You’ve likely heard authors announce, “Bestselling author!” by way of social media, their website, emails and on podcasts. Truth be told, they may be misunderstanding what it means to be a bestselling author rather than their book ranking #1 on Amazon.
Let’s start with a clarification of Best Seller vs Hitting #1. Many authors confuse the two. In reality, you can Hit #1 and not be an official bestseller on a list like New York Times.
In a sense, you can say, “Bestseller” but be careful because if the curtain is pulled back and it is discovered you sold fewer than a handful of books to reach #1 in an obscure category, that may not reflect well on you as an author.
This is disappointing news to lots of authors, but truth be told, Hitting #1 is a feat unto itself. One that is achievable when you, the author, have your systems in place.
Bestseller Definition
A bestseller is a book that hits the top selling status, usually selling thousands of copies within a specified period of time that gets on lists published by newspapers, magazines, and book store chains.
According to a post in Publisher Weekly, “Further complicating the bestseller list landscape was Amazon’s introduction of multiple bestseller lists. The e-tailer, which tracks sales of its titles in real time, publishes a wealth of lists, broken down by format and also by multiple subcategories. There are “overall” print and Kindle bestsellers on the site, but also numerous subcategories like “Crafts, Hobbies & Home,” “Humor & Entertainment,” and “Law.””
Hit #1 Definition
As it sounds, Hit #1 means you achieve the #1 position in categories, or overall. Even for the most seasoned authors, hitting #1 overall is near impossible. Hitting #1 in categories is definitely achievable.
This is a topic of great confusion for many authors due to the number of programs peddled about “Become a Bestselling Author!”
In reality, you can Hit #1 in a category on Amazon with under 100 books (sometimes less) being sold. So it’s not necessarily the number of books you sell that matters. It’s what you do with the position that makes all the difference.
I believe that almost anyone can Hit #1, regardless of genre. It’s simply a matter of how much you want this and if you are willing to do what it takes. It takes vision, planning, time and effort.
Rising on the Amazon charts is not a get rich quick deal, nor is it an end all be all. It’s a means to an end and a very strategic marketing process that creates amazing opportunities for you as an author, consultant, speaker or entrepreneur.
It’s not the Hit #1 position that’s going to bring you more business and more money; it’s what you do with the status that will make all of the difference.
Here are a few outcomes you can achieve by becoming a visible author; something an Amazon campaign can do for you.
Speakers
With restrictions being lifted, many speakers are chomping at the bit to get on the platform. Over the last 14 months, conferences were in a “wait and see” mode, but now, the landscape is changing.
As a speaker you can not only get paid for a speaking engagement, you can also sell your book(s) back of the room. I know many authors who have sold hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands of dollars worth of books at just one engagement. One colleague of mine sold $23,000 worth of books after a 35 minute presentation.
If a company does not have a budget to pay a speaker, you may be able to negotiate with a meeting planner that the company or organization purchase a book for every person in attendance. The money might come out of the educational budget rather than a training budget. After all, books are educational.
With the economy forcing many companies to forego any type of training, you can host your own speaking engagement and require each person who attends to purchase a book. If pre-selling is not what you want to do you can make your books available for purchase at your event.
Coaches and/or Consultants
As a visible author you are perceived as more of an expert. This is a great way to gain visibility and credibility during a time when there are countless other coaches and consultants vying for the same business you are.
Imagine how much easier it would be to secure top notch business when you are viewed as a credible expert. A #1 book can do this for you. That is, if you know how to position this status.
Long-term vision
To optimize rising on the charts of Amazon.com you need to look at this with a long term view. If you have a plan in place you can open up a world of opportunity like never before. It’s simply a matter of knowing what you want and taking action on this.
If you are an author who dreams of getting your book to #1, register for the Get Your Book to #1 Masterclass taking place on Thursday, June 17, 2021
To reserve your spot, go to www.powerupforprofits.com/numberone
As usual… right on time for the next step in my process. Kathleen… you read my mind! Can’t wait to learn how to do it from you.
Thanks Honey. It’s all about strategy and planning. Then of course, implementation. 🙂