The bestseller lists I compile each month using Bookstat data offer a view of self-publishing bestsellers as well as what’s performing well outside of the biggest publishers through online retail.
The Hidden Gems list—which looks for titles performing well outside of the Big Five—includes the following new releases:
- An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days (McNally Jackson Books) by Maria Popova. This is not a book but a deck of cards. The official description reads, “Originally intended as a gift to her friends for her fortieth birthday, [Popova] set out to create a sort of avian alternative to tarot—a deck of cards less for telling the future than for making sense of the present, for finding grace in the complexities and confusions of our human lives.”
- God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective (Deluxe Edition) by Rick Barba is a celebration of the video game series of the same name.
- Numerous comics and manga volumes have hit the list, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II—Re-Evolution (IDW) by Kevin Eastman; JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 (VIZ Media) by Hirohiko Araki; Tomb Raider Colossal Collection Volume 1 (Dark Horse Comics) by Dan Jurgens; and Era of Ruin (The Horus Heresy: Siege of Terra) by Dan Abnett.
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 July 2025, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, Bibles and Bible studies, compilations and box sets, kids’ school workbooks, 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 | Three Shattered Souls (Broken Blades 3) | Mai Corland | Entangled: Red Tower Books | July 15, 2025 |
| 3 | An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days | Maria Popova | McNally Jackson Books | July 29, 2025 |
| 4 | God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective (Deluxe Edition) | Rick Barba | Dark Horse Comics | July 8, 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 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Bad Idea Company Ltd | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 7 | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II—Re-Evolution | Kevin Eastman | IDW Publishing | July 8, 2025 |
| 8 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 9 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Jan. 31, 2013 |
| 10 | Do Not Disturb | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | July 1, 2025 |
| 11 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| 12 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Self-published | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 13 | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7—Steel Ball Run Volume 2 | Hirohiko Araki | VIZ Media | July 22, 2025 |
| 14 | 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 |
| 15 | The Tenant | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | May 6, 2025 |
| 16 | Theo of Golden | Allen Levi | Allen Levi | Oct. 11, 2023 |
| 17 | The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition): Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life | JL Collins | Authors Equity | May 20, 2025 |
| 18 | Tomb Raider Colossal Collection Volume 1 | Dan Jurgens | Dark Horse Comics | July 1, 2025 |
| 19 | Era of Ruin (The Horus Heresy: Siege of Terra) | Dan Abnett | Games Workshop | July 15, 2025 |
| 20 | X-Men ’97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series | James Field | Harry N. Abrams | July 1, 2025 |
| 21 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | June 11, 2024 |
| 22 | The Deal (Collector’s Edition) (Off-Campus 1) | Elle Kennedy | Sourcebooks/Bloom Books | July 29, 2025 |
| 23 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 24 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Moms on Call | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 25 | See You Later, Alligator | Sally Hopgood | Skyhorse Publishing | Sept. 20, 2016 |
| 26 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 27 | The Real Ghostbusters: A Visual History (Deluxe Edition) | Troy Benjamin | Dark Horse Comics | July 8, 2025 |
| 28 | The Amish Ways | Eddie Swartzentruber | Global Brother | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 29 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian, PhD | Global Brother | March 20, 2023 |
| 30 | 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 |
| 31 | 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 |
| 32 | The Curse That Binds (Deluxe Edition) (Bewitched 3) | Laura Thalassa | Sourcebooks/Bloom Books | July 1, 2025 |
| 33 | The Best Man: Unfinished Business (Best Man) | Malcolm D. Lee | Storehouse Voices | July 1, 2025 |
| 34 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 35 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Self-published | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 36 | The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever: Over 1,500 Hidden Objects to Search and Find | Highlights | Highlights Press | March 9, 2021 |
