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.
On the Hidden Gems list—which looks for titles performing well outside of the Big Five—newly released novels continue to hit big:
- At number three: Caught Up, the second book in the Into Darkness series, by Navessa Allen (Zando).
- At number six: The Tenant, the latest release from Freida McFadden (Sourcebooks).
- At number seven: The Robin on the Oak Throne, the second installment in the Oak & Holly Cycle, by K.A. Linde (Entangled).
- At number nine: My Dark Prince, an “extremely” limited print edition by Parker S. Huntington (self-published).
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 June 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 | Daggerheart Core Set | Spenser Starke | Darrington Press | June 3, 2025 |
| 3 | Caught Up: Into Darkness Trilogy (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando (Slowburn) | June 10, 2025 |
| 4 | 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 |
| 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 Tenant | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks / Poisoned Pen Press | May 6, 2025 |
| 7 | The Robin on the Oak Throne (Oak & Holly Cycle 2) | K.A. Linde | Entangled: Red Tower Books | June 17, 2025 |
| 8 | Why a Daughter Needs a Dad: Celebrate Your Father Daughter Bond with This Special Picture Book! | Gregory E. Lang | Sourcebooks Wonderland | May 7, 2019 |
| 9 | My Dark Prince: Digitally Signed Edition (Extremely Limited Print) | Parker S. Huntington | PSH Publishing House | June 30, 2025 |
| 10 | Dad and Me Setting Farts Free: A Funny Read Aloud Picture Book for Fathers and Their Kids | Jane Bexley | Self-published | April 28, 2021 |
| 11 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Bad Idea Company Ltd | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 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 | 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 |
| 14 | Till Summer Do Us Part (Deluxe Edition) | Meghan Quinn | Sourcebooks / Bloom Books | June 3, 2025 |
| 15 | Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Paige Tate & Co | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 16 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 17 | Shield of Sparrows | Devney Perry | Entangled: Red Tower Books | May 6, 2025 |
| 18 | Superfine: Tailoring Black Style | Monica L. Miller | Metropolitan Museum of Art | June 3, 2025 |
| 19 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| 20 | World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Jan. 31, 2013 |
| 21 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 1 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | Aug. 30, 2011 |
| 22 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Moms on Call | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 23 | Why a Son Needs a Dad: Celebrate Your Father and Son Bond with This Heartwarming Gift! | Gregory E. Lang | Sourcebooks Wonderland | April 1, 2021 |
| 24 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 25 | Codex Seraphinianus: 40th Anniversary Edition | Luigi Serafini | Rizzoli | Oct. 12, 2021 |
| 26 | The Book of Unusual Knowledge | Publications International Ltd. | Publications International | April 1, 2012 |
| 27 | Holy Spirit: God within You: Hear His Voice, Experience His Presence, and Move in His Power | David Diga Hernandez | Destiny Image | June 3, 2025 |
| 28 | 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 |
| 29 | Go One More: Find the Clarity to Make Intentional, Life-Changing Choices | Nick Bare | BenBella Books | June 24, 2025 |
| 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 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 2 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | Aug. 27, 2013 |
| 32 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 33 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 34 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Global Brother | March 20, 2023 |
| 35 | Theo of Golden | Allen Levi | Allen Levi | Oct. 11, 2023 |
| 36 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 37 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 38 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 39 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press | June 11, 2024 |
| 40 | Invincible Compendium, Volume 3 | Robert Kirkman | Image Comics | July 24, 2018 |
| 41 | The Transformers Compendium, Volume 1 | Bob Budiansky | Image Comics | June 10, 2025 |
| 42 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 43 | AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models | Chip Huyen | O’Reilly Media | Jan. 7, 2025 |
| 44 | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7—Steel Ball Run, Volume 1 | Hirohiko Araki | VIZ Media | May 27, 2025 |
| 45 | Moving beyond the COVID-19 Lies: Restoring Health & Hope for Humanity | Bryan Ardis | Harvest Creek Publishing | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 46 | Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds | David Goggins | Lioncrest Publishing | Dec. 10, 2018 |
