What does Harry Potter have that others do not? And how did it achieve international success? The phenomenal debut work of British author Joanne K. Rowling seemingly relies on chance and luck for having written the right book at the right time. Rather, the popularity of the series is owed to a perfect interplay of three factors: literary quality, the creation of a legend around the author, and the use of targeted press and marketing strategies. The genre mix, which includes fantasy narrative, adventure novel, crime story, British school story, and coming-of-age novel, is considered alongside the references to literary traditions and the recurring fundamental structures of the series. The initially widespread Cinderella myth surrounding the author is analyzed, and the marketing of the young wizard provides insight into the gigantic world of Potter advertising.