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The Bestseller Code
The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
What if there was an algorithm that could predict which novels become mega-bestsellers? Are books like Dan Browns The Da Vinci Code and Gillian Flynns Gone Girl the Gladwellian outliers of publishing? The Bestseller Code boldly claims that the New York Times bestsellers in fiction are predictable and that its 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 whyGone Girl, Girl on the Train or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo captured so many readers worldwide will find their interest piqued.
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The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
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Pickpick

This book is a very interesting look at bestsellers, specifically breaking them down objectively. While there will never be a replacement for the reading experience, seeing the components of novels broken down and evaluated by a computer program is fascinating. I still have no interest in reading it, but I'm looking at 50 Shades in a new light!

mjdowens 😂😂😂 7y
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MrBook
The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
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#BookNDinner! It pays to be near the front of the line 😆. @BookBabe & I are at a #Friendsgiving celebration this fine evening. Accompaniment includes: turkey; mashed potatoes; stuffing; gravy; sweet potato casserole; rolls; various beers and a Sprite, lol; cheese and crackers; and, I'm going to stick with the cookies for dessert 😊. MMMMmmmm 😋! Happy reads & happy eats 😎👌🏻! (No, I wasn't allowed to bring tots, not enough room in the oven 😔.)

Reviewsbylola Yum! Hilarious that you brought your book!! 8y
Mimi28 Another sweet potato dish I want to try! 8y
valeriegeary *Drool* 8y
See All 9 Comments
MrBook I forgot the cheddar-corn pudding. Amaaaazinng! 😆😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 8y
Graciouswarriorprincess Wow! Quite a spread there! 8y
melbeautyandbooks What kind of friends are these? No tots?! 😜 8y
angrylilasian I make a cheddar corn pudding for my family dinner and we love it too! Soooo good! 8y
quirkyreader Next year bring in tater tot casserole. Then you can have your tots and maybe share with others. 🐸🐙 8y
MrBook @Reviewsbylola Eevvveryone knows I and @BookBabe bring books with us everywhere we go 😂👏🏻! @Mimi28 It had marshmallows in it, soooo good 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻! @valeriegeary 😂👏🏻 *hands you a napkin* 😊! @Graciouswarriorprincess It was a fine, fine spread indeed 😊👍🏻! @melbeautyandbooks I know, right?! #WhatTheDeuce?! @angrylilasian I'm coming to your family dinner sometime 😎👌🏻. @quirkyreader I've already determined I shall 😂👏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻! 8y
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balletbookworm
The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
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Mehso-so

As a person with a stats background, I have to say that I really would have preferred more actual methodology than what we get in the epilogue. They also needed more discussion about what else they could do with this algorithm and analysis of bestsellers. You could do a lot with trends over time, etc. That all said, it is interesting the commonalities the machine found between very different types of bestsellers.

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balletbookworm
The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
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I'm pretty OK with the science in this book, but sometimes the tone gets a little off. Like why do we need this digression here? The lady doth protest too much, methinks. If you worry about non-bookreader people judging you about your choices either drink more or get new friends. (This section leads into discussion about how the algorithm predicts bestseller status or not. This book needs more actual math which is a thing I thought I'd never say.)

RebeccaRenner This is on my maybe to-read list. I'm not sure yet, so I'm looking forward to your verdict. 8y
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rosenlippenmaedchen
The Bestseller Code | Jodie Archer, Matthew L. Jockers
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Die Müdigkeit mag nicht. Also lese ich im Bestseller-Code weiter. Interessant, ja. Aber im Ernst: ich glaub nicht, dass man Bestseller "machen" kann - man kann nur die bestmögliche Geschichte schreiben.