In the crowded world of publishing, where countless books vie for readers’ attention, what truly makes one stand out and soar to bestseller status? Is it the thrilling plot, the captivating characters, or perhaps the striking cover design? While those elements undoubtedly play a role, a seasoned editor recently revealed to me the secret sauce that predicts a hit book: the right message, conveyed by the perfect messenger, at the crucial moment. This trifecta, aptly dubbed the “3 M’s,” serves as a powerful framework for writers and marketers alike. Whether you’re penning a suspenseful novel or crafting a compelling nonfiction piece, understanding these elements could be the difference between your book gathering dust and it flying off the shelves. Curious to see how this formula can elevate your writing journey? Let’s dive in! LEARN MORE
The 3 M’s that will sell your book
Last fall I had the privilege of chatting with several senior editors and publishers from major houses in NY. All were interested in the new book I’m ghosting, which eventually was sold in auction. While I can’t tell you anything about our specific project, I did pick up an editorial formula from one publisher that might interest you. It’s how she predicts which books will become bestsellers.
The question on the table was how this Big Four publisher decides which projects to bet big on. She’d just finished telling my Author and me that she loves Big Idea books and that, after 20 years in the trenches, she’s earned the right to focus exclusively on her own passion projects. But by her own admission, she has a wide array of interests and enthusiasms, so we were still unclear how she narrows the field — and whether our project hit her marks.
That’s when she explained, “I have a pretty tried and true formula for a hit. It takes the right message, delivered by the right person, at the right moment.”
In other words, Message, plus Messenger, plus Moment.