| 47 | The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire | David Deida | Sounds True | Feb. 1, 2017 |
| 48 | Lights Out: An Into Darkness Novel (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando (Slowburn) | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 49 | Would You Rather Book for Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Self-published | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 50 | 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 |
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 | Rewind It Back (Windy City 5) | Liz Tomforde | May 20, 2025 |
| 4 | Mile High (Windy City 1) | Liz Tomforde | June 7, 2022 |
| 5 | Filthy Lies (Akopov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | May 28, 2025 |
| 6 | Zodiac Academy: The Awakening | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 2, 2019 |
| 7 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 8 | Duplicity: A Billionaire, Single Mom Romance (Seraph) | Elodie Hart | June 5, 2025 |
| 9 | Gild (Plated Prisoner 1) | Raven Kennedy | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| 10 | King of Envy (Kings of Sin 5) | Ana Huang | April 29, 2025 |
| 11 | Gloves Off: A Marriage of Convenience Hockey Romance (Vancouver Storm 4) | Stephanie Archer | June 17, 2025 |
| 12 | Filthy Promises (Akopov Bratva 1) | Nicole Fox | May 28, 2025 |
| 13 | Flawless: A Small Town Enemies to Lovers Romance | Elsie Silver | June 24, 2022 |
| 14 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 15 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 16 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 17 | Storming the Reich (After Dunkirk 8) | Lee Jackson | June 24, 2025 |
| 18 | Ward D | Freida McFadden | May 8, 2023 |
| 19 | The Right Move (Windy City 2) | Liz Tomforde | Feb. 7, 2023 |
| 20 | Quasim III: King Inferno (Season Four: Inferno Gods 3) | Jahquel J. | June 24, 2025 |
| 21 | King of Wrath (Kings of Sin 1) | Ana Huang | Oct. 20, 2022 |
| 22 | Wild Love (Rose Hill 1) | Elsie Silver | April 9, 2024 |
| 23 | Caught Up (Windy City 3) | Liz Tomforde | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 24 | Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3) | Raven Kennedy | May 31, 2021 |
| 25 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 26 | Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow Princess | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 27 | A Claim of Fortune (Shifter City Fated Mates 3) | Jaymin Eve | June 6, 2025 |
| 28 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 29 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 30 | Twisted Love | Ana Huang | April 29, 2021 |
| 31 | Echo Fort (Sins of the Zodiac 2) | Caroline Peckham | June 17, 2025 |
| 32 | Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed Fates | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | May 20, 2020 |
| 33 | Heart of a Devil: A Best Friend’s Dad, Age Gap Standalone Romance | Sadie Kincaid | May 29, 2025 |
| 34 | Glow (Plated Prisoner 4) | Raven Kennedy | June 18, 2022 |
| 35 | Wild Side | Elsie Silver | March 4, 2025 |
| 36 | Play Along (Windy City 4) | Liz Tomforde | July 11, 2024 |
| 37 | The Deal (Off-Campus 1) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 24, 2015 |
| 38 | Forged in Blood: A Dark Paranormal/Fantasy Romance (Broken Bloodlines 1) | Sadie Kincaid | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 39 | Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 40 | Hat Trick (D.C. Stars 4) | Chelsea Curto | May 27, 2025 |
| 41 | Zodiac Academy 6: Fated Throne | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 25, 2020 |
| 42 | Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Oct. 4, 2019 |
| 43 | The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 44 | Glint (Plated Prisoner 2) | Raven Kennedy | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| 45 | Avenging Angels: Tenderfoot | Kristen Ashley | June 17, 2025 |
| 46 | Would You Rather? Eww! Edition: Funny, Silly, Wacky, Wild, and Completely Eww Worthy Scenarios for Boys, Girls, Kids, and Teens | Crazy Corey | Aug. 9, 2019 |
| 47 | The Overtime Kiss (Love and Hockey 5) | Lauren Blakely | June 18, 2025 |
| 48 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 49 | Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance | Elsie Silver | Oct. 14, 2022 |
| 50 | Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless Sky | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 18, 2021 |
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 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 3 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 4 | My Dark Prince: Digitally Signed Edition (Extremely Limited Print) | Parker S. Huntington | June 30, 2025 |
| 5 | Dad and Me Setting Farts Free: A Funny Read Aloud Picture Book for Fathers and Their Kids | Jane Bexley | April 28, 2021 |
| 6 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 7 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 8 | 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 |
