Home » NYT Bestseller List – This Week’s New York Times Bestsellers

NYT Bestseller List – This Week’s New York Times Bestsellers

Each week, the NYT Bestseller List offers a glimpse into the books captivating readers across the country. Featuring a diverse range of titles spanning fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, and more, the list is a prestigious marker of literary success. Securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List can propel authors into the spotlight, drive book sales, and spark film adaptations.

This article reveals the hottest books making waves this week in all book genres. It also explores the history of the New York Times Bestseller List, its ranking criteria, its influence on authors and publishers, and how this bestseller list compares to other bestseller lists. Lastly, we highlight recent trends shaping the books that dominate the NYT Bestseller List today. This article was created by former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Mark is also the creator of this list of The Bestselling Authors of 2024, the Best Books for Writers, and this guide about How to Become a Bestselling Author.

NYT Bestseller List This Week:
June 28, 2025

What Is On the New York Times Bestseller List Right Now?

Current NYT Bestseller List

This week’s New York Times bestseller list delivers a dynamic mix of literary depth, genre innovation, and page-turning suspense. From emotionally resonant speculative fiction to gripping thrillers and romantic intrigue, the top titles offer a thrilling range of stories—each with unforgettable stakes.

Speculative and Emotional Frontiers at the Fore

Landing at #1, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid launches readers into the high-pressured world of NASA’s space shuttle program in 1980. Through the eyes of Joan Goodwin, Reid weaves a story that blends ambition, gender politics, and the quiet beauty of human vulnerability in the cosmos.

Meanwhile, Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is a genre-defying triumph. Spanning centuries and cities—from 16th-century Spain to 21st-century Boston—it explores hunger, rage, and the haunting ways love and myth bind us across time.

In The River Is Waiting, Wally Lamb’s signature emotional gravitas shines. As his protagonist enters prison, he must reckon with a life derailed and the unexpected kindness that just might offer redemption.

Mystery, Retribution, and High-Stakes Tension

Stephen King returns to the top ranks with Never Flinch, a haunting, propulsive thriller featuring fan-favorite Holly Gibney. As she navigates vigilante threats and protects a women’s rights activist, the novel blurs the line between justice and vengeance.

Also climbing the thriller charts is With A Vengeance by Riley Sager. Set aboard a luxury train, this locked-room mystery unleashes a deadly game where nothing—not even Anna Matheson’s own motives—is what it seems.

Michael Connelly’s Nightshade introduces a fresh setting for his latest detective mystery. Relocated to Catalina Island, sheriff’s detective Stilwell must unravel a poaching investigation that collides with a Jane Doe’s death—and his own inner demons.

Fantasy Realms and Unlikely Alliances

Fantasy fans have much to celebrate this week. The Robin On The Oak Throne, the latest in K.A. Linde’s Oak & Holly Cycle, follows a thief and warlock on a high-risk heist for an ancient artifact. With its magic-infused romance and layered mythology, it’s quickly become a fan favorite.

Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, the third installment in her blockbuster Empyrean series, continues Violet Sorrengail’s harrowing journey beyond the Aretian wards, in search of unlikely allies as enemies close in.

Rachel Gillig’s The Knight And The Moth also enchants. Gifted with foresight, Sybil Delling finds herself entangled with a heretical knight in a world where magic and betrayal are never far apart.

Literary Fiction That Crosses Boundaries

Ocean Vuong’s The Emperor Of Gladness is a quiet triumph. A tender story of intergenerational connection, it follows a young man and an elderly widow as their lives intertwine over the course of a year—a meditation on care, loss, and joy.

Fredrik Backman returns with My Friends, a character-driven mystery about a woman delving into a decades-old painting and the lives it captured. Translated by Neil Smith, the novel moves with Backman’s trademark poignancy and precision.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach rounds out the literary top picks with its exploration of chance connections. A down-on-her-luck woman finds solace and surprise friendship at a wedding where she least expected it.

