- Bestseller Brief
- Posts
- Bestseller Brief | The Halo Effect Hits Books — TikTok Tops Again
Bestseller Brief | The Halo Effect Hits Books — TikTok Tops Again
Plus: how “The Steps Between Us” topped charts through genre fusion
Heads up! To ensure you continue receiving our newsletters, please add [email protected] to your contact list!
Welcome to Bestseller Brief, your essential newsletter for book, publishing and media professionals.
Prime Day Exclusive 📦
Prime Day 2025 smashed records. Extended to four days, it generated $24.1B in U.S. online sales — a 30% year-on-year surge.
But as brands dive into retros and kick off BFCM planning, one question looms: what actually worked? Which channels truly drove conversions — and how can we know?
That’s where understanding cross-channel halo effects becomes essential. New research from Fospha sheds light on how different platforms influence conversions across both DTC sites and Amazon.
TikTok leads with an 80% uplift in ROAS when Amazon sales are included, followed by YouTube (48%) and Meta (46%). These platforms ignite discovery and spark intent that may convert later — whether on your DTC site or on Amazon. Without visibility into cross-channel halo effects, that impact remains invisible.
👉 Explore Fospha’s Halo Effect research to uncover what really drove your Prime Day results.
Sector Spotlight 🎥
LITERARY ACHIEVEMENT
Lauren Gibbons Paul's novel, "The Steps Between Us," captured the title of Amazon's Best-Selling Thriller of 2025, blending romance, suspense, and the allure of ballroom dance. The book's success underscores its strategic appeal to a diverse audience, offering marketers insights into the power of niche storytelling and robust character development in capturing and retaining consumer interest.
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Lauren Wittenberg Weiner's book "Unruly" offers marketers a nuanced approach to ethical leadership by advocating success through understanding and working within existing rules rather than breaking them. This framework encourages intentional and ethical decisions aligned with core values, aiming to inspire discussions about leadership and personal development in a saturated market. By fostering ethical pathways in heavily regulated industries, "Unruly" equips marketing professionals with strategic insights and practical tools for navigating complex business landscapes while promoting authentic success.
AWARD RECOGNITION
Daniel Silva, a top thriller author, was awarded the inaugural Nelson DeMille Award at the Gold Coast Forum for his impact on the mystery and thriller genres. This event, including a Q&A with CNN's Jamie Gangel, highlighted Silva's writing process and enduring success, offering industry professionals insights into the makings of a bestselling author. In essence, Silva's work exemplifies continued contributions and commitments to literary excellence, resonating with the marketing of literary success and author branding.
LITERARY SUCCESS
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir is an enthralling science fiction novel where lone astronaut Ryland Grace must piece together fragmented memories and solve a daunting scientific puzzle to save Earth from an existential threat. Marketing professionals can draw strategic insights from Weir's narrative ingenuity and understanding of audience captivation. The book's blend of suspense, scientific exploration, and human resilience underscores the power of storytelling in creating engaging and impactful content.
Optimization Hub ⚙️
ECOMMERCE STRATEGIES
Google's evolving search landscape demands that eCommerce businesses prioritize structured data, mobile performance, and site speed to maintain visibility and competitiveness.
The AI-powered Search Generative Experience emphasizes clarity in product listings, with schema markup becoming crucial for ranking. To succeed, retailers must adopt a search-first approach, ensuring compatibility with Google's preferences to effectively reach their target audience.
RETAIL MEDIA STRATEGY
Retail media continues its growth in 2025, with advertisers focusing on full-funnel strategies across various platforms. As Amazon leverages its data dominance, competitors like Walmart and Instacart strive for their share. The landscape demands a unified approach to brand and performance budgets, emphasizing data-driven decisions and measurement incentives.
ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC eCommerce division