A spoonful of mysterious drama, a bunch of strong, colorful characters, a pinch of spicy remarks, then sprinkle on top a bitter-sweet turn of events, stir around the mix in adventurous twists, then let it simmer until it brings out bubbly bursts of unforgettable intrigues and unexpected happy endings (people seem to adore them). What are the secret ingredients of a bestseller? I am not a bestseller author yet, but I plan to become one very soon, so I thought of asking a few amazing authors who've touched the top 100, what are their secrets when they create a whole new world with the tip of their pen?
The debut work of Penelope Douglas, named "Bully (Fall away)", is currently sitting at number 30 (that's right) in best sellers on Amazon and here it is how she sees her success: " My editor/friend kept yelling at me <stay in Tate's head>, since I was telling my story from the first person. Ultimately, I think readers want to feel as if they are living in the characters' skin. They want to be happy, sad, angry. If the writer can't do that, then the audience is indifferent about the story... If it's a romance, I think your audience wants tension and chemistry. I've read horrible books where the main characters are intimate all the time and GREAT romances where they only kiss once. If there is good chemistry, then a writer shouldn't have to overload on the graphic stuff. It desensitizes the audience, and leaves no room for mystery."
Dannika Dark, 2012 Reader's Choice favorite author in Grave tells with her amazing Mageri Series has a slightly different view on success: "The number one ingredient for a bestseller is LUCK. I have seen it both ways: a fantastic book that spreads through word of mouth and becomes popular, and a less than stellar book that hits the bestseller list because of savvy marketing. Find a happy medium and put out a product you're proud of. You can never write a book with the expectation that it will become a bestseller. You do equal parts work: writing and marketing. No matter how you slice it, becoming a bestseller requires a heaping helping of luck, timing and dedication. The real magic is writing a story that sucks people in and captures their imagination. A story that they can't stop thinking about. Maybe you won't hit any bestseller list with that book, but you might have snagged a lifelong fan".
Rebecca Ethington is in top 100 best selling fantasy authors with her enchanting Imdalind Series, here's how she understands success:" It is a matter of luck with a healthy dose of what's popular. I am very lucky to see my books do so well. because they are currently not in a popular genre. One of the things I hear over and over is, how much my readers love the originality of the Imdalind Series. So, if I had to pick one thing, it would definitely be the originality of the story."
Cameo Renae is a magical author from Alaska, whose book Hidden Wings, published with Crushing hearts and Black Butterfly, sells like hotcakes, ever since its release in January. Her newest release Broken Wings seems to have the same overwhelming success. "I think some of the ingredients for being successful are being positive and friendly with the readers, and answer their questions. I know some authors who don't do that. I believe that if you can connect with the readers, and they love your work, then they will want to help push your books and share them with their friends.
Rue Volley is one of a kind, her uninhibited style makes people constantly fall in love with her characters. Her newest release The Golden Crown Series "The Bitter End" is breaking the charts. Here's her view on how to create a bestseller " What makes you a bestseller is the prep on promotion and marketing that you plan out and execute as you get ready to release your book. There are a ton of things you must do to get ready, from having a fanpage, beta's, event planned, hosts, swag to giveaway, promo posters, and so on. I start planning the day I start typing as to how the book will be marketed and sold."
