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If there was a magical formula to writing success, I guess we’d all be doing it and be living in mansions. It’s difficult to know sometimes, what the public will like and reject. That’s why there is usually a string of publishers who have overlooked best seller books, and who are kicking themselves. J.K.Rowling, for example, was rejected nine times until the daughter of the publisher who had been given the first Harry Potter book to read, insisted he read it because it was so good. Similarly, it was a child who pushed for Tolkien’s The Hobbit to be published. Perhaps children have a less jaundiced eye.

Some books burst onto the market and others are slow burners. Fast selling books don’t necessarily end up as best seller books. The best seller list is mainly made up of fiction, and genre novels such as crime, spy stories and general thrillers. Mickey Spillane and John Grisham are two examples of authors of best seller books that have also led to box office movie hits. The movies spurn more book sales and so on. Nostalgic, old fashioned yarns are still popular as in the murder mysteries of Agathie Christie and the working class tales of Catherine Cookson. Classic spy novelists aspire to be the next John Le Carre or Len Deighton.

New trends are always coming along, which reflect the changes in society. Chick Lit started seriously with Bridget Jones Diary. Women related to the problems of Bridget, the young single woman struggling to find a man and have a career. There have been many imitations since but none succeeding as best seller books in such a huge way. Aga sagas too have entered the best sellers list, so named because they are set in middle class families with affluent lifestyles symbolized by the Aga stove sat in the corner.

Jackie Collins and Danielle Steele exemplify what came to be known as bonk busters, racy tales of jet setters engaged in their twin hobbies of sex and shopping. Of course, sex doesn’t guarantee best seller books but it certainly helps. Maybe that’s why Lord Byron was an overnight success!

Non fiction too is popular, and is often tied into the obsessions of the day. At the moment, best seller books in the non fiction department will contain cookery books, home makeovers and how to diet books. Apparently, we all cook less but read about food more, and we jump on the latest diet fad such as Atkins. Celebrity chefs constantly produce best seller books. We are also keen on show business autobiographies and exposés. History subjects and reference books are other best sellers.

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