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Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist
Manage episode 514773812 series 2895277
Statistically speaking, a book’s chance of making The New York Times bestseller list is less than one percent. But that’s the list most authors want to be on. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, I’m going to offer a different, better measure for success. And this isn’t just my opinion, this is what agents, publishers and savvy authors know is true. The backlist is where you want to be if you want a long career as an author.
Tune in to hear:
- Why it doesn’t make mathematical sense to aim for a bestseller's list.
- The difference between the front list and the backlist.
- The truth about how many authors actually earn out their advance.
- The lifetime financial benefits of being on a publisher’s backlist.
LINKS to get LIT
If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.
For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter
Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary, our private membership community for BIPOC women who take their writing seriously.
Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori
Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.
100 episodes
Manage episode 514773812 series 2895277
Statistically speaking, a book’s chance of making The New York Times bestseller list is less than one percent. But that’s the list most authors want to be on. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, I’m going to offer a different, better measure for success. And this isn’t just my opinion, this is what agents, publishers and savvy authors know is true. The backlist is where you want to be if you want a long career as an author.
Tune in to hear:
- Why it doesn’t make mathematical sense to aim for a bestseller's list.
- The difference between the front list and the backlist.
- The truth about how many authors actually earn out their advance.
- The lifetime financial benefits of being on a publisher’s backlist.
LINKS to get LIT
If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.
For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter
Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary, our private membership community for BIPOC women who take their writing seriously.
Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori
Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.
100 episodes
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