Open Access

Nadja Henkel

• The purpose of this Bachelor's thesis is to investigate whether or not the potential success of fantasy novels can be scientifically predetermined. In order to validate this hypothesis general literature research about the book market is done. This provides key insights about the definitions of success and the qualities of a good book. Furthermore, personal empirical research is conducted in an attempt to verify the hypothesis. Expert interviews with established publishers lead to understandings about the publishing industry and its possibilities and limitations. An additional survey among readers provides supplementary insights about the consumers point of view. After extensive literature and exhaustive empirical research, the hypothesis has to be rejected. The findings indicate the possibility of anticipating the potential success of a newly published fantasy novel. They are unable, however, to provide a scientifically reproducible method in order to predetermine the potential success. The thesis concludes with a provocative, philosophical thought. This thought questions the value of standardising an un-unifiable factor, such as creativity, for economic purposes. This value is being compared to the value of non-conformity, which is considered to be the essence of all creative goods. Therefore the potential sacrifice of creative value stands opposed to the common desire for economical exploitation.