The definition of a bestseller remains elusive, with no strict criteria defining the term. According to analysts at the CPNB, being listed in the Bestseller 60, a list of best-selling books, often qualifies a book for bestseller status.

The summer vacation period is a crucial time for book sales, with bookstores vying for the coveted “summer book” title. Bestsellers are often perceived as easily accessible and informative books that appeal to a wide audience. However, according to Erica van Boven, a professor emeritus of literature, bestsellers are “books that achieve high sales figures within a short period,” or “success books with a short lifespan.”

Bestsellers often reflect contemporary culture, offering insights into the daily lives, social relations, and trends of a specific period. They provide details about what people drove, ate, listened to, and wore, capturing the essence of the era. The term “bestseller” emerged in the Netherlands around 1925, initially viewed with skepticism regarding its literary merit compared to its market value.

The phenomenon of ‘bestsellerization’, where a small group of books accounts for a large share of sales, is reportedly leveling off in the Netherlands. This trend, sometimes called ‘bestselleritis’, suggests a possible decline in the dominance of top-selling titles. While a small percentage of titles still drives a significant portion of sales, the importance of top titles for overall turnover seems to be decreasing.

Publishers are noticing that authors who previously guaranteed hundreds of thousands of sales are now seeing figures in the tens of thousands. This shift may indicate a structural decline in bestseller sales. Additionally, the criteria for achieving “golden book” status have been adjusted, reflecting lower overall sales numbers.

The rise of digital media and streaming services has introduced new competition for books. However, despite these challenges, book sales have remained relatively stable. This stability suggests that people are buying a wider range of books, giving medium and slow sellers a better chance.

To make the Bestseller 60 list, publishers and authors are increasingly relying on pre-sales strategies, leveraging social media to encourage early reservations. Releasing new titles on Tuesdays is another tactic to maximize sales during the tracking period for the list.