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:
- Self-published print bestsellers: A title published in 2021 jumped out at me, since it’s the first time it has appeared on any of my lists: The Ultimate Guide to Methylene Blue by Mark Sloan [Amazon]. The description says, “Originally developed for dying fabric by the textile industry, you’re about to learn why methylene blue is one of the most potent metabolic medicines ever discovered. … [Learn] the secrets of dye therapy and how to use it to improve mitochondrial function and powerfully enhance your body’s metabolism.” The book is surfacing now because of rumors that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is ingesting methylene blue. Learn more.
- Hidden gems: Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver, the third installment in a romance trilogy, is number two on the list, published by Zando. Number 12 on the list is a self-published book: Becoming Brigitte by Xavier Poussard, which claims that Emmanuel Macron’s wife is a transgender woman. Learn more. A small Australian publisher, Rockpool, has a title at number 28 on the list: Seasons of the Witch by Lorriane Anderson, a card deck.
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 February 2025, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, Bibles and Bible studies, 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 | Dr. Nicole Apelian | Global Brother | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 2 | Scythe & Sparrow (Ruinous Love 3) | Brynne Weaver | Zando | Feb. 11, 2025 |
| 3 | Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life | Jim Murphy | Self-published | May 1, 2020 |
| 4 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks (Poisoned Pen Press) | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 5 | 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 |
| 6 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 7 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 8 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Self-published | March 28, 2022 |
| 9 | Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts: A Rhyming Read Aloud Story Book for Kids and Adults about Farting and Friendship | Jane Bexley | Self-published | Nov. 24, 2020 |
| 10 | 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 |
| 11 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 12 | Becoming Brigitte | Xavier Poussard | Self-published | Feb. 5, 2025 |
| 13 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Nov. 2, 2023 |
| 14 | Melania | Melania Trump | Skyhorse Publishing | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 15 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks (Poisoned Pen Press) | June 11, 2024 |
| 16 | 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 |
| 17 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 18 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 19 | Lights Out (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 20 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think, Expanded Edition: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 21 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 22 | You’re My Little Cuddle Bug | Nicola Edwards | Silver Dolphin Books | Jan. 2, 2018 |
| 23 | Man’s Search for Meaning | Viktor E. Frankl | Beacon Press | June 1, 2006 |
| 24 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 25 | I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers This Christmas | Rose Rossner | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Jan. 7, 2020 |
| 26 | How to Catch a Leprechaun: A Saint Patrick’s Day Book for Kids | Adam Wallace | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Feb. 2, 2016 |
| 27 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 28 | Seasons of the Witch—Ostara Oracle | Lorriane Anderson | Rockpool Publishing | Feb. 4, 2025 |
| 29 | Trigun Maximum Deluxe Edition, Volume 4 | Yasuhiro Nightow | Dark Horse Manga | Feb. 25, 2025 |
| 30 | There’s Treasure Inside | Jon Collins-Black | Self-published | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 31 | Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | Skyhorse Publishing | Nov. 16, 2021 |
| 32 | The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom) | Don Miguel Ruiz | Amber-Allen Publishing | Nov. 7, 1997 |
| 33 | The Constitution of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights | Founding Fathers | East India Publishing Company | Aug. 20, 2020 |
| 34 | The Man behind The Maps | Jason Blevins, Ben Farrow | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 35 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Self-published | Oct. 31, 2024 |
| 36 | Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds | David Goggins | Self-published | Dec. 10, 2018 |
| 37 | Decrees That Activate the Gifts of the Holy Spirit | Tommy Evans | Destiny Image | Dec. 23, 2024 |
| 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 | Critical Role: The Chronicles of Exandria—The Mighty Nein Part Two, Deluxe Edition | Critical Role | Dark Horse Comics | Feb. 11, 2025 |
