What makes a book a bestseller? You might not know what the secret recipe is, but don’t feel too bad, since according to this article in today’s New York Times, even the folks in publishing don’t have such a good grip on it:
Most in the industry seem to see consumer taste as a mystery that is inevitable and even appealing, akin to the uncontrollable highs and lows of falling in love or gambling. Publishing employees tend to be liberal arts graduates who enter the field with a starting salary around $30,000. Compensation is not tied to sales performance. “The people who go into it don’t do it for the money, which might explain why it’s such a bad business,” Mr. Strachan said.
Of course, it burn an author or a publisher to admit just how much luck and randomness is part of the bestselling equation – one likes to think (or at least give the impression) that one’s bestselling status was inevitable or at least part of some master plan. But really do never know. Now you know why authors and editors are such neurotic types.
You need to be logged in to post a comment. Go sign in now.