5 Myths About Best Sellers

There seems to be some confusion about what makes a best seller. A few myths are floating around and make people believe there’s a foolproof formula to writing a book. I even wrote a slightly cheeky post about this very subject. It seems to me that most writers look at the best seller list as some sort of special club that the people “In the Know” managed to slip on to by knowing the mystical secret. But there’s no secret, just a misunderstanding of facts.

Myth: The Prose Must be Mind-blowing
Fact: Truth is, it doesn’t really matter. I know this is going to make some people get themselves in a knot, but most stories that find success do so from being approachable. Whether the writing is spectacular, average or subpar.

Myth: Unique Concept
Fact: The story you’re reading off the bestseller list has likely been written before. More than once. In different incarnations, of course. Fairytale retelling, classic story mash-ups or just a new twist on an old favorite. You don’t need to concern yourself with discovering the one thing that’s never been written—give something a fresh look and make it your own.

Myth: Stereotyped Characters
Fact: Granted, many stories pull from character molds or stereotypes, but a successful novel often showcases a variety of characters and the majority of which are multidimensional.

Myth: Romance Heavy
Fact: There doesn’t need to be a prominent love triangle, quadrangle or even decagon for people to find a relationship they attach to. People like romance, and they’ll find it even if you don’t write it. But it does help to write it 😉 And write it well.

Myth: Every Reader is Pleased
Fact: This is just wrong. Any book will have its lovers and haters. Even those on the best sellers list.

In reality, any type of book can make a best sellers list. And there’s no such thing as THE Best Seller’s List. There are so many lists out there your novel could be on, you don’t need to fret about making a sacred single list. Now that light has been shed on some of the darkest myths, you can write freely without the best seller monkey on your back. Unless of course you know more myths that need debunking! Please, share!