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How does a book qualify for the "New York Times Bestseller" list?

Public Comments

1. Simply by selling the most copies NYTimes and Publishers Weekly (the two best known lists that have national recognition) use slightly different statistics when calculating their lists which is the only reason why there are slight variations (like the host appearing as 3 in PW while NYT lists it as 2). A Bestseller doesn't have anything to with the quality of a book or what its staying power. It's simply what book sold the most copies during that week.
2. Making lots of money. That's why plot wise they usually aren't very good.
3. The previous answer is correct - it's all about sales. However, it's not local sales - NYC only - it's sales from all participating (weekly reporting) stores and wholesalers. These days the lists seems to be filled with big, well known names. People buy what they know. Lesser known writers will have to build their sales at independent stores and gain a following in order to break through to the NYT list. The Times keeps their actual formula a trade secret. Getting great regional sales then scoring a radio or television interview will boost overall sales and maybe get the book included on many chain store shelves, which may lead to a bestseller. Look for sales from 5,000 to 10,000 for a bestseller. Kevin Trudeau's book Natural Cures was a bestseller for weeks because of his constant, late night infomercials.