Most authors would love nothing more than to have their books appear on the NY Times Bestseller list. This list is the Holy Grail for 
authors—the ultimate sign of success. But the long-standing challenge for self-published authors has been that the list is compiled based on brick and mortar bookstore sales, and most self-published authors aren’t featured in bookstores unless they are working with a distributor. Without bookstore distribution (combined with a heck of a lot of promotion), it’s impossible for a book to make it to the list.
But don’t give up hope just yet! The New York Times also features a bestseller list for ebooks, which is compiled based on sales reported from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, and Google. If you distribute your ebook through these channels and achieve exceptional sales, you can absolutely make this list.
Still don’t believe it’s possible? Earlier this week, independent ebook distributor Smashwords announced that four of its authors are featured on the NY Times bestseller list this week! This is BIG news for all self-published authors because it provides evidence of what is possible when you produce your book and then market the heck out of it!
I’m sure we’ll be seeing more stories about how these authors achieved such tremendous sales success. In the meantime, consider how you can ramp up your marketing efforts to really kick those ebook sales into gear.
By the way, we have used and recommended Smashwords for ebook distribution for several years. If your titles aren’t listed there, they should be!
This is fantastic news for hard working indie authors!
I fully intend to be on this list one day! I’m aiming high!
I always wanted to know if this was possible…..Your information for marketing is so helpful! Thanks…My first book is coming out this fall…..self-published and i need all the advice I can get to promote it! Susan
Best of luck to you, Susan!
The book is doing well and I am starting a book tour with the first one this Saturday in Charlotte, NC
I have a new book out on my website: http://www.seniorpreneur.ca.
I need more exposure for this book around the World including NY Times Best Selling List. My social mission is to help eradicate Seniors Poverty around the World.
My business mission is to empower Adults(50 Plus) to become business and/or social Entrepreneurs through Lifelong Learning.
Thanks.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
http://www.seniorpreneur.ca/
http://www.seniorpreneur.wordpress.com
Sounds like a great cause, Joe. Best of luck to you.
That’s the best news I’ve heard this year. Independent authors have a chance to make a bigger splash.
Debbie
I have a new goal to reach in the coming weeks!