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:
- In the number-two spot on the Hidden Gems list: Be Smart Pay Zero Taxes by Mark J. Quann, published by Newsmax. It’s essentially a guide to how everyone can be like the wealthy and pay no taxes by borrowing against each asset to purchase additional assets.
- The top-ranking fiction on the Hidden Gems list: The print deluxe edition of Wild Side take the top spot, which is the third installment in Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series (small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance), published with Bloom Books/Sourcebooks. The standard edition ranks at number 30. Wild Side is also the top-ranking self-published ebook in March 2025. Sourcebooks partners with self-published authors to handle print retail distribution and provides marketing and promotion support that lifts the sales of all editions.
- A Christian self-help book lands at number seven on Hidden Gems: When God Speaks: Thrive in Uncertain Times and Gain Confidence for Your Future (Revell). The author, Joshua Giles, is considered a Christian prophet known for his predictions of global events. He believes 2025 may mark the start of a new “era of war” worldwide. His book urges people to focus on positive developments instead.
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 March 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 | Dr. Nicole Apelian | Global Brother | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 2 | Be Smart Pay Zero Taxes: Use the Buy, Borrow, Die Strategy to Get Rich and Stay Rich | Mark J. Quann | Newsmax | March 4, 2025 |
| 3 | Wild Side (Deluxe Edition) (Rose Hill 3) | Elsie Silver | Bloom Books/Sourcebooks | March 4, 2025 |
| 4 | 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 |
| 5 | The Art of the SNL Portrait | Mary Ellen Matthews | Abrams | March 4, 2025 |
| 6 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 7 | When God Speaks: Thrive in Uncertain Times and Gain Confidence for Your Future | Joshua Giles | Revell | March 4, 2025 |
| 8 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Claude Davis | March 20, 2023 |
| 9 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Global Brother | March 28, 2022 |
| 10 | Story of My Life (Deluxe Edition) (Story Lake 1) | Lucy Score | Bloom Books/Sourcebooks | March 11, 2025 |
| 11 | The Beijing Betrayal (Marcus Ryker) | Joel C. Rosenberg | Tyndale Fiction | March 11, 2025 |
| 12 | Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West | Josh Hammer | Radius Book Group | March 18, 2025 |
| 13 | How to Catch the Easter Bunny | Adam Wallace | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Feb. 1, 2017 |
| 14 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | Hungry Minds | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 15 | 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 |
| 16 | 3 Doughs, 60 Recipes: Focaccia, Pizza, Sandwich Bread—Easy-to-Master Doughs and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Them | Lacey Ostermann | Hardie Grant | March 4, 2025 |
| 17 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 4, 2024 |
| 18 | Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible life | Jim Murphy | Self-published | May 1, 2020 |
| 19 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 20 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 21 | How to Catch a Leprechaun: A Saint Patrick’s Day Book for Kids | Adam Wallace | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Feb. 2, 2016 |
| 22 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering (Expanded Edition) | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 23 | World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Feb. 1, 2013 |
| 24 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| 25 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 26 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Self-published | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 27 | Hippity, Hoppity, Little Bunny: Finger Puppet Board Book for Easter Basket Gifts | Cottage Door Press | Cottage Door Press | Nov. 26, 2018 |
| 28 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 29 | Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History (10th Anniversary Edition) | Roman Bystrianyk | Roman Bystrianyk | March 26, 2024 |
| 30 | Wild Side (Standard Edition) (Rose Hill 3) | Elsie Silver | Bloom Books/Sourcebooks | March 4, 2025 |
| 31 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 32 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks | June 11, 2024 |
| 33 | Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History | Suzanne Humphries, MD | Self-published | July 27, 2013 |
| 34 | Jujutsu Kaisen, Volume 25 | Gege Akutami | VIZ Media | March 11, 2025 |
| 35 | The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America | David Pakman | Beacon Press | March 25, 2025 |
| 36 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 37 | Lights Out (Into Darkness) | Navessa Allen | Zando | Aug. 6, 2024 |
| 38 | Berserk, Volume 42 | Studio Gaga | Dark Horse Manga | March 18, 2025 |
| 39 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 40 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0-6 Months | Laura Hunter LPN | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 41 | 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 |
| 42 | The Behavior Operations Manual: Neuro-Cognitive Intelligence | Chase Hughes | Evergreen Press | Oct. 10, 2024 |
| 43 | Somebunny Loves You: A Sweet and Silly Easter Board Book for Babies and Toddlers | Rose Rossner | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Feb. 2, 2021 |
| 44 | Interiors for a Life in Good Taste | Caroline Gidiere | Rizzoli | March 4, 2025 |
