People are fascinated by bestselling authors who have become every bit as much celebrities as rock musicians or film stars. Through some mysterious process, these individuals take blank pages and turn them into gold - many of them over and over again. For authors, earning a spot on the bestseller list is the grand, often elusive prize at the end of many years of work. But what makes a bestseller happen? editors, agents, book reviewers, and other experts to find the answer. The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and Booksellers Behind Them presents a comprehensive look at the publishing process from start to finish. passionate readers will learn: How bestselling authors approach the craft of writing and marketing their books; The many different paths authors take to the top of the list; The impact a first bestseller makes on an author's life; The workings of the selection process, from the query letter to the decision to publish; How publishers know a book has bestseller potential; The agent's role in helping create a bestseller; Factors and events that influence whether a book makes the bestseller list, including TV reading book clubs, the review process, publicity, marketing programs, and timing; How Hollywood impacts the reading public. nonfiction and fiction - from first-time novelists to serial bestsellers - are included. In addition, avid readers will find fascinating stories behind some of their favorite authors' works.