| 37 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 38 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 39 | Daggerheart Core Set | Spenser Starke | Darrington Press | June 3, 2025 |
| 40 | Heaven Official’s Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Deluxe Hardcover) Volume 5 | Mo Xiang Tong Xiu | Seven Seas | July 1, 2025 |
| 41 | Caught Up: Into Darkness Trilogy (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando/Slowburn | June 10, 2025 |
| 42 | Invincible Compendium Volume 1 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | Aug. 30, 2011 |
| 43 | The Complete Calvin and Hobbes | Bill Watterson | Andrews McMeel Publishing | Nov. 13, 2012 |
| 44 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 45 | Our Class Is a Family | Shannon Olsen | Shannon Olsen | May 5, 2020 |
| 46 | Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!: 125+ Brain Games for Kids | Highlights | Highlights Press | Feb. 5, 2019 |
| 47 | AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models | Chip Huyen | O’Reilly Media | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| 48 | Shield of Sparrows | Devney Perry | Entangled: Red Tower Books | May 6, 2025 |
| 49 | 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 |
| 50 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Independently Published | April 3, 2019 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Till Summer Do Us Part | Meghan Quinn | June 3, 2025 |
| 2 | The Tenant | Freida McFadden | May 6, 2025 |
| 3 | Isles of the Emberdark: A Cosmere Novel (Secret Projects 5) | Brandon Sanderson | July 10, 2025 |
| 4 | Don Caselli (Caselli Family 2) | Jahquel J. | July 11, 2025 |
| 5 | State of Retribution: A First Family Novel (First Family 9) | Marie Force | July 25, 2025 |
| 6 | Chasing Shelter (Sparrow Falls 5) | Catherine Cowles | July 22, 2025 |
| 7 | Rewind It Back (Windy City 5) | Liz Tomforde | May 20, 2025 |
| 8 | Beneath the Grove (Maddie Castle 7) | L.T. Ryan | July 8, 2025 |
| 9 | Ward D | Freida McFadden | May 8, 2023 |
| 10 | Zodiac Academy: The Awakening | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 2, 2019 |
| 11 | Keeping Laryn (Rescue Angels 1) | Susan Stoker | July 1, 2025 |
| 12 | Where We Bloom: A Small Town, Billionaire Romance (Blackwells of Montana 3) | Kristen Proby | July 17, 2025 |
| 13 | Obsidian (Shadowbound Fae 1) | K.F. Breene | July 8, 2025 |
| 14 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 15 | Gild (Plated Prisoner 1) | Raven Kennedy | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| 16 | City of Smoke and Brimstone (House of Devils 4) | Kayla Edwards | July 8, 2025 |
| 17 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 18 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 19 | His Son’s Ex: An Age Gap, Mafia Romance (Silver Fox Daddies) | K.C. Crowne | June 30, 2025 |
| 20 | Mile High (Windy City 1) | Liz Tomforde | June 7, 2022 |
| 21 | Eclipsed Empire (Wolves of Crescent Creek 2) | Tessa Hale | July 16, 2025 |
| 22 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 23 | Flawless: A Small Town Enemies to Lovers Romance | Elsie Silver | June 24, 2022 |
| 24 | Gloves Off: A Marriage of Convenience Hockey Romance (Vancouver Storm 4) | Stephanie Archer | June 17, 2025 |
| 25 | Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3) | Raven Kennedy | May 31, 2021 |
| 26 | The Wildest One (Weston Group 2) | Marni Mann | July 10, 2025 |
| 27 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 28 | Death (Mafia Empire 3) | Michelle Heard | June 30, 2025 |
| 29 | Striking (Red Lips & White Lies 7) | Bella Matthews | July 17, 2025 |
| 30 | Twisted Love | Ana Huang | April 29, 2021 |
| 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 | Beg for Me (Morally Gray 3) | J.T. Geissinger | July 1, 2025 |
| 34 | Crazy Love: A Small Town, Single Dad, Sports Romance (Single Dad Playbook 5) | Willow Aster | July 10, 2025 |
| 35 | Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow Princess | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 36 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 37 | Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl 1) | Matt Dinniman | Oct. 2, 2020 |
| 38 | Duplicity: A Billionaire, Single Mom Romance (Seraph) | Elodie Hart | June 5, 2025 |
| 39 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 40 | Theo of Golden | Allen Levi | Oct. 11, 2023 |
| 41 | The Night Prince: A Fantasy Romance (Wolf King 2) | Lauren Palphreyman | March 31, 2025 |
| 42 | Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Oct. 4, 2019 |
| 43 | Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed Fates | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | May 20, 2020 |
| 44 | Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 45 | The Deal (Off-Campus 1) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 24, 2015 |
