Ten Stages to Writing Your Best-Seller

·       A SOLID CONCEPT

All successful authors base their best-selling books on one captivating and thought-provoking idea. While the plot may become more complex, the underlying concept remains clear. For example, Tolkien's works revolve around a quest to save a homeland (The Hobbit) and destroy a ring (Lord of the Rings). He spent years building his world and developing languages, but those core ideas were always at the forefront.

·       PLANNING

Once you have a solid concept, it is essential to plan out the rest of your story. Some writers meticulously organize their ideas into scenes and story arcs, while others prefer a more flexible approach as long as they have a general direction.

·       GENRE

To increase your chances of writing a bestseller, it's helpful to know what genres are currently popular. Traditionally, fiction has sold better than non-fiction, but recent data from Penguin Random House suggests an increase in non-fiction sales. There has also been growth in recreational, children, and young adult categories, although adult crime and thriller remain top sellers.

·       WHO ARE YOU WRITING FOR

Bestselling novels often touch on universal themes that resonate with readers. This could be good versus evil, conspiracy theories, family issues, or human relationships. By tapping into these themes, you can create a story that speaks to a wide audience.

·       TAKE YOUR TIME WITH WORLD-BUILDING

Every story takes place in its own unique world crafted by the author. The more believable and detailed this world is, the more readers will enjoy immersing themselves in it. Take inspiration from authors like Tolkien, Lewis, and Rowling who spent years developing their fictional worlds.

·       MAKE BELEIVABLE CHARACTERS

Part of creating a believable world is crafting realistic characters with backstories that shape their personalities. Flawed but likeable characters often make the most impact on readers, as they are relatable and easy to root for.

·       OPEN STRONG

Captivate your readers from the very beginning with a powerful opening line. For example, "The great fish moved silently through the night water, propelled by short sweeps of its crescent tail" from Jaws (Peter Benchley). Set the tone and atmosphere in your opening paragraphs to draw readers in and keep them invested.

·       DOMINATE POV, NOT VICE VERSA

The perspective from which the story is told can influence its impact. Authors often write novels in third person, which allows for an omniscient narrator who sees and knows all characters. However, some successful works, such as The Hunger Games, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Handmaid's Tale, have been written in first person.

·       PLOT TWISTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS

A well-executed plot twist can elevate a book from good to unforgettable. Keep readers on their toes by surprising them, maintaining high stakes, and building towards an explosive climax. Crafting these twists and strategically placing them in your story takes practice and skill.

·       EDIT, EDIT, EDIT

Finally, remember that writing a bestseller takes more than just a first draft. Revisions and edits are crucial for streamlining your narrative and making it the best it can be. Don't be afraid to rewrite sections or change plot points if it improves the overall story.