The History of the New York Times Bestseller List
The New York Times Bestseller List is one of the most influential measures of literary success in the United States. Recognized for shaping public perception and boosting book sales, the list has evolved dramatically since its creation, reflecting significant shifts in publishing, media, and consumer behavior.
First introduced on October 12, 1931, the New York Times Bestseller List initially focused only on New York City book sales. It listed five fiction and four nonfiction titles, intended as a regional literary snapshot [1]. Due to growing public and industry interest, the Times expanded the list’s reach to include eight major cities by 1942 and eventually established a national list in 1948 [2]. This move transformed the list from a local report into a national arbiter of literary popularity.
While highly regarded, the methodology behind the list has long remained confidential. The Times gathers data from a curated group of independent bookstores, national chains, and wholesalers. The rankings are not determined solely by raw sales numbers; the editorial team considers sales velocity, distribution across retailers, and other proprietary factors [3]. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from authors and publishers who suspect that the list can be manipulated or is biased against specific retail models, such as online-only or bulk sales.
The list has expanded substantially over the decades. It began with a single fiction and nonfiction ranking but now includes many categories such as paperback fiction, advice and how-to, children’s literature, graphic books, and more. In 2011, the Times began including e-books in its rankings—a significant shift acknowledging the rise of digital reading platforms [4]. These changes mirror transformations in the American consumers’ publishing industry and reading habits.
One of the most important legal challenges to the Times Bestseller List came in 1983, when author William Peter Blatty sued the newspaper for excluding his book Legion despite its high sales. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Times, declaring that the list is protected editorial content and not a purely factual report [5]. This decision affirmed the Times‘ editorial discretion in list curation.
The list has also faced accusations of manipulation in the age of online marketing. In 2017, Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem briefly appeared on the YA bestseller list, sparking immediate skepticism. Investigations revealed the book’s sudden surge in sales came from coordinated bulk purchases, prompting the Times to remove it and reaffirm its policy of disqualifying artificially inflated numbers [6].
Despite these controversies, the list remains a crucial tool for publishers and a mark of distinction for authors. A book’s inclusion can substantially boost visibility, sales, and longevity. According to Publishers Weekly, books on the list often benefit from higher media exposure, prominent in-store placement, and increased interest from film producers and foreign publishers [7].
In conclusion, the New York Times Bestseller List has been a powerful force in American literature for nearly a century. While its methodology and editorial decisions are not without debate, the list continues to shape what Americans read—and what books become cultural touchstones.
References
[1] About the best sellers – The New York Times. (n.d.). https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/methodology/
[2] Staff, B. L. (2020, October 6). How the New York Times Best-Seller Lists Come Together. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/insider/best-seller-list-process.html
[3] The Truth about bestseller lists: What they really mean and how to get there. (2025, May 2). https://www.atticuspublishing.com/post/the-truth-about-bestseller-lists-what-they-really-mean-and-how-to-get-there
[4] Staff, B. L. (2020, October 6). How the New York Times Best-Seller Lists Come Together. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/insider/best-seller-list-process.html?searchResultPosition=2
[5] FindLaw. (n.d.). Case opinion for CA Supreme Court BLATTY v. NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY. Findlaw. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ca-supreme-court/1843273.html
[6] Associated. (2017, August 25). NYT pulls Handbook for Mortals book from best-seller list. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4823668/NYT-pulls-book-best-seller-list-suspicious-sales.html
[7] Vaughn, M. J. (2008, March 11). Anatomy of a bestseller. Writer’s Digest. https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/anatomy-of-a-bestseller