In partnership with Bookstat, we are proud to offer three distinctive monthly bestseller lists.1
- Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
- Top 50 Self-Published Print Books (online sales only)
- Top 50 Hidden Gems (print, online sales only) — includes traditionally and self-published books
Top 50 Hidden Gems (print)
The Hidden Gems list excludes Big Five publishers (including acquired properties like Rodale and Hay House), as well as other publishers of significant size, like Norton and Scholastic. We let you know every month what we’ve excluded, or how we’ve changed list compilation. For August 2024, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, technical manuals, Bibles and Bible studies, comics/manga compilations, box sets, educational workbooks and activity books for kids, college guides, and test prep guides.
In cases where the publisher name matches the author name, the book is listed as self-published. Keep in mind that even if a publisher name is listed, the publisher might be owned and run by the author(s).
| Rank | Title | Author | Publisher | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking—A Cookbook | Caroline Chambers | Union Square & Co. | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 2 | Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain 2) | Hannah Nicole Maehrer | Entangled: Red Tower Books | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 3 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 4 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks | June 11, 2024 |
| 5 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Self-published | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 6 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 7 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | July 9, 2024 |
| 8 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 9 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | Self-published | July 19, 2019 |
| 10 | The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella | Freida McFadden | Self-published | Aug. 12, 2024 |
| 11 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks | Dec. 5, 2023 |
| 12 | Our Class Is a Family | Shannon Olsen | Self-published | May 5, 2020 |
| 13 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Self-published | March 28, 2022 |
| 14 | Keep It Simple Y’all: Easy Dinners from Your Barefoot Neighbor | Matthew Bounds | Self-published | July 6, 2024 |
| 15 | Born of Blood and Ash (Flesh and Fire) | Jennifer L. Armentrout | Blue Box Press | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 16 | Chef AJ’s Sweet Indulgence: Guilt-Free Treats Sweetened Naturally with Fruit | Chef AJ | BPC | Aug. 27, 2024 |
| 17 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Feb. 1, 2013 |
| 18 | A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School | Shannon Olsen | Self-published | May 19, 2021 |
| 19 | The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom | Don Miguel Ruiz | Amber-Allen Publishing | Nov. 7, 1997 |
| 20 | Berserk Deluxe, Volume 2 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | Dec. 30, 2024 |
| 21 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House Publishing | June 8, 2022 |
| 22 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 23 | Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen | Robert Jobson | Pegasus Books | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 24 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 25 | The Inmate | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks | March 5, 2024 |
| 26 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy 1) | Callie Hart | Self-published | June 3, 2024 |
| 27 | The Teacher | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 28 | David Mazzucchelli’s Batman Year One Artist’s Edition | Frank Miller | IDW Artist’s Editions | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 29 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 30 | Guardian: Zhen Hun (Novel), Volume 3 (Special Edition) | Priest | Seven Seas | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 31 | Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds | David Goggins | Self-published | Dec. 10, 2018 |
| 32 | Sustain Me—A Handbook of Natural Remedies | Barbara O’Neill | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 33 | De Mí Para Mí: La Tormenta Pasará (Spanish Edition) | Nacarid Portal | Editorial Déjà Vu, C.A | Nov. 11, 2023 |
| 34 | The Inner Work of Relationships: An Invitation to Heal Your Inner Child and Create a Conscious Relationship Together | Mathew Micheletti | Self-published | March 18, 2024 |
| 35 | My First Learn-to-Write Workbook: Practice for Kids with Pen Control, Line Tracing, Letters, and More! | Crystal Radke | Callisto Kids | Aug. 27, 2019 |
| 36 | I Love You to the Moon and Back | Amelia Hepworth | Tiger Tales | March 3, 2015 |
| 37 | First Day Jitters (Jitters) | Julie Danneberg | Charlesbridge | Feb. 1, 2000 |
| 38 | Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents | Lindsay C. Gibson | New Harbinger Publications | June 1, 2015 |
