Being included on the coveted New York Times Bestsellers List remains a feat every author would love to reach. Nevertheless, the methodology behind this list is more complicated than its name implies: a proprietary system with several unspecified variables.

Including bulk orders as a strategy to secure a spot on the bestsellers list is a well-known practice. Recently, the book "Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet" by venture capitalist Chrix Dixon made an entry at number 9, a spot between Apple's "Masters of the Air'' and Britney Spears' "The Woman In Me." This catches attention not only for Dixon's relative obscurity outside of tech circles but also for the small dagger icon accompanying the book's listing.

Bulk Purchases and the Dagger Icon

In 1995, The New York Times bestsellers list introduced the dagger icon, signaling books purchased in bulk where sales may not genuinely reflect their bestseller status. This addition followed accusations against Michael Treacy and Fred Wierserma, who allegedly spent a quarter of a million dollars that year on copies of their book, "The Discipline of Market Leaders."

To aim for bestseller status, hitting the mark of 5,000 copies in a week is typically seen as the minimum threshold; opting for 10,000 copies ensures a safer bet. Purchasing their way onto the list is not entirely out of reach for political figures like Donald Trump, who are already equipped with financial resources.

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In the case of Trump Jr., the New York Times disclosed that the Republican National Committee invested almost $100,000 in purchasing copies of his 2019 book, "Triggered." The book debuted at the top of the Hardcover Nonfiction list, accompanied by the dagger symbol.

This icon indicates that bulk purchases played a role in the book's inclusion on the list. The New York Times bestseller list desk editors use their discretion based on specific standards, including proprietary vetting, audit protocols, corroborative reporting, and other statistical determinations.

Despite New York Times' concerns about gaming the system, bulk orders have traditionally boosted sales and secured a bestseller status. This involves publishers or affiliated groups placing substantial orders with sellers who report their sales to the New York Times.

Examining a real-world example, the book "Read Write Own" obtained its spot on the list through bulk orders. The dagger icon raises questions about the legitimacy of such practices, leading to a deeper investigation into the entities behind these bulk purchases.

A16z's Response and Companies Linked to Dixon

According to a16z, the venture capital firm associated with Dixon, companies linked to Dixon and a16z were responsible for the bulk orders. A spokesperson emphasized the Times' strict guidelines on bulk purchases, stating that they have never hesitated to disqualify books violating these rules.

Two firms, Syndicate and Electric Capital, publicly disclosed placing orders for Dixon's book. Syndicate, a crypto industry company with 11 to 50 employees, purchased copies for its team. At the same time, Electric Capital made a substantial order of 1,401 copies.

The large order of 1,401 copies raised eyebrows, especially considering that a 2018 study found nonfiction books on the New York Times bestsellers list typically sold around 2,000 copies on the low end.

A16z confirmed placing orders for Dixon's book to distribute to employees. The company believed the New York Times may not count these orders, emphasizing the paper's discretion in including bulk orders.

The New York Times maintains the right to include bulk orders in its count at its discretion, directing inquiries to its methodology page.

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