| 40 | Moving beyond the COVID-19 Lies: Restoring Health & Hope for Humanity | Bryan Ardis | Harvest Creek Publishing | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 41 | AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models | Chip Huyen | O’Reilly Media | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| 42 | The Book of Unusual Knowledge | Publications International Ltd. | Publications International | April 1, 2012 |
| 43 | Save America | Donald J Trump | Winning Team Publishing | Sept. 3, 2024 |
| 44 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 45 | Off Grid Survival Projects Bible: The Complete DIY Guide to Achieving 100% Self-Sufficiency | Lucas T. Fremont | Self-published | Nov. 27, 2024 |
| 46 | 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 |
| 47 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks (Poisoned Pen Press) | Dec. 5, 2023 |
| 48 | The Chateau Marmont Hollywood Handbook | Andre Balazs | Rizzoli | Feb. 4, 2025 |
| 49 | Meditations | Marcus Aurelius | Fingerprint! Publishing | Feb. 15, 2023 |
| 50 | Valentines Day Gifts For Kids: Valentine’s Day Joke Book for Kids: Clean Funny Jokes | Valentines Day Gifts For Kids | Self-published | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 2 | 10,000 Hours with A Rich Menace (Caselli Family 1) | Jahquel J. | Feb. 12, 2025 |
| 3 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 4 | Zodiac Academy: The Awakening (Zodiac Academy 1) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 2, 2019 |
| 5 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 6 | A Twist of Luck (Shifter City Fated Mates 2) | Jaymin Eve | Feb. 7, 2025 |
| 7 | Wild Love (Rose Hill 1) | Elsie Silver | April 9, 2024 |
| 8 | The Charlie Method (Campus Diaries 3) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 25, 2025 |
| 9 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 10 | The Roommate Mistake: An Off-Limits Rugby Romcom (Copper Valley Pounders Rugby 2) | Pippa Grant | Feb. 6, 2025 |
| 11 | My Dark Prince: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (Dark Prince Road) | Parker S. Huntington | Feb. 9, 2025 |
| 12 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 3) | Penn Cole | Sept. 12, 2023 |
| 13 | Don’t Let Her Stay: An Unputdownable Psychological Thriller with a Breathtaking Twist | Nicola Sanders | Feb. 9, 2023 |
| 14 | Spark of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 1) | Penn Cole | June 1, 2023 |
| 15 | The Reluctant Wife: A Bodyguard–Princess Marriage of Convenience Romance (Davenports 4) | L. Steele | Feb. 6, 2025 |
| 16 | Zodiac Academy: Shadow Princess (Zodiac Academy 4) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 17 | Comeback (Holland Brothers 3) | Rebecca Jenshak | Jan. 30, 2025 |
| 18 | Zodiac Academy: Cursed Fates (Zodiac Academy 5) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | May 20, 2020 |
| 19 | This Wild Heart: A Fake Marriage, Sports Romance (Wilder Family) | Karla Sorensen | Feb. 7, 2025 |
| 20 | Zodiac Academy: The Reckoning (Zodiac Academy 3) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Oct. 4, 2019 |
| 21 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 22 | Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae (Zodiac Academy 2) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 23 | Captivating (Red Lips & White Lies 4) | Bella Matthews | Feb. 13, 2025 |
| 24 | Inked Athena (Litvinov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | Jan. 1, 2025 |
| 25 | Promise Me Forever: Manhattan Ruthless | Sadie Kincaid | Jan. 10, 2025 |
| 26 | Zodiac Academy: Heartless Sky (Zodiac Academy 7) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 18, 2021 |
| 27 | Under an Endless Moon (Moonlit Ridge 2) | A.L. Jackson | Feb. 10, 2025 |
| 28 | The Path to Loving Him | Meghan Quinn | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| 29 | The Carver (Fifth Republic 2) | Penelope Sky | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| 30 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 31 | Glow of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 2) | Penn Cole | July 18, 2023 |
| 32 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 33 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 34 | Zodiac Academy: Fated Throne (Zodiac Academy 6) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 25, 2020 |
| 35 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Nov. 4, 2024 |
| 36 | Bad Little Bride | Meagan Brandy | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| 37 | Twisted Love | Ana Huang | April 29, 2021 |
| 38 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 39 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 40 | Forged in Blood: A Dark Paranormal/Fantasy Romance (Broken Bloodlines 1) | Sadie Kincaid | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 41 | Inked Adonis (Litvinov Bratva 1) | Nicole Fox | Jan. 1, 2025 |
| 42 | When We Burn: A Small Town, Firefighter, Single Dad Romance (Blackwells of Montana 1) | Kristen Proby | Feb. 20, 2025 |
| 43 | Zodiac Academy: Sorrow and Starlight (Zodiac Academy 8) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 11, 2022 |
| 44 | Cross-Checked (Boston Rebels 3) | Julia Connors | Jan. 31, 2025 |
