Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Rick Riordan - 10This means that for every 10 copies of Percy Jackson and the Olympians that sold, 4.3 copies of Eclipse sold.
Dead and Gone, Charlaine Harris - 6.6
New Moon, Stephenie Meyer - 4.8
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer - 4.5
Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer - 4.3
What I’m wondering is what happened recently to send Riordan’s series to the top? Meyer’s series has been hogging the top spots forever. So, what happened?
Could it be the recent news about the upcoming Percy Jackson movie? The appearances on TV by actors? Is it that summer is coming up and parents are buying books for their tweens and they want something that not only entertains but also teaches? Did Meyer’s three highly popular books cancel each other out in top sales?
I’ve read both Meyer’s and Riordan’s books and like them, so I’m not choosing sides. Just wondering.
What do you think?
TV hype about the subject of your book certainly can’t hurt! What a splendid feeling it must be to have three of your books in the top five sellers at one time - even if it does keep you from having the #1 seller.
ReplyDeleteJane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
I honestly have no idea. All I DO know is Stephanie Meyer has it goin' on with THREE books in the top 5? She's makin' some SERIOUS coin!
ReplyDeleteMaybe if I knew the answer one of my books would be up there.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
I think it's probably the announcement of the movies. The thing that makes me chuckle is that Meyer's last book is not in the top 5. I did not enjoy Breaking Dawn at all, but that's another story. I have not read the Percy Jackson books, as my daughter was a little older when they became popular, and she had no interest, but I have read a lot about them, and Riordan. I am happy to see they are making the series into a film. I think my godsons will be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://jenniferhudock.com
I'm sure having a movie coming out and TV coverage is a big part of it, but perhaps part of it is that the sun is finally setting on Twilight. Meyers has had a great run, but all great runs eventually fade. Still, three for five has to feel pretty good.
ReplyDelete~jon
I think the three Meyers books did affect one another. The movie really spurred a lot of new readers of the series, who of course had to start at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteL. Diane Wolfe
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
www.spunkonastick.net
www.thecircleoffriends.net
The buying public is fickle and quick to try something new. When I asked John Gilstrap whether he felt confident about his bestseller status, he said that no one in his right mind in the entertainment business can take his status for granted. Here today and gone tomorrow, to quote an old cliche.
ReplyDeleteAny time a movie is made of a book, it seems to spur interest in the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Riordan's books. Honestly I haven't read the Twilight series either.
My 14 year old wasn't very impressed with Twilight and he loves paranormal. To be fair, he also preferred the Harry Potter movies to reading the books but he was much younger then and the books were more complicated.
I agree with Jean, anyone who takes their BS status as a given is foolish.
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ReplyDeleteRiordan is a very nice guy. I've known him since his first mystery was published since we were both in the Heart of Texas chapter of Sisters in Crime. He drove in from San Antonio for them.
ReplyDeleteSia, your 14 year old may be too old for the Percy Jackson series, since by now he's probably wanting to read about kids who are 16 or 17. Percy starts out in the first book at around 13, I think. In the latest one, he's 15 I believe. The series has a Potter feel to it, but deals with mythology. It's a fun series. I liked the Potter books, the Meyer books (haven't read the last one, though), and the Riordan series.
Rick also got some very good coverage last week on ABC World News. He was featured in a segment on encouraging kids to read. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy! He's earned all the kudos he gets.
ReplyDeleteOr perhaps the entire planet has simply already bought the Meyer series? LOL
ReplyDelete--Lisa
http://authorlisalogan.blogspot.com
You made me laugh, Lisa. You may be right, though. Surely just about everyone has read Meyer and Rowling's books by now.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I saw that on ABC, as well! I bet that sent a ton of parents and tweens out to get his books!
Interesting list. I haven't read Riordan's series yet but definitely want to check it out - I really like the premise.
ReplyDeleteMeyer is definitely following in Rowling's footsteps with her series.
NA Sharpe
http://nasharpe.blogspot.com