What Makes a Bestseller?

by Rebecca Talley

What makes a bestseller? Is it ingenious marketing? A riveting story? Who you know?

I've been pondering this question. I think it's two-fold. First, and foremost, we must have a strong story, one that's worth reading. We can, and should, continuously hone our craft by attending conferences, taking classes, reading how-to books, and reading other novels. Each subsequent book we write should be better than the last and we should strive to always improve our writing. But, is that enough?

Even if we write a stellar book, who will read it if no one knows about it? Along with writing that amazing book, we also need promotion and marketing. We need to get the word out and let the world know we have this spectacular book. We can do this through blog tours, interviews, signings, emails lists, contests, websites, etc.

But, what about when we do all this and we still don't have a bestseller? Is there a "secret?"

What do you think?