A note for the literal-minded
The Knew York Times is a work of satire. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or in any way connected to The New York Times Company, its Best Sellers lists, or anyone who has ever worked there. We are a completely independent platform that lets authors bid for placement on a best sellers list — something we find both absurd and, frankly, more honest than the alternative. Any resemblance to a certain Gray Lady is purely for comedic effect and social commentary. Please don't sue us. We spent the legal budget on server costs.
Let's be real: traditional best seller lists have always been shaped by money—bulk purchases, marketing budgets, bookstore placement deals. The only difference is that nobody says it out loud. We decided to skip the pretense and build a best sellers list that's honest about how it works: authors bid, the highest bids win, and everyone can see the system for what it is.
Every week, authors place bids to feature their books on our ranked lists. The top 15 highest bids in each genre earn a spot. No backroom deals, no mysterious “editorial curation.” Just straightforward, transparent, pay-to-play prestige.
We believe every author deserves a shot at the spotlight—not just the ones with the right agent, publisher, or bulk-buying strategy. The Knew York Times levels the playing field by making the rules obvious. Is it absurd? A little. Is it more honest than the alternative? We think so.
Think of it this way: every book on our list is one that an author believed in enough to put money behind. Browse 33 genres, from Hardcover Fiction to Sci-Fi, Romance to Business, and discover books from authors who are genuinely invested in getting their work in front of you. Literally.