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Jody Archer, a former publisher, has devised an algorithm. or a 'best-sellometer', which scans the text for signs of sentiment, emotional narrative, character profiles and even punctuation. All these elements conspire to create the ideal best-seller. Apparently characters need to 'want' and 'need', not 'ponder' or 'think'. What else? Image: person writing in book on knee Credit: Thinkstock