| 39 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 40 | Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters with Easy and Simple Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 22, 2024 |
| 41 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | Self-published | May 27, 2019 |
| 42 | Chasing Embers (Oarsmen 1) | Glenn Beck | Forefront Books | July 23, 2024 |
| 43 | Self Heal By Design: The Role of Micro-Organisms for Health | Barbara O’Neill | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2014 |
| 44 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 4, 2024 |
| 45 | Madness | Shantel Tessier | Dark Angel Creations, LLC | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| 46 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 47 | Untamed Spirits: Horses from around the World | Drew Doggett | teNeues | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 48 | Man’s Search for Meaning | Viktor E. Frankl | Beacon Press | June 1, 2006 |
| 49 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 50 | Berserk Deluxe, Volume 1 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | March 26, 2019 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Bonus | TL Swan | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 2 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy 1) | Callie Hart | June 4, 2024 |
| 3 | Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore 1) | Jasmine Mas | Aug. 1, 2024 |
| 4 | The Secret Hook-Up | Pippa Grant | Aug. 1, 2024 |
| 5 | Bridesmaid Undercover | Meghan Quinn | Aug. 20, 2024 |
| 6 | The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella | Freida McFadden | Aug. 12, 2024 |
| 7 | Rally (Treasure State Wildcats 3) | Devney Perry | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 8 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 9 | Wild Scottish Fortune (Enchanted Highlands 6) | Tricia O’Malley | Aug. 15, 2024 |
| 10 | Mr. Absolutely Not!: A Romantic Comedy | Alina Jacobs | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 11 | The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 12 | So This Is War | Meghan Quinn | June 25, 2024 |
| 13 | Emerald Vices (Kuznetsov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | Aug. 8, 2024 |
| 14 | Emerald Malice (Kuznetsov Bratva 1) | Nicole Fox | Aug. 8, 2024 |
| 15 | Beautiful Beast: An Age Gap Forced Proximity Mafia Romance (Mafia Legacy—Perfectly Imperfect 1) | Neva Altaj | July 19, 2024 |
| 16 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 17 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 18 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout 1) | Lucy Score | Jan. 13, 2022 |
| 19 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 20 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 21 | Just My Luck (Kings) | Lena Hendrix | July 15, 2024 |
| 22 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 3) | Penn Cole | Sept. 12, 2023 |
| 23 | Tempting (Red Lips & White Lies 1) | Bella Matthews | Aug. 8, 2024 |
| 24 | Praise (Salacious Players’ Club) | Sara Cate | March 17, 2022 |
| 25 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 26 | The Inmate: A Gripping Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | June 13, 2022 |
| 27 | Meant for Love: A Billionaire, Marriage Pact, Workplace Romance (Meant For 3) | Natasha Madison | July 26, 2024 |
| 28 | Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance | Elsie Silver | Oct. 14, 2022 |
| 29 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 30 | Playbook (Holland Brothers 2) | Rebecca Jenshak | July 25, 2024 |
| 31 | Feral Omega: A Dark Reverse Harem Omegaverse Romance (Ghost Alpha Unit 1) | Lenore Rosewood | July 16, 2024 |
| 32 | The Pucking Wrong Man: A Hockey Romance (Pucking Wrong 4) | C.R. Jane | July 19, 2024 |
| 33 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 34 | Mine to Take: A Brother’s Rival, One Night Stand New Adult Sports Romance (Western Wildcats 5) | Jennifer Sucevic | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| 35 | The Boss + The Maid = Chemistry | Louise Bay | Aug. 8, 2024 |
| 36 | Black Ties and White Lies: A Billionaire Fake Engagement Romance (Black Tie Billionaires) | Kat Singleton | Feb. 2, 2023 |
| 37 | Bridesmaid for Hire | Meghan Quinn | April 2, 2024 |
| 38 | Twisted Love: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance | Ana Huang | April 29, 2021 |
| 39 | Learning Curve | Max Monroe | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| 40 | The Arrangement (Brewer Family 2) | Adriana Locke | July 22, 2024 |
| 41 | The Hunted Heir (Veiled Kingdom 2) | Holly Renee | Aug. 20, 2024 |
| 42 | Glow of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 2) | Penn Cole | July 18, 2023 |
| 43 | A Love Letter to Whiskey, Fifth Anniversary Edition | Kandi Steiner | Oct. 18, 2021 |
| 44 | The Boyfriend Goal (Love and Hockey 1) | Lauren Blakely | Aug. 21, 2024 |
| 45 | Spark of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 1) | Penn Cole | June 1, 2023 |
| 46 | King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin 1) | Ana Huang | Oct. 20, 2022 |
| 47 | Wedding the Wide Receiver (Nash Brothers 2) | Lisa Suzanne | Aug. 8, 2024 |
