The Accidental Bestseller (2014)
Some books achieve bestseller status unexpectedly, despite minimal initial promotion or modest beginnings. Editors share stories of discovering sleeper hits like Because of Winn-Dixie, The Princess Diaries, and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. These titles gained popularity through relatable themes, strong word-of-mouth, and unique concepts that resonated with readers.
- ▪Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie was nearly abandoned but has sold 8.8 million copies.
- ▪The Princess Diaries was acquired for an $8,000 advance and went on to sell over five million copies.
- ▪Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site originated from an unsolicited manuscript and became a beloved children's book.
- ▪Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid faced skepticism despite its online popularity before becoming a global bestseller.
- ▪Wonder by R.J. Palacio sold two million copies and spent 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Accidental Bestseller Editors tell us the stories behind their sleeper hits By Sue Corbett | Nov 24, 2014 Some books arrive labeled “can’t miss,” or have such a hefty advance that publishers do everything they can to assure that they won’t miss. But what about the sleepers? Those books that worked their way through the publishing pipeline quietly, launch with little buzz, and somehow find their way to bestseller lists anyway? Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie had been abandoned unread in a box when an editor went on maternity leave and decided not to return. Dusted off and published by her replacement, it has sold 8.8 million copies.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at PublishersWeekly.com.
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