| 9 | Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 10 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 11 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 12 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 13 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 14 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 15 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian, PhD | March 20, 2023 |
| 16 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 17 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 18 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 19 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 20 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 21 | Echo Fort (Sins of the Zodiac 2) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | June 17, 2025 |
| 22 | How to Draw Patterns: Easy and Fun Step-by-Step Guide for Unique Creations | Coco Wyo | March 27, 2025 |
| 23 | Mom’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 24 | Spanish in 60 Days: The Language Learning Workbook to Help You Speak Just Like the Locals with Common Slang Words and Phrases, Conversation Starters, and Grammar Rules to Live By! | La Cucaracha Sara | Feb. 6, 2023 |
| 25 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Dad: A Father’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | April 18, 2021 |
| 26 | The Amish Ways | Eddie Swartzentruber | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 27 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 28 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 29 | Ocean Scene: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Sea Life | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 30 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 31 | Self-Love: Girl Therapy Coloring Book to Inspire Yourself and Love Who You Are | Hikaru Kotz | Nov. 23, 2024 |
| 32 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 33 | There’s Treasure Inside | Jon Collins-Black | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 34 | Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery) | Aaron Johnson | May 22, 2022 |
| 35 | Simple Art: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Minimalist Features | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 36 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 37 | Blackstone Griddle Recipe Book for Beginners: Discover a Diverse Selection of Delicious & Easy Blackstone Recipes for Your Griddle, Perfect for Outdoor Gatherings and Memorable Picnics | Monica Daigle | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 38 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 39 | 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 |
| 40 | 100 Amazing Patterns: An Adult Coloring Book with Fun, Easy, and Relaxing Coloring Pages | Jade Summer | July 15, 2019 |
| 41 | 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 |
| 42 | Super Simple Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Seniors: Eat Healthy, Support Longevity & Control Weight—Your Complete Science-Backed Guide with Easy, Delicious Recipes Anyone Can Make! | Hannah Lauren Costa | May 2, 2025 |
| 43 | Mental Toughness for Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises for Kids and Teens Who Play Competitive Sports | Troy Horne | May 2, 2020 |
| 44 | My Magical Choices: Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day with Their Choices! | Becky Cummings | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| 45 | The Prepper’s Survival Bible: Your Complete Guide to Surviving Any Crises & Disasters: Bug-In & Bug-Out, Food & Water Prep, Off-Grid Living, Homesteading, Urban Survival, Bushcraft & More! | Morgan J. Kepler | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 46 | What Should Danny Do? (Power to Choose) | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 47 | The Tears That Taught Me | Morgan Richard Olivier | March 1, 2022 |
| 48 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Dr. Travis Bradberry | June 16, 2009 |
| 49 | Spiritual Warfare Prayers: Modern Edition: Overcome Anxiety, Loneliness, Temptation, Anger, and Spiritual Attacks with God’s Word | Faithstone Publishing | Dec. 16, 2024 |
| 50 | 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 |
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.
Hi Jane, it’s Jane 🙂 I’m wondering about the Self-Published list. There’s a few on there that I thought were considered traditionally published, just outside of the Big 5. Specifically, Meghan Quinn (Bloom/Sourcebooks), Ana Huang (Bloom/Sourcebooks), Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen/Sourcebooks), Liz Tomforde (Amara/Entangled). Do you consider them self-published? I’ve been categorizing them as “Other Traditionally Published”. The main difference I’m seeing is that these particular authors appear on the NYT Best Sellers list, while other self-published authors never do. Thanks!
I guess the most accurate designation is both/and? For these authors, they retain ebook rights and publish the ebooks under their own names or businesses. So that’s why their ebooks are on the self-pub list, but the print editions are handled by a traditional publisher.