The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and Booksellers Behind Them

278 Pages·2005·14.49 MB·English

by  Brian Hill

InThe Making of a Bestseller,the nation’s top Reference / Publishing T B R I A N H I L L ■ D E E P O W E R $19.95
authors and publishing industry professionals H CAN $27.95
share their stories and insights into how to create E
LEARN HOW YOUR FAVORITE BESTSELLING
a blockbuster, including exclusive interviews with M T H E M A K I N G O F A “The creation of a bestseller is a finely
authors:
choreographed team effort, where scores of
AUTHORS MADE IT TO THE TOP
A
Mark Bowden ■ Barbara Taylor Bradford individuals contribute to the book’s eventual success.
K
Dan Brown ■ Sandra Brown ■ Harlan Coben Although bestselling authors take very different
With some 175,000 books published yearly in the United States, the chances of scoring a place I
paths to the top, their careers are marked by certain
Catherine Coulter ■ Barbara Delinsky on the bestseller lists is less than 1 percent. Now for the first time ever, top-selling authors, N BESTSELLER
readily identifiable characteristics that up-and-coming
G
Kirk Ellis ■Linda Fairstein ■ Rachel Gibson publishers, and industry insiders reveal what it takes to make a bestseller happen. authors can certainly emulate. In The Making of a

Laurell K. Hamilton ■ Anna Jacobs The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and O Bestseller,they pass their knowledge and wisdom
Booksellers behind Themunveils the mysterious process of creating a bestseller from the ground
F on to the next generation of authors.”
Sabrina Jeffries ■ Iris Johansen
up. You’ll learn how the books that thrill, inspire, teach, or entertain us are born—in the words of
—Authors Brian Hill and Dee Power
Dr. Spencer Johnson ■ Stephanie Laurens the publishing industry’s key players—including: A

Brad Meltzer ■ Christopher Paolini ■ How bestselling authors approach the craft of writing B
SUCCESS STORIES FROM AUTHORS AND THE
or authors, earning a spot on the bestseller
and marketing their books E F
Carly Phillips ■ Susan Elizabeth Phillips
EDITORS, AGENTS, AND BOOKSELLERS BEHIND THEM
■ The workings of the selection process, from the query S lists is the grand, often elusive prize at the end
Christina Skye ■ Bertrice Small
T
letter to the decision to publish of many years of hard work. But beyond great
Nicholas Sparks ■ Peter Straub ■ Stuart Woods S
■ How publishers know a book has bestseller potential E writing, there are other elements involved in making
■ The agent’s role in helping create a bestseller L a bestseller happen. Such factors as the review
■ The most important factors in a book’s success L process, publicity, marketing programs, bookstore
E
■ The powerful effect of TV book clubs and Hollywood, distribution, online outlets, TV book clubs, Hollywood
R
book tours, publicity, marketing, reviews, and distribution
exposure, and even the right timing can all converge
■ An inside look at how great success and fame
to create that amazing phenomenon known as the
impact the lives of bestselling authors
H
bestseller.
More than 50 successful authors, publishers, editors, agents, critics, and other experts I
L More than just a compilation of interviews
share their insights into what separates a bestselling book from the pack. From first-time
L
novelists to serial bestselling authors, you’ll hear their amazing stories of tribulation and triumph, and contributions, The Making of a Bestselleris a
■
and what they learned in the process. Whether you’re an author or would-be author, a publishing comprehensive guide to the entire publishing process
P
Brian Hilland Dee Powerwere inspired by their professional, a devoted fan of today’s popular authors, or simply an avid reader, you’re sure to O
—the first of its kind written from the bestseller
own publishing experiences to research and enjoy reading the fascinating journeys of America’s favorite authors as they reach the pinnacle W
write The Making of a Bestseller. Hill and Power of success. perspective. Avid readers of both fiction and
E
have also coauthored Inside Secrets to Venture nonfiction will find fascinating stories behind some
R
Capital andAttracting Capital from Angels.
of their favorite authors’ works, and even capture
Besides nonfiction books on the exciting subject
an inside glimpse at the much-envied life and
of “success,” they write novels and screenplays in
the suspense and action/ adventure genres. Both career of a bestselling author from the rarified air
authors have Master of Business Administration
of its denizens! ■
degrees. Contact them through their Web site:
www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com.
InThe Making of a Bestseller,the nation’s top Reference / Publishing T B R I A N H I L L ■ D E E P O W E R $19.95
authors and publishing industry professionals H CAN $27.95
share their stories and insights into how to create E
LEARN HOW YOUR FAVORITE BESTSELLING
a blockbuster, including exclusive interviews with M T H E M A K I N G O F A “The creation of a bestseller is a finely
authors:
choreographed team effort, where scores of
AUTHORS MADE IT TO THE TOP
A
Mark Bowden ■ Barbara Taylor Bradford individuals contribute to the book’s eventual success.
K
Dan Brown ■ Sandra Brown ■ Harlan Coben Although bestselling authors take very different
With some 175,000 books published yearly in the United States, the chances of scoring a place I
paths to the top, their careers are marked by certain
Catherine Coulter ■ Barbara Delinsky on the bestseller lists is less than 1 percent. Now for the first time ever, top-selling authors, N BESTSELLER
readily identifiable characteristics that up-and-coming
G
Kirk Ellis ■Linda Fairstein ■ Rachel Gibson publishers, and industry insiders reveal what it takes to make a bestseller happen. authors can certainly emulate. In The Making of a

