Standing the test of time: What makes a book survive on the bestseller list?

Abstract

Books that stand the test of time not only entertain, inform, and inspire consumers but also serve as stable income sources for the book industry. Despite their cultural and economic significance, few studies have investigated consumers' purchasing motivations and their impact on the lifespan of books on bestseller lists. In this study, we applied a topic modeling approach and identified five consumer needs hidden in reviews across 276 books: Growth needs, Relational needs, Health needs, Cognitive needs related to facts, and Cognitive needs related to life experiences. Among them, we found that Growth needs, Relational needs, and Cognitive needs related to facts influence the longevity of bestsellers. By considering consumers' desires in the context of books, this study enriches research on the uses and gratifications theory, and provides insights for publishers and retailers on how to plan, market, and manage titles from a long-term perspective.