, thanks to all who prayed in my behalf yesterday. I was badly concussed and awkward still with words; hard to find sometimes. But writing this in my own hand.
* Can’t speak to example you gave, Rachel. But I would put forward another – “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”.
* It is a very simple story of hope and transcendence – and very short, less than 10k words – that is at heart retelling of the externals of Gospel.
* The country needed it at the time. Viet Nam, race riots, hippies, Weatherman (domestic terror group), Spiro Agnew, breakup of Beatles…it was depressing. “Jonathan” offered a hope that through looking up, being better in ourselves, we could touch the face of the Eternity in which all the tears were dried.
* In more recent years, “The Shack” seemed to touch something of a similar need.
* If you find a way to bring hope in time of fear, you may have seeds of the bestseller…but be careful of that for which you pursue, for, a Spock so famously said, “Having is not the same as wanting.”
Errata to last sentence…”…AS Spock so famously said…”
Welcome back, Andrew. We miss you when you’re not here.
I agree with your analysis
Something that promises meaning instead of meaninglessness can become a best seller. Example: The Purpose-Drriven Life.
Thank you, Carol, and yes…”Purpose-Driven Life”. I was trying think of that one.
* If it is not early too much for a joke…I was thinking “how much bad stuff can happen to one dude” when I thought of what the king said of his cat…wait for it…
* “It never reigns, but it purrs.”
* Yeah. Awful.
So glad to “see” you here, Andrew. I thought about you this morning on the way in to work. Amazing how the brotherhood of believers connects, isn’t it?
I think you’re right about the ability of a book to bring hope in time of fear. That is a prime example of timeless necessity.
Much thanks, Teresa. Much means this to me. Sorry for awkward phrases. Very hard to be focusing
Glad you’re doing better, Andrew. May God give you comfort and complete healing.
Andrew, I didn’t realize you had suffered a concussion. I am so sorry and will be praying for you. If you aren’t seeing a concussion specialist, please do so. Last fall, my grandson, who was wearing a helmet, suffered a concussion during sports practice. After three months, there is still swelling in the frontal lobe of his brain, causing memory difficulties. There are many things a concussion sufferer shouldn’t do for a good long while after being injured. Using your brain is one of them. I kid you not. You should be resting for the majority of the day. If you don’t, you will prolong your recovery. We all enjoy interacting with you here at Books & Such, but we will understand if you aren’t online with us because you are giving your brain the opportunity to heal.
Thanks for weighing in and I’m so glad you are back!
First of all, Rachel, congratulations on expecting another baby! I pray the months are full of health and sweet anticipation.
Maybe because of my background in studying literature in college and graduate school, I am drawn to the classics. Why are they still read and enjoyed today? Dickens, Austen, Hemingway, even as far back as Dante. Similar to what Andrew said, I think it has everything to do with effectively relating the human experience. When readers can see themselves in the characters of a current or soon-to-be classic, can relate to the struggles and emotions, then a book will span generations and enjoy timeless success.
Thank you! And thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! I agree with you.
Rachel, Congratulations!
When we had out third, I realized that I had forgotten many things about being pregnant and after the birth, I realized I had forgotten everything about newborns.
Join the club – I think if we remembered everything, there would be alot of only children in the world.
Laughing, Sheila, about your only child comment. If my second had been born first, he might have been an only child. 😉 I guess God knows the best birth order for families. 🙂
Because I remember the newborn stage, I’m much more nervous about it this time around! With my first, I was so confident. “Newborns are easy. No problem.” Now I’m fully aware of the truth. 🙂
Thanks for the congrats!
Rachel, running out of energy for day, but missed that expecting again you are. Please pardon awkward words…know what to say, hard to put it in order.
* Congratulations and felicitations! The warmth and humour that always flow from words of yours prophesy blessings on the child…as they are blessings in the now for all of us.
Not awkward, just Yoda-like.
Thank you, Andrew! I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
I hope you get some good rest and recover quickly!
Congratulations!! Yay!!
