What Makes a Book a Bestseller (and Why It’s Not Just About Sales)

When you hear the word “bestseller,” what comes to mind?

A shiny sticker on the cover? A spot on the New York Times list? A huge book deal and media buzz?

The truth is, the term “bestseller” is more nuanced than most people realize—and while sales are part of the equation, true bestseller status is about much more than numbers.

At Bestsellers with Brooke-Sidney™, we help authors write and publish books that are not only well-written and beautiful, but also strategically positioned for real-world impact. Whether you dream of seeing your book at #1 on Amazon or building a brand that stands out, here’s what you need to know about becoming a bestseller in today’s publishing world.

1. There’s More Than One Kind of Bestseller List

Not all bestseller lists are created equal. Here are the most common types:

• Amazon Bestseller Lists:
  Updated hourly, these rankings are based on recent sales and are category-specific. This means you can become a #1 Amazon Bestseller in a niche category—even with a modest number of sales—by launching strategically.

• New York Times / Wall Street Journal / USA Today:
  These lists are more competitive, harder to access, and factor in reporting from specific bookstores and distributors. You’ll need widespread distribution, media buzz, and strong pre-orders to break in.

• Local or Industry Bestseller Lists:
  These include bookstore sales rankings, specialty industry awards, or even coaching circles and niche audiences. While they’re less publicized, they still offer powerful credibility within your market.

👉 The key takeaway? A bestseller isn’t always about fame—it’s about positioning and purpose.

2. Niche Targeting is the New Bestseller Strategy

You don’t need to sell thousands of books to make a big impact. In fact, some of the most successful authors today focus on serving a highly specific audience—and doing it exceptionally well.

Your goal should be to reach the right readers, not all readers.

• Are you speaking to first-time moms healing from heartbreak?

• Are you writing to coaches launching a group program?

• Are you guiding high-achieving women back to their authentic selves?

When your message meets a specific market, your book sells—because it speaks directly to someone’s soul. And in many cases, this is the quickest path to hitting bestseller status within your category.

3. Your Brand and Book Must Align

Today’s most successful books are extensions of personal brands. Readers don’t just want information—they want connection. They want your story, mission, and voice.

A well-positioned bestseller is:

• Authentically aligned with your values

• On-brand with your business or creative message

• Written in your voice and for your ideal audience

• Positioned with a strong title, subtitle, and category fit

That’s why at Bestsellers with Brooke-Sidney™, we help clients build “legacy books”—not just something to sell, but something that represents who you are.

4. Marketing Is What Turns Great Books into Bestsellers

Writing the book is one thing. Selling it? That takes strategy.

Many talented authors make the mistake of writing in isolation—without ever thinking about how to reach their audience. Then they launch to silence.

To become a bestseller (in any format), you need:

• A pre-launch audience or email list

• A clear sales and promo strategy

• Keyword research for Amazon categories

• Endorsements or testimonials

• Podcast appearances, reels, or media outreach

We work with our authors to develop strategic book launch plans that include social media, influencer engagement, email funnels, and launch team coordination—so your book doesn’t just go live, it takes off.

5. Longevity Matters More Than Launch Day

Here’s a secret: many so-called bestsellers fall off the map after one week.

We believe that a true bestseller continues to sell, serve, and inspire long after launch day. It becomes a magnet for aligned opportunities: speaking gigs, new clients, interviews, collaborations, and more.

Our mission isn’t just to help you hit a metric. It’s to help you create a book that lives up to its name—and builds momentum over time.

Final Thoughts: Bestseller Status Begins with Intention

The most powerful books are born from purpose—not pressure. Whether your goal is to hit #1 in your niche or simply share your story in a meaningful way, remember this:

✅ Bestseller status starts with your audience
✅ It grows through strategy and alignment
✅ And it lasts when your book delivers real transformation

At Bestsellers with Brooke-Sidney™, we help you write and launch a book that positions you as a leader, builds your brand, and creates a legacy—one soul-led story at a time.

📅 Want to create a bestselling-quality book with expert support?
Schedule a Book Chat and let’s talk about turning your book idea into a beautifully written, brilliantly positioned, bestseller-worthy book.