| 45 | Say You Swear | Meagan Brandy | Feb. 16, 2022 |
| 46 | The Hermit (Mafia Empire 1) | Michelle Heard | Feb. 3, 2025 |
| 47 | The Deal (Off-Campus 1) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 24, 2015 |
| 48 | Smooth Sailing (Wild West MC 3) | Kristen Ashley | Feb. 4, 2025 |
| 49 | Audacity (Seraph 1) | Elodie Hart | Feb. 13, 2025 |
| 50 | Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays 1) | Emily Rath | March 20, 2023 |
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 | Dr. Nicole Apelian | 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 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 4 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 5 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 6 | Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts: A Rhyming Read Aloud Story Book for Kids and Adults about Farting and Friendship | Jane Bexley | Nov. 24, 2020 |
| 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 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 9 | Becoming Brigitte | Xavier Poussard | Feb. 5, 2025 |
| 10 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 11 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 12 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 13 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 14 | There’s Treasure Inside | Jon Collins-Black | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 15 | The Man behind The Maps | Jason Blevins, Ben Farrow | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 16 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Oct. 31, 2024 |
| 17 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 18 | Off Grid Survival Projects Bible: The Complete DIY Guide to Achieving 100% Self-Sufficiency | Lucas T. Fremont | Nov. 27, 2024 |
| 19 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 20 | Valentines Day Gifts For Kids: Valentine’s Day Joke Book for Kids: Clean Funny Jokes | Valentines Day Gifts for Kids | Dec. 13, 2024 |
| 21 | The Tears That Taught Me | Morgan Richard Olivier | March 1, 2022 |
| 22 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | March 20, 2023 |
| 23 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | May 24, 2024 |
| 24 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 25 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 26 | The Dr. Now 1200-Calorie Diet Plan: A Proven Path to Weight Loss and Better Health with Dr. Nowzaradan’s Balanced Meal Formula | Ella Claire Reed | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| 27 | Cat Moments: Meow Life Coloring Book for Adults and Teens | Hikaru Kotz | Jan. 24, 2025 |
| 28 | Aprender inglés para adultos principiantes: 7 libros en 1: ¡Habla inglés en 30 días! | Explore To Win | Oct. 30, 2024 |
| 29 | No Grid Survival Projects Bible: Secure Your Home, Power, Water and Food Supply to Thrive through Any Crisis & Disaster | Jonathan A. Hugg | Oct. 7, 2024 |
| 30 | Comfy Days: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 31 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 32 | Mother of Death and Dawn (War of Lost Hearts) | Carissa Broadbent | Feb. 6, 2022 |
| 33 | 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 |
| 34 | Comfy Patterns: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation Featuring Lovely Cozy Pattern and Mandala | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 35 | Simple Art: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Minimalist Features | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 36 | Daughter of No Worlds (War of Lost Hearts 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Jan. 6, 2020 |
| 37 | The Inner Work of Relationships: An Invitation to Heal Your Inner Child and Create a Conscious Relationship Together | Mathew Micheletti | March 18, 2024 |
| 38 | Children of Fallen Gods (War of Lost Hearts 2) | Carissa Broadbent | March 29, 2021 |
| 39 | 100 QUEST Color by Number: Squares + Triangles + Hexagons + Circles | Sunlife Drawing | Jan. 1, 2023 |
| 40 | Care Free Keto: How to Lose Weight and Have Fun Doing It | Irick Wiggins | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 41 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 42 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 43 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Travis Bradberry | June 16, 2009 |
| 44 | The Ultimate Guide to Methylene Blue: Remarkable Hope for Depression, COVID, AIDS & Other Viruses, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Cancer, Heart Disease … Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction) | Mark Sloan | May 14, 2021 |
| 45 | Phantom | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 14, 2025 |
| 46 | The Housemaid’s Wedding: A Short Story | Freida McFadden | Nov. 4, 2024 |
| 47 | Anathema (Eating Woods 1) | Keri Lake | Sept. 12, 2024 |
| 48 | The Great Gatsby | F Scott Fitzgerald | Sept. 1, 2022 |
| 49 | The Wife Upstairs: A Twisted Psychological Thriller That Will Keep You Guessing | Freida McFadden | May 12, 2020 |
| 50 | 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 |
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.
