In this episode, publishing pro Meghan Stevenson breaks down the truth behind bestseller lists—and it’s not as straightforward as you might think. From the mysterious and curated New York Times list to the purely data-driven USA Today list and the sometimes-misleading Amazon categories, Meghan pulls back the curtain on what these rankings actually mean.

She explains why the USA Today list is the most objective, how bulk buys can skew numbers, and why some wildly successful books never make any list at all. Meghan also highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing and makes the case for aiming to become a backlist bestseller—a book that sells steadily over time rather than peaking quickly.

Whether you're writing your first book or just curious about the publishing industry, this episode is full of real talk, insider tips, and a few laughs. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to set smart, sustainable goals for your book's success.

Find the 3Ps freebie here: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/50230df9e1

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:11) The three main bestseller lists
(1:58) The truth about Amazon’s subcategories
(3:41) Amazon’s “most read” vs. “most sold”
(4:32) How the New York Times list is curated
(6:20) Backlist bestsellers like Atomic Habits
(7:36) Why USA Today is the most objective list
(8:25) How word-of-mouth drives lasting success
(13:22) Bulk buys and bestseller list manipulation
(15:45) No publishing police: The Wild West of lists
(17:02) Why aiming for backlist success is better
(19:06) Preview of the next episode with Elaine Herring
(20:21) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start?MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5” – Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan – to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal.

In episodes released every other Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you.

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out – this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life.