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Cover of Writing Bestsellers

Writing Bestsellers

by Kim Wilkins

Book Details

Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:2021-10-21
Pages:139
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

While the term 'bestseller' explicitly relates books to sales, commercially successful books are also products of individual creative work. This Element presents a new perspective on the relationship between art and the market, with particular reference to bestselling writers and books. We examine some existing perspectives on art's relationship to the marketplace to trouble persistent binaries that see the two in opposition; we break down the monolith of the marketplace by thinking of it as mad

Our Review

This insightful examination of bestselling literature offers a fresh perspective on the often-contentious relationship between artistic creation and commercial success, challenging the persistent notion that market appeal and creative integrity exist in opposition. By analyzing both bestselling authors and their works, the book dismantles the monolithic view of the marketplace, reframing it as a complex and dynamic ecosystem rather than a simple adversary to art. It provides a nuanced exploration of how individual creative work not only survives but can thrive within commercial contexts, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the mechanics of literary success.

What sets this work apart is its ability to bridge the gap between theoretical discourse and practical reality, offering a framework that acknowledges the "madness" of the market while celebrating the author's creative agency. Aspiring writers and publishing professionals will find its deconstruction of the art-commerce binary particularly illuminating, providing a more sophisticated toolkit for navigating their own creative careers. The Element ultimately empowers readers to see commercial pathways not as compromises, but as potential channels for impactful storytelling that resonates with wide audiences.

Themes

Language Arts & Disciplines

Subjects

Language Arts & Disciplines