How Many Copies Do I Need to Sell to Hit #1?

So, How Many Sales Do You Really Need to Hit Bestseller?

Here’s the honest truth: it depends on the category. And that’s exactly where most authors get it wrong.

Some categories only require 15–30 sales in 24 hours.
Others may demand 50–150+ sales depending on competition and season.

The secret isn’t selling thousands. It’s selecting the right categories, at the right time, with the right strategy.

Estimated Sales for #1 Ranking

Low-competition categories: 15–40 copies
Mid-competition categories: 40–100 copies
High-competition categories: 100–200+ copies

That’s it.
No magic. No myth.
Just preparation.

Hitting #1 Is Easy. Staying Relevant Is the Work.

A lasting bestseller comes from:

• Smart category selection

• Strategic launch planning

• Strong pre-orders

• Social proof

• Diversified sales outlets

• Daily visibility

• Integration into high-ticket offers

A #1 badge requires precision.
A bestselling legacy requires consistency.

At Prose Publishing, Strategy Is Our Specialty

From selecting the exact categories that position you for #1 to designing a launch plan built on timing, volume, and momentum. We don’t just prepare your book for launch.

We position it to stay a bestseller.

Ready to Map Out Your Exact Bestseller Path?

Message us today and we’ll calculate the categories and sales numbers you need to hit #1 with confidence.