Poll

Interesting question and I found it difficult to answer as I have experienced all three for a book to be successful. There are also several other factors to consider that aren't listed in the poll, such as ratings and reviews, a dynamic book cover and marketing, to name a few.

I had to vote for luck because it's really a combination of everything and more. For example recently Girl on a Train was very successful. I think in addition to good writing it was good publishing that kept comparing it to Gone Girl which was such a success. And it was luck that it was published after the latter.
Then there is the public's hunger for a certain type of book. And timing again, for example right now books dealing with the presidential election, candidates, the process, etc. would be appropriate and draw readers. I also do believe the cover plays an important part in a book's success. One type of book I enjoy is cozies and there is a certain kind of cover that just calls to me among the many cozies. So to me it's all a combination and therefore luck that they all work together.

Michael wrote: "Interesting question and I found it difficult to answer as I have experienced all three for a book to be successful. There are also several other factors to consider that aren't listed in the poll,..."

Yes, I agree.
The "Good publisher" here is intended as someone who takes care of every detail, marketing, promoting and selling the product.

Karen B. wrote: "I had to vote for luck because it's really a combination of everything and more. For example recently Girl on a Train was very successful. I think in addition to good writing it was good publishi..."

Good point Karen!
Logic would say mostly "good writing", still some really poorly written books have had big success.. You can't tell me anyone in their right mind saw Fifty Shades of Grey coming, lol.
I'd say hit the market at the right time and a lil bit of luck ;)

It's difficult to narrow down to a single factor that contributes to the success of a book. I vote for Good Writing simply because it wouldn't make sense for a well-written book to be a failure otherwise.

However, there are 3 other factors that contribute to the success of a book other than the above-mentioned ones: Good Marketing, Good Timing (if Good Publisher and Luck mean something else) and Shock Value, because how else would you explain the success of Fifty Shades of Grey :P

Nazrul wrote: "It's difficult to narrow down to a single factor that contributes to the success of a book. I vote for Good Writing simply because it wouldn't make sense for a well-written book to be a failure oth..."

Lol, shock value! That's a good one, lol.
I agree with you though. Publishing is almost a different world since self publishing and Wattpad came along.

What is whattpad?

I am so glad that this has generated so many comments. I love reading other's points of view.

Karen B. wrote: "What is whattpad?"

Wattpad is a writing community where people can post novels, articles, fan fiction (which, apparently, is really a "thing" now) poems..and much more.
You can download the app (iOS and Android) and read lot of ebooks.

Once is a while publishers find good writers and new material.
50 Shades of Grey was first published episodically on fan-fiction website and also was Twilight.