Changes

The list is compiled by the editors of the paper's "News Surveys" department based on weekly sales reports obtained from selected samples of independent and chain bookstores and wholesalers throughout the United States.

The list is compiled by the editors of the paper's "News Surveys" department based on weekly sales reports obtained from selected samples of independent and chain bookstores and wholesalers throughout the United States.

Historically, publishers first offered books for sale to the public as hardbound books.  After all of the hardbound books were sold, some of the books were then reprinted as paperback books.  Bookstores wanted to know what books were popular nation-wide so that those books would be well-stocked.  Similarly, readers followed the best seller list to select which book they wanted to purchase and read next.  The early best seller list covered only hardbound books, but more recently, the list has been separated between fiction and non-fiction in hardbound or paperback editions.

Historically, publishers first offered books for sale to the public as hardbound books.  After all of the hardbound books were sold, some of the books were then reprinted as paperback books.  Bookstores wanted to know what books were popular nationwide so that those books would be well-stocked.  Similarly, readers followed the best seller list to select which book they wanted to purchase and read next.  The early best seller list covered only hardbound books, but more recently, the list has been separated between fiction and non-fiction in hardbound or paperback editions.

As technology advanced, purchasing patterns have changed.  First, publishers began to offer "books on tape" which are recordings of an actor or actors reading a book. Now, many readers purchase electronic versions of books to view on a tablet or smartphone without owning a printed version.  Many people purchase books online rather than from a bricks and mortar store.  Finally, so authors self-publish books rather than using traditional publishing houses.  As the means for purchasing books multiply, the process of developing a list of the most popular books becomes challenging.

As technology advanced, purchasing patterns have changed.  First, publishers began to offer "books on tape" which are recordings of an actor or actors reading a book. Now, many readers purchase electronic versions of books to view on a tablet or smartphone without owning a printed version.  Many people purchase books online rather than from a bricks and mortar store.  Finally, so authors self-publish books rather than using traditional publishing houses.  As the means for purchasing books multiply, the process of developing a list of the most popular books becomes challenging.