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- Bestseller Brief | How Brand Spend Is Driving AOV in the Book Market
Bestseller Brief | How Brand Spend Is Driving AOV in the Book Market
Plus, Anna Malaika Tubbs shares deep insights on power, patriarchy, and social change.
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Welcome to Bestseller Brief, your essential newsletter for book, publishing and media professionals.
Editor’s Pick 🌟
Does AOV feel like a mystery? A new research report from Fospha reveals the key: consistent brand investment directly drives AOV and pricing power. Fospha's research, using Bayesian network modeling, reveals a causal link for the first time: brands investing over 5% in Awareness campaigns see AOV improve yearly. Unlock your brand's value. Read the full research and learn how to boost your pricing power. |
Sector Spotlight 🎥
AUTHOR EVENT
Anna Malaika Tubbs will discuss her book "Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us" at Cameo Cinema, offering insights into deeply ingrained societal hierarchies. Her work is essential for those interested in understanding historical and current inequities, providing a rigorous analysis rooted in academic research and personal experiences. Attendees can gain valuable perspectives on societal issues, enhancing strategic understanding of social dynamics.
PUBLISHING COLLABORATION

Source: The Nation
The Nation and OR Books have launched Nation Books, a new imprint aiming to reach a broader audience with progressive voices, offering four to six new titles annually. This venture is set to resonate with marketers by leveraging The Nation's longstanding reputation and diverse contributor base for strategic publishing opportunities.
BOOK MARKETING STRATEGIES
Liam Fitzgerald's novel, inspired by New South Wales' history and systemic corruption, targets crime fiction enthusiasts and aims to provoke thought on corruption's true nature. The book, enriched by Fitzgerald's experience in criminal law, offers both suspense and insight, making it a valuable read for those interested in crime's societal impacts.
STYLE INFLUENCE

Source: Ice Cream Convos
Michelle Obama's forthcoming book, "The Look," releasing on November 4, 2025, offers an intimate exploration of her fashion journey as a form of self-expression, touching on themes of confidence and identity. With behind-the-scenes insights from her glam team, the book highlights how style choices reflect broader societal values. This release represents a strategic opportunity for marketers to observe the powerful role personal branding and authenticity play in public perception and influence.
BOOK SALES TRENDS
The bestseller list analysis for June 9, 2025, provides valuable insights into current literary trends, spotlighting the resilience and impact of classics like Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," which remains relevant for its critique of media consumption. Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" appears consistently, with its sequel "The Testaments" re-emerging, highlighting readers' sustained interest in dystopian narratives. For marketers, these patterns suggest opportunities to leverage the enduring appeal of social commentary and timeless themes, reinforcing the power of narrative to engage audiences.
Optimization Hub ⚙️
INCLUSIVE MARKETING
Brands dialing down Pride campaigns in 2025 risk more than bad PR—85% of LGBTQ+ consumers say they’ll spend elsewhere if inclusion efforts are dropped. This year’s approach is quieter but more considered: Levi’s focuses on safe public spaces, MAC commits $1M to LGBTQ+ causes, and Nike co-designs sneakers with queer athletes. Flashy rainbows are out; sincerity and year-round support are in.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Pinterest's updated TransActV2 ranking model significantly enhances user engagement by analyzing 16,000 user actions, compared to the previous 100 actions, resulting in a more personalized experience. The model's improvements include a 2x increase in re-pin actions, 12.8% fewer Pin hides, and more diverse timelines, making it essential for marketers to revisit Pinterest as a potential platform for brand engagement. These enhancements underscore Pinterest's growing strategic relevance for brands seeking personalized interactions and higher user engagement.
ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC eCommerce division