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How To Become a Bestseller in Ireland
How To Become a Bestseller in Ireland
Want to see your book in the Irish Times Bestseller List?
Becoming a bestseller in Ireland is achievable for self-published authors — with the right preparation, timing, and support.
If you’re aiming for the Irish Times bestseller list as a self-published author, it’s important to know how Nielsen BookScan works, why registering your ISBN is essential, and how your sales (including pre-orders) can be captured and submitted through platforms like Buy the Book.
Understanding Nielsen BookScan and ISBNs
Nielsen BookData is responsible for selling and recording ISBNs in the UK and Irish markets. Nielsen BookScan collects and publishes weekly book sales data in Ireland and the UK from registered panel members (booksellers).
Each week, this sales data is shared with panel members. The Irish Times then publishes the Top 10 bestselling books across five categories.
How Buy the Book Integrates with Nielsen
Buy the Book is a registered panel member of Nielsen BookScan in Ireland. All sales data from Buy the Book is sent to Nielsen weekly for inclusion in the Irish Bestseller Lists, which appear in the Irish Times, Sunday Independent, and online at writing.ie.
Not all bookstores in Ireland are panel members of Nielsen BookScan. If you plan to sell your book through a bookstore and want your sales counted, check whether they are a registered panel member with Nielsen.
A Unique Opportunity for Irish Self-Published Authors
Buy the Book’s integration with Nielsen gives Irish self-published authors a unique opportunity to become Irish Times bestsellers alongside traditionally published authors. Since 2024, Buy the Book has facilitated 10 Irish Times bestsellers.
ISBN Registration and Timeline
To have your sales included in the Nielsen database, you must purchase and register your ISBN directly with Nielsen. Once registered, your sales can be tracked and counted toward the bestseller charts.
The registration process typically takes 5–10 working days, so make sure to complete this step well in advance of your release date.
How Many Sales Are Needed?
The number of sales required to make the bestseller list varies by category and time of year. From late October through December, competition increases significantly ahead of the Christmas season.
To compete with traditionally published titles as a self-published author, it is important to understand the volumes required in each category at specific times of the year. You can then plan your release date accordingly. Having a strong marketing and publicity strategy is also essential.
For more information on how to market your book, read our article here.
Marketing & Pre-Sales Strategy
Use your existing network — mailing list, social media, or online community — to build momentum around your release. When self-publishing, many readers who buy your book do so because of your expertise or their personal connection to you.
To build momentum, consider running a pre-order campaign to coincide with your marketing and publicity. You can also host a book launch — either in-person or online — during your release week. Buy the Book can attend your in-person book launch and process sales on your behalf, with all sales reported to Nielsen.
For more information on how to host a book launch, read our article here.
When Sales Are Reported
The initial sales data sent by Buy the Book to Nielsen includes all of your pre-order sales and launch week sales. This data is submitted to Nielsen in the week your book is officially released.
The Benefits of Bestseller Status
Achieving bestseller status means your book title and name appear in the Irish Times bestseller charts. This is a unique achievement for self-published authors in Ireland.
You can also use the “Bestseller” title on your book cover for future print runs. Many bookstores and publishers monitor the bestseller lists weekly, offering you further exposure and credibility for your work.
Want to Learn More About Becoming a Bestselling Author?
Buy the Book offers support to each member looking to achieve bestseller status. To access our detailed step-by-step guide on How to Become a Bestseller, join Buy the Book today by visiting buythebook.ie/membership. You can email us at [email protected] with any questions about becoming a bestseller.
Read More Articles
Read our Author Guides for more information on selling your book.
FAQ - How To Become a Bestseller in Ireland
What is Nielsen BookScan?
Nielsen BookScan tracks and publishes weekly book sales data in Ireland and the UK. This data is used to compile official bestseller lists, including those published in The Irish Times.
Do I need to buy an ISBN to become a bestseller in Ireland?
Yes. You must purchase and register your ISBN directly with Nielsen in order for your book sales to be tracked and reported. This process can take 5–10 working days, so register well in advance of your release date.
Does Buy the Book report book sales to Nielsen?
Yes. Buy the Book is a registered panel member of Nielsen BookScan. All sales through buythebook.ie are submitted weekly to Nielsen, making your book eligible for inclusion in official bestseller charts.
How many sales do I need to become a bestseller in Ireland?
Sales volume requirements vary by category and time of year. The period from October to December is very competitive. Research sales volumes in advance and plan your release date accordingly.
Will a book launch help me become a bestseller?
A book launch — online or in-person — is a great way for self-published authors to drive sales in release week. Buy the Book can attend your event and process all sales to ensure each sale is reported to Nielsen, increasing your chance of becoming an Irish Times bestseller.
How do I join buythebook.ie?
Find out about our membership plans here or email [email protected] for more information.
About Buy the Book
Buy the Book is an Irish owned and Independent online book marketplace established in 2021 for authors to sell their books directly to their readers.
Buy the Book actively promotes Irish authors and is a growing author community and support network.
When you Buy a Book from us, you are supporting our Irish authors directly.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.
Buy the Book actively promotes Irish authors and is a growing author community and support network.
When you Buy a Book from us, you are supporting our Irish authors directly.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.
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