When "The Da Vinci Code" hit the big-time, there was a lot of talk about what makes a bestseller, with some people giving very specific ingredients, e.g. a religious mystery, a chase, teaching of fact, etc. With this in mind, what do you think are the top five ingredients of a bestseller novel (other than the name of a bestselling author on the cover)?
Thanks!
2006-10-23 21:47:33 · 15 answers · asked by jess0910 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The ingredients to a best selling book are in between the covers, not on them. Hmm... I would say:
1) Gripping Plot
2) Sympathetic Characters
3) Continuity
4) Believability (even when it's fantasy)
5) Satisfying Resolve (unless the ending points u to the next book in a series)
Happy reading, everyone! :)
2006-10-24 04:41:07 · answer #1 · answered by Rocker Chick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Top 5 qualities:
1. Topic should strongly draw attention and curiosity among people.
2. Makes a lot of sense and realistic.
3. Authored by acclaimed writers or novelists.
4. Brilliant packaging (cover) and Title.
5. The content is something new.
2006-10-23 22:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by Dave S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some sort of quest element to keep the narrative rollin' along nicely.
A likeable but flawed central character (you can't beat a good bit of angst).
Evidence that the author isn't taking themselves to seriously is always good.
It's nice to feel that you've learned something by the end (even if it is polemical and inaccurate).
Good grammar. I know that some people (e.g. Peter Carey in Tru Histories of the Kelly Gang) use "capturing the authentic voice" as an excuse for poor grammar and spelling, but I speed read, so it really annoys me and slows me down if a book lacks a linguistic shape.
2006-10-24 10:22:53 · answer #3 · answered by Athene1710 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As difficult to figure out as what makes a movie a box-office hit -- there are thousands of guys out there -- the ones that get rejection-slips as regularly as we get bills -- who are endlessly trying to figure it out ! Even some of those who've had a Best-seller once , don't seem able to produce another , sometimes . As for the success of " The DaVinci Code" , I personally feel it's success is because the readers who make a 'best-seller' , a best-seller , are all mostly casual , or one-time readers -- meaning they'd none of them read any other Dan Brown book before ( probably haven't since , either ! ) or they would have known they're all the same ! I mean , "DaVinci Code" is no better, or no worse , than his other books .
2006-10-23 22:09:19 · answer #4 · answered by yjnt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being known is the best quality or mega rich knowing the right people being able to plug in media then the story there are some fantastic storeys out there but to get published is another thing all publishers are looking for the easy ticket unknown authors don't stand a chance my book read by lots is a true story interesting but only people i know have read it take a look at the preview on http://www.lulu.com/content/454006 see if you like what you see so in my opinion the actual story comes down the pecking order for success sorry but true
2006-10-25 21:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by Psycho Dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1: Lots of sex
2: Not too many long words
3: A murder or two
4: Cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter
5: Some semi-true content that people can discuss at the water-cooler and make themselves feel clever
This is my definition of a best-seller (which is usually not very good ie: The Da Vinci Code)
2006-10-23 22:03:44 · answer #6 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
obviously, a bestseller has to contain something that attrackts the bigger public. whether this is something to do with religion, magic, murder or whatever, doesn't really matter, as long as it attrackts the bigger public. so what makes a bestseller?-->telling the right story at the right time, a bestseller is all about timing! nothing more then that!
2006-10-23 21:56:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A saga, family story with a bit of romance, think Barbara Taylor Bradford
Pretty long, think Gone with the Wind but not as long as Stephen King
A publisher prepared to hype it like mad
TV network connections
Lots of jammy luck
2006-10-24 12:14:39 · answer #8 · answered by hjpollock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. originality (not another angle on a pre-existing formula)
2. logical progression (plot eventually ties in with inciting
moments)
3. characters
4. scene setting (being descriptive without going ott)
5. appropriate font size (i hate when novels use fonts that are two small / big)
2006-10-23 22:10:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Written in good English (or the language one prefers)
Captivating
Well drawn characters
Consistency
Vivid backgrounds
2006-10-23 23:08:39 · answer #10 · answered by WISE OWL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