Phone: 770-887-1462 Free Newsletter Signup

Rob Eagar

Marketing expertise to spread your message like wildfire.

  • Start Here
  • About
  • Books
    • The Author’s Guide to Marketing Books on Amazon
    • The Author’s Guide to Email Marketing
    • The Author’s Guide to Media Interviews
    • The Author’s Guide to Write Text That Sells Books
  • Coaching
    • Book Marketing Master Class
    • Private Author Coaching Sessions
    • Amazon Book Description Service
    • Media Interview Training
    • Concierge Book Launch Consulting
  • Clients
    • Testimonials
    • Bestseller Case Studies
    • Client List
  • e-Courses
    • Mastering Amazon for Authors
    • Sell Books on a Shoestring Budget
  • Free Tips
    • Articles and Hot Tips for Authors
    • Blog
    • Newsletter Archive
  • Contact

Feb 29 2008

What Makes a Bestseller?

Every writer dreams of becoming a best-selling author. But, as most of us know, that’s a rare achievement that few ever attain. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a best-seller to make a decent living as a writer.

Still, I ran across an interesting post from Joe Wickert, the Executive Publisher for Wiley & Sons. It’s a few years old, but he gives a good summation of how best-sellers are created. These comments especially caught my attention:

“I feel (author platform is) the single most important ingredient for a bestseller. Sure, placement and promotional activity can boost sales of just about any book. But the sales difference between a book written by an author with a solid platform vs. one with a lesser or no platform is huge. Thanks to all the platform vehicles available these days, authors can help drive more sales than ever before.”

Joe’s blog is definitely worth reading. Check it out at:

http://jwikert.typepad.com/the_average_joe/2005/02/what_makes_a_be.html

<$BlogFeedsVertical$>

Written by Rob Eagar · Categorized: Author Tips, Marketing Tips

About Rob Eagar

Rob Eagar is the founder of WildFire Marketing, a consulting practice that helps authors and publishers sell more books and spread their message like wildfire. He is one of the rare consultants to help both fiction and nonfiction books hit The New York Times bestsellers list. Rob has consulted with numerous publishers and trained over 1,000 authors. He is the creator of The Author's Guide Series, a comprehensive collection of resources that teaches authors how to sell more books. Find out more at: WildFire Marketing and follow Rob on Twitter.

Comments

  1. Connie Brown says

    March 1, 2008 at 10:54 am

    What does “author platform” mean?

  2. Kristi Holl says

    March 1, 2008 at 11:10 am

    Do think his statements apply equally to fiction and nonfiction? Also, to children’s writers as well as writers for adults?

  3. Rob Eagar says

    March 4, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    Thanks for your comments. Yes, all of my research says that a publisher’s focus on an author’s platform applies to every kind of author and book.

    “Author platform” means your current actual group of readers, leaders, and fans who love your message and are likely to buy your future books.

    A good way to gauge your platform are through numbers, such as:

    – Email or print newsletter database size.
    – Avg. daily unique visitors to your website or blog (“hits” mean nothing).
    – Number of paid speaking events per year.
    – Print, radio, TV, or online columnist and expert positions.
    – Past book sales figures.

    Publishers like to see proof that you have a large group of people who are interested in your message.

Publishing Predictions for 2023

January 1, 2023 Posted by Rob Eagar

As we enter 2023, let’s look ahead to the major issues that will affect authors and publishers. Here are five predictions that deserve your attention…

Continue Reading »

Book Marketing Master Class
  • About
  • Books
  • Consulting
  • Free Tips
  • Blog
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

© 2023 WildFire Marketing

Website by Wildfire Marketing