Author:
The New York Times has banned Ted Cruz from their Best Seller list even though his book sales was the third most popular in number of sales. http://www.weaselzippers.us/228730-n-y-times-keeps-cruz-off-...
This is what I have explained to all our clients from thirty years ago to now. To us in the business it has been blatantly obvious they have their own list of anointed authors. Over time unknown authors have sold as many books or more than the number one on the list but were never mentioned. Without the extra publicity and push from the press it becomes a very quick sharp peak to selling lots of books and then none as the public reacts to the Best Seller list and you ain't on it. Then the books which aren't sold come back home from the book stores as "remainders".
It cost money to print
It cost money to advertise
It cost money to promote the book, the author, and all the free books mailed out to newspapers book editors for review. The large libraries also receive free books to generate interest of the public
It cost money to ship to the book stores
It cost money to ship them back to the publisher
It cost money to dispose of the books which didn't sell
The New York Times and the large publishers own the Best Seller List. They don't share with small publishers and unknown authors no matter how many books are sold that first month.
Although we never went to it, I love electronic publishing which the large publishers haven't been able to get their grubby little hooks into yet. If you are looking to be a best seller then go for it and I wish each and everyone of you that star you aimed at. Hope to be listed on the NY Best Seller List but if you aren't then you know why even if you are the top selling author in the U.S.
Live for today, not yesterday, nor tomorrow.
Write for yourself. If others enjoy your writing you will be doubly blessed.
Comments
According to the article
According to the article it was left off the list because the majority of its sales were allegedly the result of "strategic bulk purchases". I have heard this is a common tactic among those who can afford it to promote a book or agenda promoted by a book.
It isn't a realistic goal for authors to make it onto the list based on merit. Many writers these days can make a living from small, devoted fan bases at least.
One of the publisher big enough to stand up to NYT
HarperCollins Refutes New York Times Claim That Ted Cruz Tried To Game Bestseller List
“No evidence of bulk orders or sales through any retailer or organization,” says the publisher, in a rare rebuttal to the all-powerful Times.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/harpercollins-refutes-n...
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl
Will Be Interesting to See How It Turns Out
The issue is very public now. The author in question has kept fact checkers very busy since he emerged on the political scene: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/rieder/2015/07/01/cruz-rise--factchecking/29570541/
That's what happened to
author Scott Siggler. He has a VERY devoted fan base and, using this fan base got a good book / promo deal. Best thing is. He actually made it to the NYT bestseller list :-)
Scott Sigler's page
Anne Margarete
What Are You Saying?
Are you commenting that a specific author has been treated unfairly or that the list itself is like that "America's Best Steakhouses" list I used to see in glossy magazines?
but yet
Bill O'Reilly consistently makes it to the NYT bestseller list, and for a time in 2012 held the top two spots on the hardcover nonfiction list. So what's your point exactly?
Never stop believing in yourself
Here's How You Buy Your Way Onto The New York Times Bestsellers List
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/02/22/heres-h...
Please understand I will never make the NYT in this lifetime. The data I share isn't to discourage anyone from trying and dreaming "they" might be the new Steven King. Keep in mind the literary world rejected many of the most successful writers of all times. Mark Twain immediately comes to mind. Zane Grey is another.
Best-Sellers Initially Rejected
The thing is, believe in yourself no matter how many of those rejection slips you receive. I myself have close to a hundred of them for a published novel. And I'm proud of every single one because those people missed out. Do NOT take no for an answer. If the story was worth writing, it is worth fighting for to see it in print to see if other people like it. I promise with all my heart the warm reviews will make all the pain one suffered before, meaningless.
http://www.literaryrejections.com/best-sellers-initially-rej...
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl