In partnership with Bookstat, I compile three distinctive monthly bestseller lists.1
- Top 50 Self-Published Print Books (online sales only)
- Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
- Top 50 Hidden Gems (print, online sales only) — includes traditionally and self-published books
Of note this month:
- A cookbook lands in the second spot on Hidden Gems: TODAY Loves Food: Recipes from America’s Favorite Kitchen, by Emi Boscamp, is published by Abrams. TODAY show hosts curate a collection of the show’s most popular recipes.
- Yet another treasure-finding book: Earlier this year, There’s Treasure Inside, self-published by Jon Collins-Black, started hitting the Hidden Gems list. (According to the book’s website, the treasure has not yet been found.) Now there’s another one, Beyond the Map’s Edge by Justin Posey, which is ranking at number 12 on the Hidden Gems list. The author was featured in Netflix’s Gold & Greed.
- A deluxe edition of a romantasy: The Never List by Jade Presley from Entangled’s Red Tower is number 13 on Hidden Gems. Publishers Weekly calls it “BookTok catnip.”
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 April 2025, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, Bibles and Bible studies, the Quran, compilations and box sets, 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 | Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies at Your Fingertips | Nicole Apelian, PhD | Global Brother | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 2 | Today Loves Food: Recipes from America’s Favorite Kitchen | Emi Boscamp | Harry N. Abrams | April 29, 2025 |
| 3 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 4 | King of Envy (Kings of Sin 5) | Ana Huang | Bloom Books/Sourcebooks | April 29, 2025 |
| 5 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 1 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | Aug. 30, 2011 |
| 6 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 2 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | Aug. 27, 2013 |
| 7 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 3 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | July 24, 2018 |
| 8 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian, PhD | Global Brother | March 20, 2023 |
| 9 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Self-published | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 10 | Metaphor: ReFantazio Official Strategy Guide | Future Press | Future Press | April 22, 2025 |
| 11 | Beyond the Map’s Edge | Justin M Posey | Self-published | March 27, 2025 |
| 12 | The Never List (Deluxe Limited Edition) | Jade Presley | Entangled: Red Tower Books | April 8, 2025 |
| 13 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 14 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Self-published | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 15 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 16 | 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 |
| 17 | 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 |
| 18 | Try Not to Laugh Challenge: Easter Joke Book for Kids | Easter Bunny Press | Self-published | March 17, 2018 |
| 19 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| 20 | Build a Business You Love: Mastering the Five Stages of Business | Dave Ramsey | Ramsey Press | April 15, 2025 |
| 21 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Bad Idea Company Ltd | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 22 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Feb. 1, 2013 |
| 23 | How to Draw Patterns: Easy and Fun Step-by-Step Guide for Unique Creations | Coco Wyo | Self-published | March 27, 2025 |
| 24 | Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History 10th Anniversary Edition | Roman Bystrianyk | Self-published | March 26, 2024 |
| 25 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation Featuring Animals, Landscape, Flowers, Patterns, Cute Things and Many More | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 4, 2024 |
| 26 | The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have (20th Anniversary Edition) | Mark Nepo | Red Wheel | Jan. 1, 2020 |
| 27 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 28 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 29 | The Milepost 2025: Alaska Travel Planner | Serine Reeves Morris Communications | Milepost | April 1, 2025 |
| 30 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter LPN | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 31 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 32 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 33 | What I Love about You, Mom: 30 Things I Love About You and the Reasons Why I Love You | Questions about Me | Self-published | July 7, 2022 |
| 34 | Aprender inglés para adultos principiantes: 7 libros en 1: ¡Habla inglés en 30 días! (Spanish Edition) | Explore ToWin | Self-published | June 5, 2024 |
| 35 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Self-published | March 28, 2022 |
| 36 | Be Smart Pay Zero Taxes: Use the Buy, Borrow, Die Strategy to Get Rich and Stay Rich | Mark J. Quann | Humanix Books | March 4, 2025 |
| 37 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 38 | Interesting Facts for Curious Minds: 1572 Random but Mind-Blowing Facts about History, Science, Pop Culture and Everything in Between | Jordan Moore | Red Panda Press | July 18, 2022 |
| 39 | See You Later, Alligator | Sally Hopgood | Two Windmills | Sept. 20, 2016 |
| 40 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks | June 11, 2024 |
| 41 | Jesus Loves Me 5-Button Songbook | Ginger Swift | Cottage Door Press | Jan. 13, 2019 |
| 42 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 43 | 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 |
| 44 | 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 |
| 45 | The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America | David Pakman | Beacon Press | March 25, 2025 |
| 46 | Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life | Jim Murphy | Self-published | May 1, 2020 |
| 47 | Lights Out: An Into Darkness Novel (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando/Slowburn | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 48 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 49 | Setting the Captives Free: Deliverance Manual | Bev Tucker | Self-published | Feb. 11, 2019 |
| 50 | I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Board Book for Babies and Toddlers (Punderland) | Rose Rossner | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Jan. 7, 2020 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Saint (Fifth Republic 3) | Penelope Sky | April 1, 2025 |
| 2 | Wildest Dreams: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Forbidden Love 2) | L.J. Shen | April 8, 2025 |
| 3 | Bridesmaid by Chance | Meghan Quinn | April 15, 2025 |
| 4 | Wild Side | Elsie Silver | March 4, 2025 |
| 5 | Wild Scottish Gold (Enchanted Highlands 7) | Tricia O’Malley | April 1, 2025 |
| 6 | Whispers and Wildfire: A Small-Town Romance (Haven Brothers 4) | Claire Kingsley | April 10, 2025 |
| 7 | The Accidental Marriage: A Grumpy Billionaire Romance (Huxleys) | Nadia Lee | April 4, 2025 |
| 8 | Wild Love (Rose Hill 1) | Elsie Silver | April 9, 2024 |
| 9 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 10 | Rebound: A Standalone, Second Chance Romance (Manhattan Ruthless) | Sadie Kincaid | April 25, 2025 |
| 11 | King of Envy (Kings of Sin 5) | Ana Huang | April 29, 2025 |
| 12 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 13 | Zodiac Academy: The Awakening | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 2, 2019 |
| 14 | Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless Sky | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 18, 2021 |
| 15 | The Carver (Fifth Republic 2) | Penelope Sky | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| 16 | Bound in Blood (Broken Bloodlines 3) | Sadie Kincaid | March 31, 2025 |
| 17 | Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed Fates | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | May 20, 2020 |
| 18 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 3) | Penn Cole | Sept. 12, 2023 |
| 19 | Forbidden Vows: An Age Gap, Bratva Romance (Silver Fox Daddies) | K.C. Crowne | April 7, 2025 |
| 20 | Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow Princess | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 21 | Gild (Plated Prisoner 1) | Raven Kennedy | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| 22 | Teasing (Red Lips & White Lies 5) | Bella Matthews | April 10, 2025 |
| 23 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 24 | Wild Eyes | Elsie Silver | Sept. 3, 2024 |
| 25 | Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance | Elsie Silver | Oct. 14, 2022 |
| 26 | Mountain Boss (Mountain Men 1) | S.J. Tilly | March 27, 2025 |
| 27 | Zodiac Academy 8: Sorrow and Starlight | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 11, 2022 |
| 28 | Zodiac Academy 6: Fated Throne | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 25, 2020 |
| 29 | Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3) | Raven Kennedy | May 31, 2021 |
| 30 | Protecting Maggie (SEAL of Protection: Alliance 4) | Susan Stoker | April 1, 2025 |
| 31 | Glow (Plated Prisoner 4) | Raven Kennedy | June 18, 2022 |
| 32 | Forged in Blood: A Dark Paranormal/ Fantasy Romance (Broken Bloodlines 1) | Sadie Kincaid | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 33 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 34 | Direbound: A Dark Romantasy (Wolves of Ruin 1) | Sable Sorensen | Feb. 26, 2025 |
| 35 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 36 | Playboy: Boston Bolts Hockey | Brittanee Nicole | April 18, 2025 |
| 37 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Nov. 4, 2024 |
| 38 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 39 | Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Oct. 4, 2019 |
| 40 | Wicked Love: A Small Town, Single Dad, Sports Romance (Single Dad Playbook 4) | Willow Aster | April 10, 2025 |
| 41 | Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 42 | Zodiac Academy 9: Restless Stars | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | April 23, 2024 |
| 43 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 44 | 10 Days to Surrender (Ozerov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| 45 | Sawyer (Lucky River Ranch 3) | Jessica Peterson | April 24, 2025 |
| 46 | The Night Prince: A Fantasy Romance (Wolf King 2) | Lauren Palphreyman | March 31, 2025 |
| 47 | Glint (Plated Prisoner 2) | Raven Kennedy | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| 48 | Mirage (Rachel Hatch 13) | L.T. Ryan | April 8, 2025 |
| 49 | Lady of the Lake (Fey Spy Academy 3) | C.N. Crawford | April 18, 2025 |
| 50 | The Wrong Boss: A Secret Baby Billionaire Boss Romance (Manhattan Billionaires 6) | Lilian Monroe | April 16, 2025 |
Top 50 Self-Published Print Books
Box sets are excluded from this list.
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies at Your Fingertips | Nicole Apelian, PhD | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 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 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness : Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian, PhD | March 20, 2023 |
| 4 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 5 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 6 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 7 | 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 |
| 8 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 9 | Try Not to Laugh Challenge: Easter Joke Book for Kids | Easter Bunny Press | March 17, 2018 |
| 10 | Build a Business You Love: Mastering the Five Stages of Business | Dave Ramsey | April 15, 2025 |
| 11 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 12 | How to Draw Patterns: Easy and Fun Step-by-Step Guide for Unique Creations | Coco Wyo | March 27, 2025 |
| 13 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 14 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 15 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 16 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 17 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 18 | What I Love about You, Mom: 30 Things I Love about You and the Reasons Why I Love You | Questions about Me | July 7, 2022 |
| 19 | Aprender inglés para adultos principiantes: 7 libros en 1: ¡Habla inglés en 30 días! (Spanish Edition) | Explore ToWin | June 5, 2024 |
| 20 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 21 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 22 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 23 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 24 | Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life | Jim Murphy | May 1, 2020 |
| 25 | Setting the Captives Free: Deliverance Manual | Bev Tucker | Feb. 11, 2019 |
| 26 | The Complete Home Apothecary Book: 401 Easy, Step-by-Step Herbal Remedies and Powerful Blends to Relieve Pain, Boost Immunity, Improve Sleep, and Restore Balance Naturally | Ava Green | Feb. 6, 2025 |
| 27 | Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles and Brain Teasers Families Will Love (Thinking Books for Kids) | M. Prefontaine | May 17, 2017 |
| 28 | The Amish Ways | Eddie Swartzentruber | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 29 | Mental Toughness for Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises for Kids and Teens Who Play Competitive Sports | Troy Horne | May 2, 2020 |
| 30 | Mom’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 31 | Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History | Suzanne Humphries, MD | July 27, 2013 |
| 32 | Mamá, quiero escuchar tu historia: una madre diario guiado comparte tu vida y su amor (Spanish Edition) | Jeffrey Mason | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 33 | Love, Mom: A fast-paced psychological thriller with several twists | Iliana Xander | Oct. 31, 2024 |
| 34 | The Complete Self-Healing Collection of Natural Herbal Remedies Inspired by Barbara O’Neill: Everything You Need to Know to Restore Your Body’s Ability to Heal Itself | Clara Whitfield | Nov. 30, 2024 |
| 35 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds (Our Little Adventures) | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 36 | Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery) | Aaron Johnson | May 22, 2022 |
| 37 | What Should Danny Do? (Power to Choose) | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 38 | Valencia Lifestyle | Dr. Daniel Valencia | March 12, 2025 |
| 39 | My Magical Choices: Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day with Their Choices! | Becky Cummings | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| 40 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 41 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 42 | Easter Basket Stuffers Dot Marker Coloring Book | Made Easy Press | Feb. 18, 2024 |
| 43 | The Tears That Taught Me | Morgan Richard Olivier | March 1, 2022 |
| 44 | Self-Love: Girl Therapy Coloring Book to Inspire Yourself and Love Who You Are | Hikaru Kotz | Nov. 23, 2024 |
| 45 | Where God Came Down | Joel P. Kramer | Oct. 14, 2020 |
| 46 | 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 |
| 47 | Ocean Scene: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Sea Life | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 48 | The Easiest Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Seniors: A Complete Evidence-Based Guide to Healthy Eating, Weight Management, and Longevity | Mary Ellsworth | March 12, 2025 |
| 49 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 50 | Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal) | Rachel Schneider | May 13, 2024 |
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.
