The bestseller code : anatomy of the blockbuster novel / Jodie Archer & Matthew L. Jockers.
"What if there was an algorithm that could predict which novels become mega-bestsellers? Are books like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl the Gladwellian outliers of publishing? The Bestseller Code boldly claims that the New York Times bestsellers in fiction are predictable and that it's possible to know with 97% certainty if a manuscript is likely to hit number one on the list as opposed to numbers two through fifteen. The algorithm does exist; the code has been cracked; the results are in; and they are stunning. The system analyzes themes, plot, character, pacing, even the frequency of words and punctuation, to predict which stories will resonate with readers. A 28-year-old heroine is a big plus. So is realism. Giving 30% of your novel to only two specific topics. And if you can include a dog rather than a cat and few sex scenes, you have a better chance of writing a bestselling novel. The project is an investigation into our intellectual and emotional responses as humans and readers to books of all genres. It is a big idea book that will appeal to fans of The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb, a book for data-mining nerds, as well as a book about writing, reading, and publishing. Anyone who has ever wondered why Gone Girl, Girl on the Train or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo captured so many readers worldwide will find their interest piqued"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781250088277
- ISBN: 1250088275
- Physical Description: 242 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
- Edition: First edition
- Publisher: New York : St. Martin's Press, 2016.
- Copyright: ©2016
Content descriptions
- Bibliography, etc. Note:
- Includes bibliographical references.
- Formatted Contents Note:
- The bestseller-ometer, or, How text mining might change publishing -- The godparents, or, Why you must take time to date -- The lists: theme -- The sensations, or, How to form some perfect curves -- The lists: plot -- The debutantes, or, Why every comma matters -- The lists: style -- The noirs, or, What the girl needs -- The lists: character -- The one, or, When the algorithm winked -- The lists: all data points -- Epilogue: The machine-written novel, or, Why authors really matter -- Postscript, or, Some background on method.
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Available copies
- 4 of 4 copies available at NC Cardinal. (Show)
- 1 of 1 copy available at McDowell County Public Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 4 total copies.
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| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Library | 028.9 ARC (Text) | 37810435477350 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
"What if there was an algorithm that could predict which novels become mega-bestsellers? Are books like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl the Gladwellian outliers of publishing? The Bestseller Code boldly claims that the New York Times bestsellers in fiction are predictable and that it's possible to know with 97% certainty if a manuscript is likely to hit number one on the list as opposed to numbers two through fifteen. The algorithm does exist; the code has been cracked; the results are in; and they are stunning. The system analyzes themes, plot, character, pacing, even the frequency of words and punctuation, to predict which stories will resonate with readers. A 28-year-old heroine is a big plus. So is realism. Giving 30% of your novel to only two specific topics. And if you can include a dog rather than a cat and few sex scenes, you have a better chance of writing a bestselling novel. The project is an investigation into our intellectual and emotional responses as humans and readers to books of all genres. It is a big idea book that will appeal to fans of The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb, a book for data-mining nerds, as well as a book about writing, reading, and publishing. Anyone who has ever wondered why Gone Girl, Girl on the Train or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo captured so many readers worldwide will find their interest piqued"--