Laurell K. Hamilton ■ Anna Jacobs The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and O Bestseller,they pass their knowledge and wisdom
Booksellers behind Themunveils the mysterious process of creating a bestseller from the ground
F on to the next generation of authors.”
Sabrina Jeffries ■ Iris Johansen
up. You’ll learn how the books that thrill, inspire, teach, or entertain us are born—in the words of
—Authors Brian Hill and Dee Power
Dr. Spencer Johnson ■ Stephanie Laurens the publishing industry’s key players—including: A

Brad Meltzer ■ Christopher Paolini ■ How bestselling authors approach the craft of writing B
SUCCESS STORIES FROM AUTHORS AND THE
or authors, earning a spot on the bestseller
and marketing their books E F
Carly Phillips ■ Susan Elizabeth Phillips
EDITORS, AGENTS, AND BOOKSELLERS BEHIND THEM
■ The workings of the selection process, from the query S lists is the grand, often elusive prize at the end
Christina Skye ■ Bertrice Small
T
letter to the decision to publish of many years of hard work. But beyond great
Nicholas Sparks ■ Peter Straub ■ Stuart Woods S
■ How publishers know a book has bestseller potential E writing, there are other elements involved in making
■ The agent’s role in helping create a bestseller L a bestseller happen. Such factors as the review
■ The most important factors in a book’s success L process, publicity, marketing programs, bookstore
E
■ The powerful effect of TV book clubs and Hollywood, distribution, online outlets, TV book clubs, Hollywood
R
book tours, publicity, marketing, reviews, and distribution
exposure, and even the right timing can all converge
■ An inside look at how great success and fame
to create that amazing phenomenon known as the
impact the lives of bestselling authors
H
bestseller.
More than 50 successful authors, publishers, editors, agents, critics, and other experts I
L More than just a compilation of interviews
share their insights into what separates a bestselling book from the pack. From first-time
L
novelists to serial bestselling authors, you’ll hear their amazing stories of tribulation and triumph, and contributions, The Making of a Bestselleris a
■
and what they learned in the process. Whether you’re an author or would-be author, a publishing comprehensive guide to the entire publishing process
P
Brian Hilland Dee Powerwere inspired by their professional, a devoted fan of today’s popular authors, or simply an avid reader, you’re sure to O
—the first of its kind written from the bestseller
own publishing experiences to research and enjoy reading the fascinating journeys of America’s favorite authors as they reach the pinnacle W
write The Making of a Bestseller. Hill and Power of success. perspective. Avid readers of both fiction and
E
have also coauthored Inside Secrets to Venture nonfiction will find fascinating stories behind some
R
Capital andAttracting Capital from Angels.
of their favorite authors’ works, and even capture
Besides nonfiction books on the exciting subject
an inside glimpse at the much-envied life and
of “success,” they write novels and screenplays in
the suspense and action/ adventure genres. Both career of a bestselling author from the rarified air
authors have Master of Business Administration
of its denizens! ■
degrees. Contact them through their Web site:
www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information
in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that
the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other profes-
sional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services
of a competent professional should be sought.
Vice President and Publisher: Cynthia A. Zigmund
Acquisitions Editor: Michael Cunningham
Senior Project Editor: Trey Thoelcke
Interior Design: Lucy Jenkins
Cover Design: Design Solutions
Typesetting: Elizabeth Pitts
© 2005 by Brian Hill and Dee Power
Published by Dearborn Trade Publishing
A Kaplan Professional Company
All rights reserved. The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not be
reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the
publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
