“What sells books?” was the question posed on the #bookmarket Tweetchat yesterday. (These happen at 3pm Central on Thursdays. You need a Twitter account to participate, and you go to www.tweetchat.com and search for #bookmarket, to the left of the Go button on the top of your screen. If you don’t have a Twitter account, get my free Twitter report on how to set one up in 10 minutes.)

It was a lively discussion, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

Here’s my take on the answer. It all boils down to three essential ingredients.

1. A great “package.” This includes eye-catching title, cover, interior, great endorsements on the cover, etc. The package must be excellent. (For more information on titles, check out my “How to Choose Your Bestselling Title” Special Report.) “Package” also includes the author credentials.

2. Great content. Word of mouth sells books, and nobody will talk about your book unless it’s wonderful. If it’s just ho-hum, rehashed material–even with great marketing, you probably won’t sell lots of books. While plenty of great books languish for lack of good marketing, few books sell much if the content doesn’t get people excited. (Not to mention, you’ll never sell a commercial publisher on the idea in the first place, if you want to go that route.) You must be passionate about the content, and then others must be passionate as well.

3. Exposure. The more people who know about it (and of course, read it and talk about it), the better. This category, of course, is huge, and covers publicity via the media, social media, virtual book tours (which I think is just about the best way to market your book, for these reasons), reviews, book signings at bookstores, speaking gigs, youtube videos, etc., etc.

So there you have it, succinctly–the PCE Method of becoming a bestselling author.

Speaking of becoming a bestselling author,  I am now reviewing Mark Joyner’s Bestseller Blueprint course. It’s pretty comprehensive, including what Mark did to become a 4-time #1 bestselling author. More info here. A review will come soon.