How Did My Children's Book Make The Top Best Sellers List On Amazon, in Week 1?

Stating the Obvious now: It wasn't by accident.

It's always a big question when you launch your brand new blog: what shall I write about first? This was my decision. Because this is the most valuable topic I can share with you about my past week; the first week of my book being published. And this is what's been a total game-changer for me—Publisher Rocket.

Now, full disclosure, I’m proudly affiliated with this company. In every way they'll have me. Because they played a huge part in my book’s launch success. And they’re the reason I hit the number 1 spot on Amazon’s Top New Releases when I published my first children’s book, Count Dyscalculia; a book that raises awareness and fosters empathy for kids with learning differences. If you've read my backstory on my about page, you'll already know I happen to be a little spicy.

Neurology aside, Publisher Rocket is the tool that helped me secure a top rank on the bestseller list in my category, which is massive for visibility and brand recognition. Books in the top 3 positions are prominently displayed on Amazon, appearing on the front page of their respective categories and even in related searches. That's a big deal for a little indie author like me.

So, let's dive deeper into why you should seriously consider using Publisher Rocket if you're also an author or planning to be one...

For me, the most important factor was this: Amazon’s recommendation algorithms favour bestsellers. When a book ranks highly, Amazon is more likely to recommend it to users through "Customers Also Bought" sections, personalized recommendations, and email newsletters. But also, this increased traffic through recommendations can lead to more organic visibility beyond just the Best Seller list. Being in the top 3 signals to readers that the book is popular and well-received, which can build trust and make them more likely to purchase it. It's a form of social proof that can be especially compelling for undecided buyers.

Worth mentioning: the tool isn't the whole picture, of course. You do have to have a decent product for momentum to build. This is just the launchpad, and it's pretty powerful. Clue is definitely in the name. Because the visibility from being in the top 3 when you launch, can create a really positive feedback loop. More visibility leads to more sales, which can help maintain or improve your ranking, continuing the cycle of increased exposure. That's momentum. Oh, and I also had an email within the first day of making that best seller list from the BBC's Radio team. It's great for publicity.

The Secret Sauce for Getting Noticed 

Let’s be real: the publishing world can be a jungle, especially for indie authors. You're competing with a gazillion other books, and sometimes it feels like you're just shouting into the void. Enter Publisher Rocket. This simple tool helps you find the most searched keywords, in the best categories for your book. 

Why does that matter? Because it’s like getting a VIP pass to the right parties. Not that I party anymore; I'm a hermit with books. But you want your book to be seen by people who are actually interested in it, and Publisher Rocket shows you precisely what words people are typing into Amazon's search bar, so you can optimize your book's chances of being found.  

It's Not Just About Keywords either. The keywords are important, but what really got me hooked was how Rocket helps you understand the competition. It shows you what other books in your category are doing—what they’re priced at, how well they’re selling, and even the type of covers they use. It's like having a spy in the camp of your competition, but, you know, without the dodgy trench coat and shady glasses. 

This insider info is gold for an indie author like me, because it helps position your book in a way that stands out. And standing out is what gets you that coveted number 1 bestseller spot, which as mentioned, matters.

The Power of Niching Down 

Not everyone believes in the niche, but one of the biggest lessons I learned through this process is the power of niching down. You don’t want to just be another book in the "children’s books" section; you want to be the book in a more specific category where your work shines. Publisher Rocket definitely helped me find the perfect niche where my book could dominate. And dominating a niche is not just about bragging rights (although, that’s got a shine of its own); it’s about getting more eyes on your book and building a name that people recognize. You've put the work in. For me, that looked like 20 months of redoing and editing and redoing and crying, across 3 continents where at one stage I was living in a temple with monks. True story, for another blog. The point being: you've bled for this, and so you want it to succeed.

That's why I've affiliated myself with Publisher Rocket. When something helps you achieve your dreams, you share it with the world. So I’m shouting from the rooftops about this tool. It's not just about hitting those top spots; it’s about getting your book in front of people who will love it. And that’s what we’re all here for. 

So, if you're on the fence about whether to invest in Publisher Rocket, take it from someone who's been there and did invest. It’s worth it. Whether you're a newbie author or someone who's been around the block a bit, but maybe not so sure about Amazon or how to list it with optimisation, this tool is easy, affordable, and can give you the edge you need. Here's to hitting those number 1 spots —and beyond!