05 06 07 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hill, Brian E. (Brian Edward), 1955–
The making of a bestseller : success stories from authors and the editors,
agents, and booksellers behind them / Brian Hill and Dee Power.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 0-7931-9308-7
1. Best sellers—United States—History—20th century. 2. Publishers and pub-
lishing—United States—History—20th century. 3. Books and reading—United
States—History—20th century. 4. Popular literature—United States—History and
criticism. 5. Authorship. 6. Authors, American—20th century—Interviews.
I. Power, Dee II. Title.
Z1033.B3H55 2005
381′.45002′09730904—dc22
2004022940
Dearborn Trade books are available at special quantity discounts to use for sales
promotions, employee premiums, or educational purposes. Please call our Spe-
cial Sales Department to order or for more information at 800-621-9621 ext.
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C o n t e n t s
Acknowledgments ix
P A R T O N E
The Bestseller
1. THE INCOMPARABLE THRILL 1
A MOUNT OLYMPUS FOR AUTHORS
FIRST THE STRUGGLE, THEN THE THRILL
TREMENDOUS REWARDS BUT TREMENDOUS PRESSURE
2. MAKING THE LIST How They Work 13
AGAINST THE ODDS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW THE BESTSELLER LIST BEGAN
HOW THE LISTS WORK
3. WHAT CAUSES A BOOK TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? 25
THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS
PREVIOUS SUCCESS IS THE KEY INDICATOR OF FUTURE SUCCESS
LISTENING TO THE MARKETPLACE
4. REVIEWS The Good, the Bad, the Ugly 35
THE IMPACT OF REVIEWS
HOW BOOKS ARE CHOSEN TO BE REVIEWED
NOW EVERYONE’S A CRITIC
A LAST LOOK FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
5. CHANGES IN READERS’ TASTES 47
VIEWS FROM THE AUTHORS
THE CHALLENGES FOR EDITORS
THE GREAT (AND ACRIMONIOUS) DEBATE
COMMERCIAL VERSUS LITERARY
v
vi Contents
P A R T T W O
Publishing
6. EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS 65
THE PATH TO PUBLICATION
AUTHORS AND EDITORS WORKING TOGETHER
WHY EDITORS DECLINE NONFICTION
SAYING NO TO FICTION
7. LITERARY AGENTS 79
THE ROLE OF A LITERARY AGENT
ARE AGENTS SUPERSALESPERSONS, GATEKEEPERS,
OR TALENT SCOUTS?
EDITORS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE AGENT’S PITCH
INCREDIBLE COMPETITION IN THE HUNT FOR AN AGENT
8. GETTING THE BOOKS ON THE SHELVES AND
OUT THE DOOR 91
HOW BOOKSTORES SELECT TITLES
CHAIN RETAILERS
BOOK CLUBS
HOW BOOKSTORES IMPACT NEW AUTHORS’ CAREERS
9. ESTABLISHING A BRAND IMAGE WITH READERS 105
ARE AUTHORS “BRANDS”?
AUTHORS’ VIEWS ON BRAND IMAGE
HOW TO CREATE A BRAND
CAN BRANDING BE TAKEN TOO FAR?
10. PROMOTION Publishers’ and Publicists’ Efforts and, of Course,
Bookstores 119
PUBLISHERS PACK A PROMOTIONAL PUNCH
PROMOTING ON AND OFF THE INTERNET
THE TV BOOK CLUB FACTOR—THE WILD CARD OF
BOOKPROMOTION
THE AUTHOR AS PRODUCT SPOKESPERSON
THE BOOKSELLERS
Contents vii
11. CLIMBING THE MARKETING MOUNTAIN 133
THE AUTHOR’S EFFORTS
CREATING WORD-OF-MOUTH BUZZ
P A R T T H R E E
The Author
12. BUILDING A CAREER 149
A TALE OF TWO AUTHORS
GETTING STARTED
MIDLIST, FRONTLIST, OR BACKLIST
HOW AUTHORS MANUFACTURE THEIR OWN LUCK
COMING BACK FOR SECONDS
13. FROM THE BOOKSHELF TO THE SILVER SCREEN 165
THE SYNERGIES OF BOOKS AND MOVIES
THE PROCESS OF ADAPTATION
14. WHERE DOES THE IDEA COME FROM? 179
THE MAGICAL PROCESS OF INSPIRATION: EMERIL OR EDGAR?
A VISIT TO THE IDEA FACTORY
SO MANY IDEAS, ONLY ONE LIFETIME: GIVING AN IDEA THE
GREENLIGHT
15. THE PROCESS OF WRITING 189
CHOOSING A GENRE
RESEARCH
PLANNING AND PLOTTING
THE DISCIPLINE OF WRITING
EVOLUTION OF AN AUTHOR’S STYLE
16. THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR’S LIFE 207
CHANGES TO THEIR LIVES
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
COULD BESTSELLING AUTHORS BECOME EVEN MORE FAMOUS?
FAME, RECOGNITION, AND LET’S NOT FORGET MONEY—
BUTTHAT’S NOT ALL
viii Contents
17. THE UPS AND DOWNS 217
THE PRESSURE TO STAY ON TOP
FAMOUS WRITERS’ TIME IS NOT THEIR OWN
THE GLORIOUS FIRST SUCCESS
A PERSPECTIVE ON LONG-TERM SUCCESS
18. FINAL THOUGHTS 231
WISDOM FROM BESTSELLING AUTHORS, EDITORS, AND AGENTS
THE MAKING OF A BESTSELLER
Index 243