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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:
September 12, 2025

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

Current NYT Bestseller List

This week’s New York Times bestseller list invites readers into daring fantasy realms, emotionally rich character studies, and gripping reimaginings of classic apocalyptic tales. Whether you’re drawn to dragons and fae warriors or fractured friendships and second chances, these stories offer immersive experiences and unforgettable stakes.

Fantastical Worlds and Deadly Desires

Debuting at #1, Quicksilver by Callie Hart launches readers into a chilling realm of ice and betrayal. Transported against her will, Saeris must survive a perilous land while contending with a seductive yet dangerous Fae warrior whose loyalties are anything but clear. With its intense romantic tension and richly drawn world, this romantasy is a standout.

On Wings Of Blood by Briar Boleyn turns up the heat—literally and figuratively—as dragon rider Medra Pendragon finds herself captured by vampires and thrust into the brutal world of Bloodwing Academy. Blending dark academia, fantasy romance, and dangerous power struggles, this series continues to gain steam with every page.

In The Dragon Wakes With Thunder, K.X. Song concludes the Dragon Spirit duology with thunderous force. When the sea dragon Qinglong returns to collect a debt from the fierce warrior Hai Meilin, past bargains, ancient magic, and fierce love come crashing together in a storm of myth and destiny.

T. Kingfisher’s Hemlock & Silver offers a twisted and tender reimagining of Snow White, where a healer is summoned to save a dying royal using methods as unconventional as they are powerful. With her signature wit and warmth, Kingfisher delivers a dark fairy tale grounded in compassion and craft.

Time Travel, Apocalypse, and Existential Twists

The End Of The World As We Know It, a short story anthology inspired by Stephen King’s The Stand, delivers a chilling and timely meditation on civilization’s collapse. Edited by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, the collection explores how ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances—sometimes with courage, sometimes with chaos.

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere continues its ascent, following Joan Goodwin as she enters NASA’s elite space shuttle training program in 1980. As tensions rise and ambitions collide, Reid explores the cosmic and deeply human forces that propel us skyward—and inward.

In Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, a ticking clock raises the stakes. After surviving a brutal Halloween attack, Jet Mason has just one week to solve her own murder before her time runs out. A sharp and suspenseful YA thriller with a supernatural twist.

Love, Laughter, and Unlikely Connections

Emily Henry’s People We Meet On Vacation remains a perennial favorite for fans of slow-burn romance and charming banter. As opposites Poppy and Alex reunite for one last trip, they navigate shared history, quiet regrets, and the possibility of something more.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore brings cozy vibes and small-town charm. When Jeanie inherits her aunt’s café in Dream Harbor, she faces the chaos of a new start—and an unexpected connection with a local farmer. It’s a feel-good romance perfect for fall (or any season of change).

Alison Espach’s The Wedding People also continues to draw readers with its emotionally honest portrayal of a woman at her lowest, finding grace, humor, and unexpected friendship at a Rhode Island wedding.

Literary Fiction and Emotional Resonance

Fredrik Backman’s My Friends continues to garner acclaim for its haunting exploration of memory and art. When a woman begins researching a decades-old painting, she uncovers the layered lives of the teens it captured. Translated by Neil Smith, this novel blends nostalgia with discovery in classic Backman style.

Clare Leslie Hall’s Broken Country remains a quiet force on the list, as Beth’s confrontation with her past—embodied by a former love and his son—reopens long-buried emotions. It’s a story of reconciliation, regret, and the complexities of home.

Danielle Steel’s For Richer For Poorer adds glamour and generational tension to the list. Fashion designer Eugenia Ward juggles her career, adult children, and a budding relationship with a real estate mogul, all while facing the trials of reinvention later in life.

Conclusion: Myth, Memory, and New Beginnings

This week’s bestselling titles prove that transformation takes many forms—whether through magical creatures, lost loves, or ticking clocks. From ice-covered fantasy realms to second-chance romances and end-of-the-world reckonings, each story asks what we’re willing to fight for, who we’re willing to forgive, and how far we’ll go to reclaim our lives.

So whether you’re craving dragons, danger, or depth, the latest list has something for every reader. Which world will you dive into next?

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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