Why “Bestselling Author” Doesn’t Always Mean “Great Book”
Even before a book sees the light of day, most authors have already begun to dream — of glowing reviews, loyal readers, and that coveted title: “Bestselling Author.” It’s a dream that feels almost synonymous with success. But in today’s publishing landscape, where algorithms can be gamed and reviews can be bought, we need to pause and ask: Does being a bestseller really mean your book is a great read?
The Illusion of “Bestseller” Status
Scroll through social media and you’ll see countless posts from authors sharing screenshots: “#1 Bestseller in a category on Amazon!” The excitement is genuine, and it’s understandable — every author craves validation. But what many readers (and even some new writers) don’t realize is that becoming a “bestseller” isn’t as monumental as it used to be.
Take Amazon, for instance. The platform’s category system is so fragmented that a book can hit “#1” in a niche subcategory — like “Travel Writing about Eastern Canada in the 21st Century” — after selling just a handful of copies within a short window. Technically, that author becomes a “bestselling author.” In reality, it’s more of a marketing label than a literary achievement.
The Role of Algorithms and Paid Promotions
We live in the age of algorithms, where visibility can be bought and trends can be engineered. Authors and publishers with deep marketing pockets can run ad campaigns, manipulate pricing strategies, and time launches to momentarily spike sales. The result? Instant bestseller status — even if the book doesn’t sustain readership or reviews over time.
For instance, The Guardian once reported how certain vanity publishers and marketing agencies offer “bestseller packages” promising guaranteed rankings on Amazon. These packages often involve mass-purchasing books or organizing paid download campaigns to boost a title’s chart position. The author earns the badge, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect genuine reader interest or quality writing.
Paid Reviews: The Elephant in the Room
Then there’s the issue of reviews. Many self-publishing and vanity publishing websites openly advertise packages that include a “set number of guaranteed reviews.” Logically, this raises a question — how can any company promise reviews unless they are paid or incentivized?
A few years ago, The New York Times exposed a network of services selling five-star reviews to self-published authors for as little as $10 per review. Some authors, desperate for visibility, took the bait. For a short while, their books sparkled with fake praise — until platforms began cracking down on the practice. Unfortunately, even today, paid reviews remain a thriving underground market.
The Lost Simplicity of Authorship
There was a time when an author’s only job was to write. Editors refined the manuscript, designers crafted the cover, and marketing teams promoted the final product. Today, the indie author wears all these hats — writer, editor, marketer, designer, and PR manager. It’s empowering, yes, but it also blurs ethical boundaries. In the quest for visibility, some authors chase shortcuts, often at the cost of authenticity.
Why You Should Stay Away from the “Bestseller” Obsession
As an indie author myself, my advice is simple: stay out of the bestseller rat race. The term “bestseller” has lost its meaning. Once, it was a milestone that only a select few could boast of achieving — a true reflection of readership and respect. Today, it’s often a marketing gimmick.
Instead of chasing charts, chase readers. Write stories that move people, characters that stay with them long after the last page, and words that outlive the hype. True success isn’t in claiming a title — it’s in earning a reader’s trust.
In short:
Being a bestselling author doesn’t necessarily make you a great writer — and being a great writer doesn’t always make you a bestseller. Write for the love of storytelling, not for the label. The tag fades. The story stays.
**In my book The Modern Author’s Playbook, I dive deep into the entire journey of book creation — from writing and publishing to effective marketing strategies.
Leave a Reply