It seems unlikely that anyone–especially anyone who’s ever undertaken the head-scrambling angst of setting pen to paper with the intent of composing brillaint, unforgettable prose–could fail to notice obsess over the boggle-the-mind, runaway-success stories that bolster certain books to the lofty heights of Mega Bestsellerdom .
Far from what would ordinarily be considered masterful or especially remarkable, they are oftentimes books more likely to furrow foreheads, clench lips, and inspire interior chants to boom–Why? How can this be? Where have all the grammar school English teachers gone?–if only in an effort to drown out the not so pretty sour grape spills of Not Fair! WTH! Because, seriously, How is it even possible that such crappy, hackneyed, over-under written book sell beyond the bounds of a bazillion gigaton?
Deny it if you must. Insist that you yourself harbor no writerly dreams or aspirations that such a phenomena would sweep in to propel the spine printed with your name. (And as you continue with your vehement protests, how about we pause here a moment to step in and check your pulse. You know, just to be sure your heart is still beating.)
JUST THE FACTS MA’AM
Reasonable, impossible, or mind-boggling as it may be, the fact remains that someone out there is buying, reading, and talking-up those mega selling books. Many many someones. Enough someones to dropkick records and propel certain books to the top of the lifetime achievement bazillionare club.
It’s enough to make a green-eyed monster swell to the proportions of Everest.
AND THE WINNER IS…
It’s essential to keep in mind that, unlike contestants in the Miss Universe contest, books are NOT in competition with each other. Should “50 Shades of Anything” suddenly go spiraling off into oblivion never to be seen in print again, its disappearance would have no impact whatsoever on that truly awesome and magnificent book your book waiting behind curtain number two. Because, once again, repeat after me: Books Are Not In Competition With Each Other.
ROCKETING BOOKS UP THE CHARTS AND INTO THE STRATOSPHERE
The numbers are about readers. The gazillion, bazillion readers who open their wallets, click the buy-it-now button, pluck down their Visa cards, and spread the word. They hold the keys to the book lovers kingdom. Simple as that.
If there’s a formula for hitting the sweet spot, I don’t know it. As a writer, I simply aspire to find the words that feel closest to my truth.
Okay, I can hear you thinking… So, what’s up? It’s nice to share 😀
Barbara Forte Abate 