*Why do certain books do so well? That makes me think of what Mark Cuban always says on Shark Tank … it offers a solution to a need. What to Expect When You’re Expecting offers a solution to expecting women … and runs right along with what Andrew added … it brings hope to uncertain times. Since my daughter was adopted, I loved What to Expect the First Year because I was terrified of doing something wrong and the book was comforting. Whether non-fiction or fiction, we need to offer a solution to a need.
We adopted two. When we picked up Paul, our first, I asked for an instruction manual. They laughed. Then someone recommended WTET First Year. There was the manual (sort of)!
That’s wonderful, Carol! 🙂
Ah yes, the instruction manual on kids. When my boys whined, “Do I have to,” I’d say, “It’s in the Moms’ Instruction Manual.” Child #4 finally asked where one could find such manual. I told him it was at the public library, but you had to present proof of motherhood to see it. I don’t think he believed me.
Congratulations on #2, Rachel. And welcome back, Andrew.
Love the mom manual, Shirlee.
Congrats, Rachel. Two is a great number, but our kids lobbied for years for us to “buy 2 more” after they knew we handed over a cashier’s check when we picked them up. One advantage of adopting is you can brag on how talented and handsome/pretty they are with no vanity because you didn’t “make” them yourself.
I could use an instruction manual!
Shelli,
I think you’re Mark Cuban quote is spot on. That is easier done though, I think, with non-fiction books than with fiction.
However, I love that you read What to Expect the First Year when you adopted your daughter and am glad that it gave you comfort. There is so much you have to offer to adoptive parents in regards to your experience. Especially your love, your faith, and your own sense of hope.
Thank you, Christine. 🙂
I agree! Thanks for adding your thoughts! 🙂
I never did pick up other “What to Expect” books. Maybe I should!
Some best sellers . . . “Cinder” by Marissa Mayer and Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series. The pacing was perfect, the plots were fun, twisty, and exciting, and the characters felt like real girls that you might meet on any street corner, even though they were extraordinary and one of them was a cyborg. Sometimes, I think best sellers can just be great books that appeal to a large number of people.
Yes, unique ideas that appeal to a large population. Thanks for weighing in!
And how exciting that you are having another baby! I love the action and adventure that more than one kiddo brings to a household. Congratulations! If you have a little boy, well then, you get to dip your toes into my world, which is super fun. If you have a little girl, there is something very very special about a family with all one gender. You would have the pure and unadulterated girl experience. So Cool! I love having the all boy experience, they are very wild, but they stick together too. Can’t wait to see which adventure awaits you.
That’s sweet, Kristen. When the girls were little, all my friends with boys would tell me that I needed one. They said I had it too easy! 😉 I can still remember and get tickled thinking about going out with friends … the girls would be sitting at the table … watching the boys running around the room. 😉
Yes, I was always completely flabbergasted to watch Girl mom’s say things like “put that rare and valuable vase down, Honey” instead of leaping and tackling their toddler like a “normal” person. If I’d said, “put it down” they would have done so with vigor and quite possibly smashed it that is, if they had obeyed without the aforementioned tackling mother encouraging them. I think we develop different skills, depending on which adventure we are given.
Yes, Shelli, you’ve described one of the intrinsic differences between the girls and the boys. 😉
Our girls’ best friends as they were growing up were boys … the boys were just a few years younger than the girls. So, at least I got a glimpse. Their mother was my dear friend … and once, they even knocked out her tooth. 🙂 And if it weren’t for her amazing coupon skills, I’m not sure she could have fed them all. They are overseas now … bummer … but I keep hoping that one day, maybe they will join our family … even if they are younger. 🙂 I have a sneaky feeling, if I live long enough, I might have grandsons. No one can get away with “easy” for too long. 😉 Lol.
I’m with you, Kristen. My two boys fill our home with lots of noise, strange voices, fighting, hugging, and fun. They’re best friends . . . except when they’re worst enemies. 😉
*A girl in the mix would have been fun, but would have changed the dynamic of our family. 🙂
Thanks! I find out on Feb. 5. I’ll make a little announcement here. Everyone is pretty sure this one is a boy. I don’t care either way! I’m just excited.
Rachel, congratulations on expecting your second! 🙂 I was thrilled to read that. Your, “With my first pregnancy . . . ” line tipped me off that you had news. I’m so happy for you.
*When our boys were born, What to Expect the First Year was my go to as our boys grew. I found it incredibly helpful.
