Includes index.

The incomparable thrill -- Making the list : how they work -- What causes a book to become successful? -- Reviews : the good, the bad, and the ugly -- Changes in reader taste -- Editors and publishers -- Literary agents -- Getting the books on the shelves and out the door -- Establishing a brand image with readers -- Promotion : publishers' and publicists' efforts--and of course bookstores -- Climbing the marketing mountain -- Building a career -- From the bookshelf to the silver screen -- Where does the idea come from? -- The process of writing -- The bestselling author's life -- The ups and downs -- Wisdom from the bestselling authors, editors, and agents.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. : ebrary, 2009. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ebrary affiliated libraries.