Do You Want to be a Bestseller?

On most authors Wish list is to become a bestseller … I suggest you turn your wish into a reality. And why not do a stretch—how about claiming International Bestseller!?

You can … and let Amazon be your venue platform. Today, the vision of a New York Times bestseller should be moved to “I might be abducted by an alien” column—the odds are not in your favor. Let’s be in your gut realistic.

A more realistic plan would be to focus on a regional or even city bestseller list where you aggressively drive all your book sales to a selective number of book stores that report sales in the broad fiction and nonfiction genres. Many lists are reported on the weekend in a regular column which often notes which stores contribute to their lists. It’s usually in the Arts or Living section of your main city paper and either at the top of the column or the bottom. That will give you a clue as to where to tell book buyers to get their books.

Or … here’s another side idea: have an event or be featured at one where 50 or even a hundred plus books will be bought by attendees. Who does your local paper identify as it reporting sources. Now, go to the manager and do the TELL-ASK, as in:

My book will be featured at special events. The host will need XXXX number of books. If she or he orders and purchases XXXX books, what discount can she get?

Bookstores typically offer discounts of 25%. It’s a sale that requires making an order through the distributor—no interior book shelf space. You pick them up and pay for them all at once. The ISBN is scanned in … and TaDah … you or the host pays on the spot. Your fabulous title scores a major sale. It gets the attention of the store bookseller. You or the Book store is happy. At the event you resell at full price—make a few bucks extra.

OK … I digress. If that’s not in your bandwidth … how about doing a blitz on Amazon using your eBook? Offer it for free over a specific timeframe; partner with an influencer or two to help with the shout out and score multiple bestseller categories. Think a little bigger. Let’s go international as well. Now you can start repositioning and use your new credibility in all forward market, including your social media profiles.

Many poo-poo the Amazon bestseller positioning. Don’t. They are thinking dinosaurian and wrong and their snobbery may be showing. Amazon is powerhouse for authors, selling over 60% of books Amazon customers devour reviews—tis why you want to get them. Use the platform as one of your portals for author success.

I’ve been on multiple bestseller lists. Not in the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Years ago, I was honored to have one of my books selected as the Chicago Tribune’s Business Book of the Year and I’ve had coverage on over 1500 media platforms. It sold books and increased my influence, resulting in speaking and more books. To date, over one million copies have been sold and contract deals with 17 countries outside of the US.

Amazon wasn’t alive when I first started publishing in the ‘80s … I can only imagine what I could have done with that tool at my disposal. The good news is that it is for you.

A few years ago, I created an online course for authors to achieve bestseller status without leaving their home; without having to have to gather a boatload of give awards to entice buyers to buy; and costing little to participate. Your time is required. A few times throughout the year, I repeat it. For 2026, I will have three: one was held in January, another in June and another in the Fall.

There are 23 steps in the bestseller journey I lead authors through … a journey where you could pay someone to travel and implement for one you … or one where you can roll up your sleeves and learn how to create, implement, and execute. As in DIY.

The Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online course is the latter. I will take you through each step during the four weeks with individual coaching as the class progresses. When you complete #17, you are ready to execute your bestseller action plan.

It’s the one I recommend. And I’m an active mentor and partner in bringing buyers to each of the participants’ campaign the week it is live with my 100,000 plus contacts.

It’s on Wednesday afternoons on June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4 pm to 5.30 MT. A handout/mini workbook is included in each session.

My goal for each participant is to have all components for his or her campaign DONE before the implementation/execution days they select. All social media tease pushouts done and scheduled before the big day starts on their social media and mine.

Info here to get registered-it closes on Labor Day:
https://bit.ly/BookShepAMZ

Are you ready to join me to create a kick butt Amazon bestseller to start your book buzz? There are only 3 slots available.

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and bestselling author of 48 books and calls Colorado home. When she’s not in the kitchen or in the garden, she’s working with clients as The Book Shepherd, a book and publishing consulting and project management firm that works with authors at all stages of their book to create and publish a book they never regret! She’s the founder of the first Authors’ Hall of Fame exclusively dedicated to ensuring the legacy of authors connected in some way with Colorado.

Judith’s books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! They have been featured in over 2,000 radio and TV shows including repeat appearances on CNN, CNBC, and Oprah. She has worked with over 1,500 authors and created 500 plus bestsellers. Print publications include Newsweek, People, Time, The Wall Street Journal and … The National Enquirer! Her popular podcast, AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing is dedicated to authors and writers and their success and is ranked in the top ten in four categories on GoodPods.

©2026 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.