Another Formula

So former publishing person Jodie Archer and analyst Matthew L. Jockers have developed an algorithm to isolate features common in bestsellers, and will reveal their new formula in their soon-to-be- published work,The Bestseller Code. What does the algorithm (and the public) like? Young, strong heroines who are also misfits (the type found inThe Girl on the Train, Gone Girl,andThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). No sex, just “human closeness.” Frequent use of the verb “need.” Lots of contraction...