The Components of a Bestselling Book

Okay, so I have been thinking about the above question quite a bit recently. After all, in the digital age of electronic books and the explosion of self publishing, it is hard not to hope for J.K. Rowling success by some small miracle.

However, dreaming about making a massive small fortune and actually doing it are two very different things. Anyone who thinks they can slap a book together and whack it on Amazon in the space of just one month is going to be very disappointed indeed if they expect it to sell well or even sell at all. There's a lot of competition out there these days and every book has to fight its way to be noticed.

But success is possible if you're prepared to work at it.

A lot of writers' success comes from their books selling modestly. They may not write a book which has three million sales in the first week but they will write enough books to make a living if they can get several of their books to sell regularly.

I believe this method works or at least I hope it does because I am prepared to write for the rest of my life.

So ... what makes a bestselling book?

• Well firstly the story has to be something Joe Public wants to read. If you like writing far out stuff for the world's tiniest audience then don't expect a life of endless money any time soon.
• Secondly, I think it must have a decent plotline to keep you on the edge of your seat. If a book is boring and predictable then why the hell should anyone want to read it? I always like a book with a good twist.
• Thirdly, I like to be impressed with the authors use of language. That's not the same as saying I like flowery prose but I like the author's style of writing to be unique to them. Writing which is distinct and compact.
• Fourthly, I like well rounded and believable characters with clear motivations and goals.

If you're a writer who writes books with these elements I believe your books will sell. You just have to keep writing them.

So, that leads me on to this ...

Drumroll please ...

It is with great relief, joy and a whole lot of trepidation and anxiety that I announce the arrival of my third book: A Step Too Far

'Caitlin O’Connor has the perfect life. Or so she thinks. In her late twenties, she already has a fantastic career as a trauma nurse with a gorgeous, rich, successful husband to match.

But when tragedy strikes on an exotic holiday, all this changes. Caitlin’s near-death experience makes her realise that she has to move out of her comfort zone and make the most of life’s opportunities.

But when she makes plans to have more of a work/life balance, she discovers far more than she bargains for. She fears her husband is about to have an affair, and this situation is made worse by her own current catastrophic failings at work.

Now things are going from bad to worse and Caitlin’s suffering panic attacks. Will she ever be sane again and manage to get her life back on track, or has she gone a step too far?'

It is a funny, light hearted chick lit so I hope you'll check it out.

If you'd like to make my dreams come true here are the links to follow if you wish to purchase it:

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1khDhcS
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1cbks9t
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/388669

Thank you very, very much.

Happy holidays!