What Is a Best Selling Author?

A best selling author is a writer whose book—or books—have achieved exceptional commercial success, frequently making it onto highly regarded lists such as The New York Times Best Seller list, Amazon Best Sellers, USA Today, or The Wall Street Journal. This status is more than just a badge of honor—it represents widespread recognition, reader trust, and significant influence within the literary and publishing worlds.

Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, becoming a best selling author means the book has resonated deeply with audiences, leading to large-scale sales, media attention, and industry credibility.

Why Becoming a Best Selling Author Matters

Achieving best seller status carries enormous value for both the writer and the publishing industry. It signals:

• Credibility and authority in your subject or genre

• Increased visibility and marketing opportunities

• Media interviews, public speaking invitations, and brand partnerships

• More lucrative publishing deals for future books

• An expanded and loyal reader base

Best selling authors are often seen as cultural voices of influence, shaping trends, discussions, and even social change.

Types of Best Seller Lists That Define Author Status

There isn’t just one definition of a best seller. Multiple platforms recognize books as best sellers based on varied criteria, such as:

1. The New York Times Best Seller List

One of the most prestigious recognitions, it includes categories like hardcover fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. The list is curated using sales data, editorial judgment, and bookseller reports.

2. Amazon Best Sellers

Updated hourly, Amazon's lists reflect sales in real time and include subcategories such as self-help, thriller, romance, and business. This allows indie authors a shot at niche dominance.

3. USA Today Best Selling Books

A unified list that ranks books regardless of genre or format. It captures total weekly sales across all retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar.

4. Publisher-Specific Lists

Large retailers like Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million also feature in-house best seller rankings, offering more opportunities for recognition.

Traits of a Best Selling Author

While every author’s journey is unique, best selling authors tend to share several powerful traits that position them for success:

• Exceptional storytelling or knowledge-sharing ability

• Relentless marketing drive

• Deep understanding of target readers

• Consistency in producing content

• Strategic timing and release planning

Most importantly, they never write only for themselves—they write for impact. Whether through emotional fiction or thought-provoking nonfiction, best selling authors solve a problem, entertain deeply, or inspire action.

Steps to Become a Best Selling Author

Becoming a best selling author is not an accident—it’s a process that combines creativity, strategy, and relentless execution. Here’s how to get there:

1. Write a High-Quality, Market-Aligned Book

• Research your target audience before you write

• Choose a compelling title and subtitle that promises value

• Focus on clear structure, powerful narrative, and strong editing

Quality content is the foundation. Without it, no amount of marketing will turn a book into a best seller.

2. Build a Pre-Launch Audience

• Start building your email list, social media following, and reader community early

• Offer behind-the-scenes looks, free chapters, or exclusive bonuses

• Use lead magnets and engaging content to attract attention

Audience building begins long before your book hits the shelves.

3. Leverage Professional Publishing and Design

• Hire experienced editors, proofreaders, and formatters

• Invest in professional cover design—first impressions matter

• Choose between traditional publishing, hybrid, or self-publishing based on your goals

A polished book increases credibility and reader trust.

4. Master the Book Launch

• Schedule pre-orders to boost day-one rankings

• Organize launch teams of early readers and reviewers

• Use advertising platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, and BookBub

The first week of sales is critical—it can make or break your chances of hitting a best seller list.

5. Get Strategic Reviews and Media Coverage

• Solicit early reviews from beta readers and influencers

• Pitch your book to podcasts, blogs, magazines, and newspapers

• Aim for author interviews, book readings, and literary awards

Social proof amplifies your message and expands reach.

6. Maintain Sales Momentum Post-Launch

• Promote your book consistently through email marketing

• Offer limited-time discounts and bundle offers

• Plan follow-up books or repurpose your book into other formats like audiobooks or online courses

The journey doesn't end at launch—it evolves.

Famous Best Selling Authors Who Redefined Literature

Several best selling authors have not only dominated sales charts but also reshaped entire literary genres and global conversations:

• Stephen King – Master of horror and suspense

• J.K. Rowling – Creator of the Harry Potter universe

• Brené Brown – Transformational nonfiction on vulnerability and courage

• James Patterson – Known for his prolific fiction output across age groups

• Michelle Obama – Becoming redefined memoir success

These authors share an unrelenting commitment to connection, truth, and storytelling that resonates on a human level.

Best Selling Author vs. Influential Author

Not all best selling authors are critically acclaimed, and not all influential authors become best sellers. But when a book achieves both influence and high sales, it becomes a cultural landmark.

A best selling author reaches the masses. An influential author moves them.

Many strive to be both—and the combination is incredibly powerful.

Conclusion

Becoming a best selling author is a career-defining milestone that offers influence, credibility, and financial rewards. But more than that, it means your message has landed, your voice has been heard, and your book has made a genuine impact. Whether you're a debut novelist, a business expert, or a memoirist with a powerful story to share, the path to best seller status is open to you—with the right combination of quality content, strategic marketing, and reader connection.