| 46 | Glint (Plated Prisoner 2) | Raven Kennedy | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| 47 | The Right Move (Windy City 2) | Liz Tomforde | Feb. 7, 2023 |
| 48 | Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless Sky | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 18, 2021 |
| 49 | The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 50 | The Gathering of Clan McFee: A 1920s Murder Mystery (Heathcliff Lennox) | Karen Baugh Menuhin | July 3, 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 Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 4 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 5 | 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 |
| 6 | Theo of Golden | Allen Levi | Oct. 11, 2023 |
| 7 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 8 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter LPN | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 9 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 10 | The Amish Ways | Eddie Swartzentruber | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 11 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian, PhD | March 20, 2023 |
| 12 | 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 | May 4, 2024 |
| 13 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 14 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 15 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 16 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 17 | Our Class Is a Family | Shannon Olsen | May 5, 2020 |
| 18 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 19 | Aprender inglés para adultos principiantes: 7 libros en 1: ¡Habla inglés en 30 días! (Spanish Edition) | Explore ToWin | June 5, 2024 |
| 20 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 21 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 22 | What I Love about You: 30 Things I Love about You and the Reasons Why I Love You Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Book | Questions About Me | July 7, 2022 |
| 23 | A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School | Shannon Olsen | May 19, 2021 |
| 24 | Couples Edition:50 Scratch-Off Date Night Ideas | Staff of the Adventure Challenge | Jan. 1, 2020 |
| 25 | How to Draw Patterns: Easy and Fun Step-by-Step Guide for Unique Creations | Coco Wyo | March 27, 2025 |
| 26 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 27 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 28 | How to Draw Anything for Kids: 300 Cute Step-by-Step Drawing Stuff: Amazing Food, Animals, Kawaii, Gifts and Other | Patricia Rogers | April 12, 2024 |
| 29 | Our Big Book of First Words: A Collection of 100+ Foundational Words for Language Development | Tabitha Paige | Sept. 24, 2024 |
| 30 | What Should Danny Do? (Power to Choose) | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 31 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 32 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 33 | The Only Living Trusts Book You’ll Ever Need: How to Make Your Own Living Trust, Avoid Probate & Protect Your Heirs (Plus Protect Your Assets & Save Thousands on Taxes) | Garrett Monroe | June 25, 2024 |
| 34 | Ocean Scene: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Sea Life | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 35 | Self-Love: Girl Therapy Coloring Book to Inspire Yourself and Love Who You Are | Hikaru Kotz | Nov. 23, 2024 |
| 36 | Simple Art: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Minimalist Features | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 37 | 100 Amazing Patterns: An Adult Coloring Book with Fun, Easy, and Relaxing Coloring Pages | Jade Summer | July 15, 2019 |
| 38 | Dinos Love Donuts (Mythical Feasts) | Ben Okon | July 17, 2024 |
| 39 | Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! | Robert T. Kiyosaki | April 5, 2022 |
| 40 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 41 | My Magical Choices: Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day with their Choices! | Becky Cummings | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| 42 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 43 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 44 | Meditations | Marcus Aurelius | Nov. 7, 2016 |
| 45 | Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery) | Aaron Johnson | May 22, 2022 |
| 46 | The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience | Brenda Li | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| 47 | 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 |
| 48 | Spiritual Warfare Prayers: Modern Edition—Overcome Anxiety, Loneliness, Temptation, Anger, and Spiritual Attacks with God’s Word | Faithstone Publishing | Dec. 16, 2024 |
| 49 | The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby | S.M. Gross | Nov. 16, 2021 |
| 50 | Moms on Call: Next Steps Baby Care 6–15 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Jan. 1, 2012 |
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.