Politics, Power, and Public Perception

In The First Gentleman, Bill Clinton and James Patterson deliver a fast-paced political thriller. When the husband of President Wright is accused of murder, a pair of determined journalists race to uncover the truth beneath the headlines.

Kristin Harmel’s The Stolen Life Of Colette Marceau also examines secrets and public memory. When a WWII-era diamond bracelet resurfaces in a museum, a former jewel thief is forced to confront her wartime past and the lives she altered.

Conclusion: Powerful Voices, Expansive Visions

This week’s bestselling titles blend introspection and action, imagination and intimacy. Whether your shelves lean toward atmospheric thrillers, time-bending fantasies, or emotionally layered literary fiction, this list offers something exceptional.

Now’s the perfect time to dive into one of these standout stories—each with a fresh take on what it means to endure, resist, connect, and remember.

About the New York Times Bestseller List

The New York Times bestseller list is one of the most prestigious and sought-after literary rankings in the world. Since its debut in 1931, it has served as a definitive measure of literary success, influencing book sales, marketing strategies, and even the cultural landscape of reading in the United States.

Unlike purely data-driven lists, The New York Times employs a proprietary and partially curated methodology that blends sales figures with editorial oversight, ensuring a diverse and balanced representation of books. The list spans multiple categories, including fiction, nonfiction, self-help, children’s literature, and more, offering a broad view of what’s capturing the attention of readers nationwide.

Making it onto the New York Times bestseller list can enhance an author’s visibility and credibility, potentially leading to increased sales. However, the methodology has been the subject of debate, as the ranking system is not solely based on raw sales numbers.

History of The New York Times Bestseller List

The New York Times introduced its bestseller list on October 12, 1931, initially focusing only on book sales in New York City. As its influence grew, the list expanded to include rankings from across the United States, incorporating data from different regions to provide a more comprehensive view of book popularity.

By September 9, 1945, the list had evolved into a national ranking, and today, it features multiple categories that reflect the diversity of books and reader preferences. Over the decades, the methodology and scope of the New York Times Bestseller List have continued to evolve, adapting to the rise of online bookstores, audiobooks, and e-books.

Criteria and Compilation Process

The New York Times bestseller list is compiled using a proprietary and confidential methodology. While it is based on sales data, the Times exercises editorial discretion in its rankings. The ranking process includes:

• Sales Data Collection – The New York Times gathers weekly book sales reports from a wide range of retailers, including independent bookstores, national chains, and online platforms.
• Weighted Data Considerations – The methodology does not rely exclusively on raw sales volume. Instead, it accounts for diversity in sales locations, preventing any single retailer from disproportionately influencing the rankings.
• Category and Format Separation – The list is divided into distinct categories such as fiction, nonfiction, hardcover, paperback, and digital formats to better represent different reader preferences.

Because the Times does not publicly disclose its full methodology, speculation exists about how editorial discretion factors into the selection process. Notably, the Times may exclude books with significant bulk purchases, marking them with a dagger (†) if included. Some publishers and authors have raised concerns that the list occasionally excludes books that perform well in certain sales channels.

Categories Featured

The New York Times bestseller list includes multiple categories to capture a broad spectrum of literary genres and formats. These categories ensure that both commercial and literary works receive recognition. Some of the most notable categories include:

• Hardcover Fiction & Nonfiction – Featuring newly released books in both fiction and nonfiction.
• Paperback Trade Fiction & Nonfiction – Recognizing books that remain popular in paperback format.
• Combined Print & E-Book Fiction & Nonfiction – Offering a ranking that accounts for both print and digital sales, excluding audiobooks.
• Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous – Covering self-help, instructional, and inspirational books.
• Children’s & Young Adult Books – Highlighting bestselling middle-grade, YA, and illustrated books.
• Graphic Novels & Manga – Reflecting the growing popularity of illustrated storytelling.