*As for bestsellers, I don’t really follow the lists. But it does seem like the books that meet a specific need (What to Expect . . . ), books that speak to the human condition, and sometimes sensational books (Hunger Games) seem to top lists. Of course, there’s the Harry Potter series too, which spoke to a generation of young people (and their parents). The overcoming incredible odds stories seem to have good potential for becoming bestsellers.
Thanks! I will have to get some of the subsequent What to Expect books. I need all the help I can get! 🙂
And I agree! The overcoming incredible odds stories seem to appeal to the masses.
Yes, this book addresses a known need, but I also think the title plays into its success. I’m sure *What to Expect* is not the only book out there on pregnancy and childbirth, but the catchy title must figure into the high sales. A great play on words. And congrats, Rachel. So glad it’s you and not me 🙂
Great point! The title is catchy–especially for worried moms-to-be.
And thank you! I do not enjoy being pregnant, but I do enjoy the end result. 🙂
Rachel,
I know I don’t have the answer to what makes a bestseller except the right book at the right time (and God’s grace) .
The main reason I’m commenting at all today is to add my voice to others in rejoicing in your news! Congratulations! May God bless you and your family. I wish you a safe, uneventful pregnancy and many blessings on your family and the new member. 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂
Congratulations Rachel! As a mother of four I can tell you that every pregnancy is as different as your children will be. Find another copy of “what to expect” and hang on to it. Actually, don’t give any baby stuff away. Two weeks after selling the baby bed and all my maternity clothes I discovered I was pregnant with our fourth. Just saying.
Andrew, glad to hear your voice again!
As for what makes a book’s success live on: a personal connection with the reader.
Lol! I have a lot of my daughter’s things still and I did keep my maternity clothes. I think I will just buy the ebook version of What to Expect. That way I can have it as a reference, but it doesn’t need to take up space.
Congrats from me, too, Rachel. I hope we won’t loose you for more than a brief maternity leave.
I’m planning to stick around! 🙂 My job is pretty flexible and Janet is an understanding boss.
Congratulations Rachel!! How exciting that you’re expecting again. 🙂
I agree with you, and with what Davalynn said. The title of “What To Expect” is a huge part of the success in my opinion, because it answers what every new mother is wondering. And as you said, there’s always a fresh market for this book. In other words, a bestselling non fiction book needs to meet a current and compelling need. (Pretty much what Shelli said.)
I actually purchased a copy of this book even though I’m still single because I wanted to have it on my shelf for the future.
For fiction, what makes a bestseller is a bit different in my opinion. Fiction readers are looking for something that entertains, inspires and/or resonates with them. Yesterday at Seekerville the folks were discussing Jane Austen and how her books have been such classics throughout years and years and made over so many times, yet people still gobble it up. The conclusion was that Jane had the unique ability to capture characters and put them on the page in a way that entertained and also resonated because we know people just like Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins. (Too bad we don’t know more like Mr. Darcy and Captain Wentworth, huh? LOL)
Francine River’s Redeeming Love is still topping the charts. It is a captivating story that resonates with the reader because of its spiritual theme and aspects. As I read it, I hated Angel at some parts, but I kept reading because I had to know how it turned out. The story seemed slow and drawn out to me at some places, but I kept reading because I had to know what Angel’s end would be. I sympathized with her and rooted for her, even though she was a horrible character.
I doubt if we can truly pinpoint all the things that make a bestseller, but that’s one point from my perspective.
As others have said, the title is one key to the book’s success. It is both memorable and at the same time fully conveys the book’s content. This is a good reminder as to why our book titles are so critical.
Wonderful! Thanks for weighing in.
Congratulations Rachel. How nice to be expecting a second baby. I had 3 and each pregnancy was completely different.
I have to agree with what makes a best seller. It is a felt need. Since there are so many needs out there, why isn’t it easy to come up with a best seller?
I enjoy reading all the comments, whenever I find time to ‘meet’ here.
Thanks!!! I hear each child is completely different, too! I’m looking forward to experiencing that.
Sorry I wasn’t here to comment yesterday. I had a doctor appointment. 🙂
Thank you for all of the congratulations! We are excited!