Can an Unknown Author Publish a Bestseller?

The journey of a bestseller can be both fascinating and frustrating, especially for an unknown author. This article explores the challenges and potential pathways for an unknown author to achieve this level of success and fame with their book.

The Case of Dan Brown

Let's consider the example of Dan Brown. According to many reports, his first book faced a similar challenge: finding an agent interested in taking a chance on an unknown author. It was only through the persistent effort of one agent who recognized significant literary potential that Dan Brown's manuscript was submitted to publishers. The rest, as they say, is literary history, with his first book, The Da Vinci Code, becoming an international sensation and a blockbuster movie. Similarly, the Inferno trilogy and Digital Fortress also achieved remarkable success.

The Secret Barrister

Another example is The Secret Barrister, where the author writes behind a pseudonym. This further highlights the fact that an unknown author can indeed publish a bestselling book, though the circumstances are often unique.

Why is It So Difficult for Unknown Authors?

Despite these examples, the consensus among experts is that publishing a bestseller is often highly challenging for an unknown author. Here's why:

Marketing and Publishers’ Role

The role of publishers in making a book a bestseller cannot be overstated. Publishers invest significant resources in marketing and promoting books, particularly celebrity-endorsed ghostwritten works. However, for unknown authors, the challenge lies in achieving the same level of success without substantial marketing support from established publishing houses.

Statistical Evidence

Traditionally published books that make it through the rigorous selection process of publishers often sell fewer than 5,000 paper copies. An estimated 85% of these books sell less than 5,000 paper copies, and a slight majority (just over 50%) sell under 1,000 copies.

Self-Publishing Innovations

On the other hand, self-publishing offers new opportunities. Many self-published authors have managed to become bestsellers albeit briefly. For instance, a book that sells 1000 paper copies might translate to around 6,000 eBook downloads, thanks to the ebook market's higher sales.

The Bestseller Phenomenon

So why do certain books break out and become bestsellers? Generally, these books are not necessarily literary masterpieces, but they tap into a broader audience that finds them appealing for reasons that are often difficult to understand, even for the authors and publishers themselves.

Strategies for Unknown Authors

Given the odds, unknown authors can take several strategies to increase their chances of becoming a bestselling author:

Promotion and Marketing

Investing in marketing, especially through digital means, can be crucial. Platforms like BookBub offer featured deals that can significantly boost a book's visibility and sales. However, success with such platforms is not guaranteed and requires a well-polished book and substantial marketing budget.

Cult-Focused Publishing

While this might not be a viable long-term strategy, getting a cult following and having your supporters purchase and promote your book is a way to start gaining recognition. However, this is often seen as a last resort and might not scale up effectively.

Self-Publishing

While self-publishing offers more control, it also comes with significant responsibilities. Authors need to handle marketing, distribution, and promotion themselves. Many successful self-published authors have leveraged social media, networking, and other digital strategies to build their author brands.

Despite these challenges, it is not impossible for an unknown author to publish a bestseller. The key lies in leveraging the right strategies and making smart decisions at every stage of the book's journey from initial writing to marketing and promotion.