These categories help readers find bestsellers that align with their interests, whether they prefer literary fiction, memoirs, thrillers, or self-improvement books.

Impact on Authors and Publishers

Appearing on the New York Times bestseller list is one of the most sought-after achievements in publishing. For authors, making the list can:

• Increase Book Sales – Books featured on the list often see a surge in sales due to heightened visibility.
• Enhance Credibility – The New York Times Bestseller designation boosts an author’s reputation, making future publishing deals and media appearances more likely.
• Expand Marketing Opportunities – Publishers often use the NYT bestseller status as a marketing tool to attract new readers.

For publishers, getting a book on the Times list can validate a marketing strategy and influence decisions on reprints, foreign rights sales, and potential adaptations. Many literary agents and editors use bestseller performance as a benchmark when signing new authors.

Comparison with Other Bestseller Lists

While the New York Times bestseller list is considered one of the most prestigious, it is not the only major book ranking system. Here’s how it compares to other bestseller lists:

• Amazon Bestseller List – Updated hourly based on real-time sales data, Amazon’s list reflects direct consumer purchasing behavior but can be influenced by short-term promotional campaigns.
• Publishers Weekly Bestseller List – Compiled from national retail data, Publishers Weekly provides a more sales-focused ranking without editorial discretion.
• USA Today Bestseller List – This list ranks books solely based on sales across all formats, without category divisions, providing a straightforward measure of commercial success.
• Indie Bestseller List – Based on sales at independent bookstores, this list highlights books that thrive outside of mainstream commercial outlets.

Unlike these lists, the New York Times list employs a partially subjective methodology that considers multiple factors beyond pure sales volume.

Recent Trends and Notable Entries

The New York Times bestseller list is constantly evolving to reflect current literary and cultural trends. In recent years, several trends have emerged:

• Surging Popularity of Memoirs and Personal Narratives – Many readers gravitate toward personal storytelling, particularly from celebrities, activists, and thought leaders.
• Diverse Representation in Fiction – Books by underrepresented authors have gained significant traction, highlighting a shift toward inclusive storytelling.
• Rise of Self-Help and Productivity Books – Readers continue to seek books on habits, mindset, and personal development.
• TikTok’s Influence on Book Sales – Viral recommendations through #BookTok have propelled certain titles onto bestseller lists, particularly in the young adult and romance genres.

These trends demonstrate the evolving interests of readers and the influence of digital culture on book sales.

Reader Engagement and Community

The New York Times bestseller list plays an essential role in literary culture, influencing book clubs, academic reading lists, and media discussions. Many bestsellers are chosen for television adaptations, movie deals, and celebrity endorsements. Additionally, public libraries often use the list to determine which books to acquire, ensuring that the most in-demand titles remain accessible to a broad audience.

The Times also engages readers through in-depth book reviews, author interviews, and literary criticism, helping to shape national conversations around literature and culture.

Conclusion

The New York Times bestseller list remains one of the most influential and prestigious literary rankings in the world. By balancing sales data with editorial oversight, it offers a curated selection of books that resonate with a broad audience. Whether highlighting groundbreaking fiction, thought-provoking nonfiction, or the latest self-help trends, the list continues to serve as a trusted guide for readers and a career-defining milestone for authors.

The Bestselling Author, LLC is not affiliated with the New York Times, nor does this post imply its endorsement of The Bestselling Author, LLC.

The Bestselling Author, LLC

Established in 2011, The Bestselling Author has helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Writers who've worked with Literary Agent Undercover, a division of The Bestselling Author, have gotten six-figure book deals; been on the New York Times bestseller list; had their books adapted for TV, stage, and feature film; had their work licensed in 40+ countries; and sold many millions of books.

Notable authors include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob's Life, which is currently being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, which was published by Thomas Nelson and is now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker.

The founder of The Bestselling Author, Mark Malatesta, is a former literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts. He is now an author coach and consultant. Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews.

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