While some people can hit on a golden series of literary hits (we’re looking at you J.K Rowling), other authors struggle for years to write the words that’ll take them to the top of the book seller’s chart.
So what tips should you be following for a winning formula?
Waterstones analysed 100 bestseller books, analysing every aspect that could be affecting a tale taking the top spot.
For any budding Bronte’s out there, here’s the winning combination for your paperback takeover:
- 35% of the world’s bestsellers are categorised in Crime, Thrillers and Mystery
- Move away from Young Adult fiction. The Twilight years peaked in 2013, with a move away from the genre in the book charts’ top spots
- Taking the lead – 6% of our main characters are detectives, another 6% are lawyers, while a majority (55%) are male
- Look Stateside – 43% of bestsellers are set in the USA, primarily in Washington or New York
- Keep on writing. It takes an average of 13 books before an author makes it onto the bestsellers list.
If all else failes, remember J.K Rowling suffered three years of rejections for her Harry Potter manuscript before someone gave her a chance.
