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:
April 08, 2025
What Is On the New York Times Bestseller List Right Now?
#1: Onyx Storm
The third book in the Empyrean series. As enemies gain traction, Violet Sorrengail goes beyond the Aretian wards in search of allies.

#2: Summer In The City
A screenwriter seeking inspiration coincidentally moves next door to the billionaire with whom she hooked up a couple years ago.

#3: Nobody's Fool
The private investigator Sami Kierce tracks down clues to solve a mystery from his past.

#4: Elphie
Elphaba’s childhood lays the groundwork for the character she will become in “Wicked.”

#5: Lethal Prey
The 35th book in the Prey series. True-crime bloggers complicate Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers’s search for a killer.

#6: Broken Country
Beth must confront her past when the man she once loved as a teenager returns to the village with his son.

#7: Iron Flame
The second book in the Empyrean series. Violet Sorrengail’s next round of training under the new vice commandant might require her to betray the man she loves.

#8: Fourth Wing
Violet Sorrengail is urged by the commanding general, who also is her mother, to become a candidate for the elite dragon riders.

#9: Slaying The Vampire Conqueror
A standalone novel set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Sylina faces difficult choices when she takes on a mission to destroy a vampire conqueror.

#10: The Wedding People
A woman who is down on her luck forms an unexpected bond with the bride at a wedding in Rhode Island.

#11: The Writer
An N.Y.P.D. detective is called to a crime scene in an apartment where the shelves are full of books by a true-crime writer.

#12: The Women
A nurse follows her brother to serve during the Vietnam War and returns to a divided America.

#13: James
A reimagining of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” shines a different light on Mark Twain's classic, revealing new facets of the character of Jim.

#14: The God Of The Woods
When a 13-year-old girl disappears from an Adirondack summer camp in 1975, secrets kept by the Van Laar family emerge.

#15: Harriet Tubman: Live In Concert
Harriet Tubman enlists help from a producer, who was outed on a talk show, to make a hip-hop album and live show to tell the story of her life.

Current NYT Bestseller List
This week’s New York Times Bestseller List showcases an exciting mix of historical fiction, epic fantasy, psychological thrillers, and contemporary literature, proving that readers are drawn to both gripping narratives and emotional depth. Whether you love fast-paced action, sweeping historical dramas, or deeply introspective fiction, this week’s list offers a diverse range of compelling reads.
Fantasy & Adventure Lead the Way
Fantasy lovers will be thrilled to see Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series continuing to dominate the charts. Onyx Storm, the latest installment, sees Violet Sorrengail embarking on a perilous journey beyond the Aretian wards in search of allies, while Iron Flame follows her through brutal training and difficult choices. Fourth Wing, the original breakout hit, continues to captivate fans of dragons, romance, and high-stakes magic.
Carissa Broadbent’s Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, adds to the fantasy lineup with a fierce mission and moral dilemmas, giving readers a standalone tale filled with danger and dark allure.
Historical Fiction Captivates Readers
Historical fiction continues to enthrall readers, with The Women by Kristin Hannah taking us into the heart of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a young nurse, while James by Percival Everett offers a bold reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim.
Gregory Maguire’s Elphie also weaves historical and fantastical elements, chronicling the early life of Elphaba before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, offering both nostalgia and a fresh take for fans of Wicked.
Thrillers & Suspense Keep Readers on Edge
This week’s thrillers are packed with tension, secrets, and unexpected twists. Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben introduces a gripping new mystery as private investigator Sami Kierce tracks down clues from a haunting past. Lethal Prey by John Sandford returns readers to the world of Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, this time battling bloggers and killers in the latest Prey series installment.
The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker adds a metafictional spin to the genre, with a detective investigating a murder in a room lined with books by a true-crime author. And in The God of the Woods, Liz Moore unravels a long-buried family mystery triggered by a girl’s disappearance at a 1970s summer camp.
Contemporary Fiction Explores Family, Change & Reflection
Heartfelt and often bittersweet, this week’s contemporary fiction explores identity, resilience, and the power of connection. Summer in the City by Alex Aster mixes romance and self-discovery as a screenwriter rekindles a flame with the billionaire next door. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall finds a woman facing unresolved memories when an old love returns to her small village.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a quiet but poignant story of reinvention and unexpected friendships at a Rhode Island wedding. And Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen blends humor, music, and activism in a wildly imaginative modern take on the abolitionist’s legacy.
Conclusion: A Diverse Selection for Every Reader
From sweeping fantasy epics and heart-racing thrillers to deeply personal tales and genre-bending stories, this week’s New York Times Bestseller List is a testament to the rich tapestry of modern storytelling. Whether you’re searching for a bold new world, a historical deep dive, or a contemporary reflection on life and love, there’s something on this list for you.
Explore these bestselling titles and discover your next unforgettable read!
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 catapult an author’s career, providing validation, credibility, and a significant boost in 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 April 9, 1942, 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. Unlike purely data-driven lists that rely solely on sales numbers, the Times employs a more curated approach. 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. 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.
- 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 official Directory of Literary Agents, and all
our other resources for writers and authors
Support Center (browse the tabs)
- See Our Websites
- Search Our Websites
- Free Resources
- Reviews
- Send Us a Message
- Speak with Us
- Schedule a 1-On-1 Coaching/Consulting Session
Use our search box at the top of your device screen to find what you're looking for--instantly. Our search tool will display relevant content to your search from every one of our websites.
Enter your first name and email address in the form above for instant access to all our resources to help you become the bestselling author you can be:
- Advice from Bestselling Authors (text and audio)
- Access to the Official Directory of Book Agents
- Literary Agent Advice (text and audio)
- Insider Articles and Updates
Fiction/Novels
BIPOC Fiction - H. August
Christian Fiction - K. Sargent
Crime/Mystery Fiction - B. Harper
Mystery/Thriller Fiction - J. Brown
General/Upmarket Fiction - J. Jago
General Fiction - K. Cox
Thriller Fiction - C. LePort
Memoir/Autobiography
Addiction/Recovery - M. Bond
Animals/Inspirational - K. Finley
BIPOC/Inspirational - D. Tolson
BIPOC/Inspirational - L. Subramani
BIPOC/Inspirational - N. Aronheim
Christian/Inspirational - S. LeRette
Family/Identity/Holocaust - S. Foti
Women's/Mainstream - E. Armstrong
Authors: Having trouble finding something on our websites, or have a question? We're happy to help. Send Us a Message here.
Literary Agents: To update your profile on one of our websites, or to have us consider adding your information to our websites, Send Us an Email here.
Event Coordinators: To invite us to speak at an event, Send Us an Email here.
Media: To interview or quote us or one of our authors, Send Us an Email here.
If you want to schedule a 1-on-1 session to get support related to your publishing goals, click here to see if a Literary Agent Advice consultation is a fit for you.
For all other questions or requests, Send Us a Message here.
We provide 1-on-1 coaching and consulting to both new and established authors of all book genres, in the United States and abroad. Our main focus (400+ success stories) is helping authors get offers from literary agents and/or traditional publishers.
Support areas:
- Book Development
- Query Letter
- Book Synopsis
- Book Proposal
- Author Platform
- Agent Selection
- Process/Strategy
- Troubleshooting
- Miscellaneous
Learn more about scheduling a Literary Agent Advice session.