| 48 | The Favorite Girl: A gripping psychological thriller | Monica Arya | May 14, 2024 |
| 49 | The Sinner: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 4, 2022 |
| 50 | The Perfect Fit | Sadie Kincaid | Dec. 10, 2023 |
Top 50 Self-Published Print Books
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 2 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 3 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 4 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 5 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 6 | The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella | Freida McFadden | Aug. 12, 2024 |
| 7 | Our Class Is a Family | Shannon Olsen | May 5, 2020 |
| 8 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 9 | Keep It Simple Y’all: Easy Dinners from Your Barefoot Neighbor | Matthew Bounds | July 6, 2024 |
| 10 | A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School | Shannon Olsen | May 19, 2021 |
| 11 | A Little SPOT of Emotion (8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book Box Set) | Diane Alber | July 10, 2021 |
| 12 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 13 | A Little SPOT of Emotion (8 Book Box Set) | Diane Alber | April 29, 2020 |
| 14 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy 1) | Callie Hart | June 3, 2024 |
| 15 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 16 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 17 | Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters with Easy and Simple Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 22, 2024 |
| 18 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 19 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 20 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 21 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 22 | What Should Danny Do? | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 23 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | March 20, 2023 |
| 24 | My Magical Choices—Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day with their Choices! | Becky Cummings | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| 25 | Just Between You & Me, Kid: A Back & Forth Journal between Grown-Up & Kid | Messy Nessy Designs | May 9, 2023 |
| 26 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 27 | Madness: A Dark Revenge Romance | Shantel Tessier | Aug. 29, 2024 |
| 28 | Food Forest Bible: How to Create a Food Forest: Sustainable, Self-Managing, Natural Food Production for Self Sufficiency and Food Security | Jovan Hutton Pulitzer | April 6, 2024 |
| 29 | Barbara O’Neill Natural Herbal Remedies Complete Collection | Roberta Lane | June 18, 2024 |
| 30 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 31 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 32 | The Great Gatsby | F Scott Fitzgerald | Sept. 1, 2022 |
| 33 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 34 | Once You’re Mine: A Dark Stalker Romance (Possessing Her) | Morgan Bridges | Sept. 26, 2023 |
| 35 | Ward D: A Gripping Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | May 8, 2023 |
| 36 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Travis Bradberry | June 16, 2009 |
| 37 | A Little SPOT of Feelings (8 Book Box Set 25–32) | Diane Alber | Aug. 14, 2021 |
| 38 | Back Mechanic | Stuart McGill | Sept. 30, 2015 |
| 39 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 40 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | May 24, 2024 |
| 41 | Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present | Nick Trenton | March 1, 2021 |
| 42 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 43 | Think about THAT for a Minute!: 40 Day Devotional for a Fresh Perspective | Kelly K | March 19, 2023 |
| 44 | Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition | Lily Nichols | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| 45 | What Should Danny Do?: School Day | Adir Levy | Dec. 7, 2018 |
| 46 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy 1) | Callie Hart | June 4, 2024 |
| 47 | Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1) | Linda Hill | Sept. 23, 2022 |
| 48 | Cute & Groovy: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation Featuring Lovely Things | Coco Wyo | April 1, 2024 |
| 49 | Meditations | Marcus Aurelius | Nov. 7, 2016 |
| 50 | Our Little Library: A Foundational Language Vocabulary Board Book Set for Babies | Tabitha Paige | Nov. 7, 2023 |
Jane Friedman has spent her entire career working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals; in 2023, she was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World.
Jane’s expertise regularly features in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, The Today Show, Wired, The Guardian, Fox News, and BBC. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition (The University of Chicago Press), is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. She reaches thousands through speaking engagements and workshops at diverse venues worldwide, including NYU’s Advanced Publishing Institute, Frankfurt Book Fair, and numerous MFA programs.
