Bestsellers

As an author—but no bestsellers, awards nor fame—I have written about twenty books but only eighteen published: three translated into different languages and three Ebooks. I stumbled into writing when I inherited a page in a monthly church journal and two publishers contacted me: one to rewrite an older book (which I did) and the other became a book of my one- page articles I had written in the journal.

As a Christian writer, I took notice of this paragraph: Author Jared C. Wilson tweeted a list of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) 100 best-selling books of 2016. Among the titles in the top 20: three versions of Sarah Young’s controversial Jesus Calling, two kids joke books, two adult coloring books, titles by HGTV stars and athletes . . . and, of course, more.

When the Family Christian Stores, the nation’s largest chain of Christian book stores, announced earlier this year the closing of its doors after 85 years in business,I tried to put two and two together but not effectively. Literally, tons of books hit the market from soft covers to leather, for all kinds of readers and viewers, heavy and light, significant and superfluous, required and optional, favorites and strangers and some with exceptional marketers and huge audiences. A tough arena to ascertain why success and failure occur.

Bestsellers probably vary considerably yet most likely are based numerically. As Jerad Wilson pointed out, there was quite a variety in the 100 best-sellers seemingly essential for success. No doubt other books could be far superior but were never best-sellers. Taste, availability, popularity, promotion, subject matter, prior reputation, fame, cost and numbers all factor in.

Apparently the chain of Family Christian Stores sold more than books but the number of books sold including best-sellers and other merchandise was inadequate to keep the doors open.

Bestsellers are not necessarily the best books on the market. It ranges as we have seen from books on the best-sellers list above. Then there are lists of best books which don't necessarily make it on a bestsellers list. Books come and go, some endure for centuries, others for weeks or months affecting both mediocre and magnificent books. Written a book lately? If so, you'll understand.