It is a truth generally acknowledged that authors and publishers want their books to become bestsellers. Bestseller lists, especially those published in prestigious media outlets, such the New York Times, or publishing industry magazines are important marketing tools for publishers, and useful selection tools for booksellers, librarians and readers.
An appearance on a New York Times bestseller list is a major coup for a book and its author. Even if, as economist Alan Sorensen contends, “appearing on the list leads to a modest increase in sales for the average book”, the benefit is “more dramatic for bestsellers by debut authors”, who are more likely to secure contracts for new books and become recognisable brands.
