How to Navigate Bestseller Lists: 7 Tips for Finding Popular and Acclaimed Books
It can be overwhelming to find the ideal book due to the vast number of options available.
However, you can simplify the process by checking out the bestseller lists as they can help you select books that are worth your time. Bestseller lists are compiled based on sales data and help readers find popular and acclaimed books quickly. But navigating these lists can be tricky! That’s why we’ve put together this guide with seven tips for finding great books through bestselling lists. So if you’re ready to discover some amazing reads, let’s dive right in!
1. Check out multiple bestseller lists
Different lists track different metrics, so it’s important to consult a variety of sources. Look at the New York Times Best Seller List, Amazon’s Top 100 Books, Goodreads Choice Awards, and more to get an overview of what books are currently popular and well-reviewed. You want to get a holistic view of the books that are performing well. Therefore, if a book appears across multiple lists, it’s probably worth taking the time to learn more about it. You want to get an accurate picture of what books are worth reading, and multiple lists can provide that.
2. Pay attention to language and icons
Each bestseller list will have its own way of indicating which books are popular or award-winning. For example, on Amazon’s Top 100 Books list, you’ll find different colored stars next to each title – they indicate how many customer reviews the book has received. A lot of stars means a lot of people have read and liked the book. On Goodreads, you’ll find icons indicating which books have been nominated for awards or are part of their Editors’ Choice list. Take note of these visual cues to get an idea of how acclaimed a particular book is.
3. Learn about genres and awards
Genres are categories that books can be divided into, such as fiction or nonfiction. Knowing which genres you’re interested in will make it easier for you to narrow down your choices on a bestseller list. If you are a fan of standalone novels, you can, for instance, take a look at the order of Colleen Hoover books, or if you prefer series, check out the order of The Hunger Games books. Additionally, some bestseller lists include award winners – these are usually indicated by gold or silver badges next to the title. These awards signify that certain books have been deemed noteworthy and critically acclaimed by experts in the publishing industry.
4. Pay attention to the publication date
While many bestseller lists feature books that have recently been published, some may include titles from months or even years earlier. Make sure to note when a book was released as it’s important to know whether you’re looking at up-to-date information or an older list. You can get a good idea of how recently a list was updated by looking at the timestamp or date included on the page.
5. Consider other criteria such as age appropriateness
A lot of bestseller lists are organized by genre or age group, so you can easily narrow down your options based on what type of book you’re looking for. For example, if you’re shopping for a young adult novel, take a look at the YA section. You can find age-appropriate books this way without having to read through a list of titles that may not be suitable.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that adults of all ages can enjoy, you can check out the general fiction or non-fiction sections.
6. Look at customer reviews
Reading customer reviews is a great way to get an idea of what people think about a book before buying it. Most bestseller lists include ratings and reviews from readers so you can get an idea of how well a book is doing. Pay attention to the number of reviews as well – if a lot of people have reviewed it, chances are, it’s popular! If you notice that your friends and family members are talking about a book, it’s worth checking out the reviews to see what others think.
7. Recommendations from your local bookstore
Your local bookstore can be a great source of advice when it comes to finding the perfect book. Ask the staff for their recommendations or speak to other customers who may have read something recently. Your local library is another great place to get suggestions – and you don’t even need to buy anything! Just ask about books that have been checked out recently or look for titles on display to get an idea of what people are enjoying right now.
Navigating bestseller lists can be tricky, but with these seven tips you’ll have all the tools you need to find great books quickly and easily. Whether it’s looking for age-appropriate titles or researching customer reviews, taking a look at multiple sources will help give you an accurate picture of what books are currently popular. Don’t forget to ask your local bookstore staff as well – they often have valuable insight into what is worth reading! With this guide in hand, we hope that finding your next book will be easier than ever before!