| 45 | A Million Tiny Moments: Reflections to Refresh a Mom’s Spirit | Emily A. Jensen | Harvest House Publishers | March 4, 2025 |
| 46 | Scythe & Sparrow: The Ruinous Love Trilogy (Ruinous Love 3) | Brynne Weaver | Zando | Feb. 11, 2025 |
| 47 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 48 | Gunsmith Cats Omnibus, Volume 1 | Kenichi Sonoda | Dark Horse Manga | March 4, 2025 |
| 49 | Legend of Exorcism: Tianbao Fuyao Lu, Volume 1 (Special Edition) | Fei Tian Ye Xiang | Seven Seas | March 18, 2025 |
| 50 | I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers | Rose Rossner | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Jan. 7, 2020 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wild Side | Elsie Silver | March 4, 2025 |
| 2 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Jan. 28, 2025 |
| 3 | The Charlie Method (Campus Diaries 3) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 25, 2025 |
| 4 | Wild Love (Rose Hill 1) | Elsie Silver | April 9, 2024 |
| 5 | The Carver (Fifth Republic Series 2) | Penelope Sky | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| 6 | Beautiful Exile (Sparrow Falls 4) | Catherine Cowles | March 18, 2025 |
| 7 | Zodiac Academy: The Awakening | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 2, 2019 |
| 8 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 9 | 10 Days to Surrender (Ozerov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | Feb. 21, 2025 |
| 10 | Wild Eyes | Elsie Silver | Sept. 3, 2024 |
| 11 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 12 | Merit (Treasure State Wildcats 4) | Devney Perry | March 11, 2025 |
| 13 | Kiss The Villain: A Dark MM Enemies to Lovers Romance | Rina Kent | March 20, 2025 |
| 14 | Shadow’s Heart | Kresley Cole | March 4, 2025 |
| 15 | Cursed Fates (Zodiac Academy 5) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | May 20, 2020 |
| 16 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 17 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 3) | Penn Cole | Sept. 12, 2023 |
| 18 | 10 Days to Ruin (Ozerov Bratva 1) | Nicole Fox | Feb. 19, 2025 |
| 19 | Shadow Princess (Zodiac Academy 4) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 20 | Heartless Sky (Zodiac Academy 7) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 18, 2021 |
| 21 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Nov. 4, 2024 |
| 22 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 23 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 24 | The Reckoning (Zodiac Academy 3) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Oct. 4, 2019 |
| 25 | Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance | Elsie Silver | Oct. 14, 2022 |
| 26 | Ruthless Fae (Zodiac Academy 2) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 27 | Fated Throne (Zodiac Academy 6) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | Dec. 25, 2020 |
| 28 | The Wrong Play: A Football Romance (Wrong Player 2) | C.R. Jane | March 23, 2025 |
| 29 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 30 | Sorrow and Starlight (Zodiac Academy 8) | Caroline Peckham | Dec. 11, 2022 |
| 31 | Gild (Plated Prisoner Book 1) | Raven Kennedy | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| 32 | Glow of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse 2) | Penn Cole | July 18, 2023 |
| 33 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 34 | Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3) | Raven Kennedy | May 31, 2021 |
| 35 | Protecting Josie (SEAL of Protection: Alliance 3) | Susan Stoker | March 4, 2025 |
| 36 | Mile High (Windy City 1) | Liz Tomforde | June 7, 2022 |
| 37 | Glow (Plated Prisoner 4) | Raven Kennedy | June 18, 2022 |
| 38 | My Silver Lining: A Small Town, Fake Dating Romance (Rosewood River 2) | Laura Pavlov | March 20, 2025 |
| 39 | Bride by Initiation: Secret Society Mafia Marriage Pact (Underworld 1) | Maggie Cole | Feb. 26, 2025 |
| 40 | The Journal of a Thousand Years (Glass Library 6) | C.J. Archer | March 4, 2025 |
| 41 | Spark of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse Saga 1) | Penn Cole | June 1, 2023 |
| 42 | Restless Stars (Zodiac Academy 9) | Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti | April 23, 2024 |
| 43 | Buried Dreams: A Small Town, Single Dad, Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Romance (Dream 3) | Natasha Madison | March 14, 2025 |
| 44 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 45 | The Rivaled Crown (Veiled Kingdom 3) | Holly Renee | March 18, 2025 |
| 46 | Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays 1) | Emily Rath | March 20, 2023 |
| 47 | Play Along (Windy City 4) | Liz Tomforde | July 11, 2024 |
| 48 | King of Wrath (Kings of Sin 1) | Ana Huang | Oct. 20, 2022 |
| 49 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 50 | Glint (Plated Prisoner 2) | Raven Kennedy | Jan. 11, 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 | 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 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | March 20, 2023 |
| 5 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 6 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | Hungry Minds | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 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 | Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 9 | Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life | Jim Murphy | May 1, 2020 |
| 10 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 11 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 12 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 13 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 14 | Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History | Suzanne Humphries, MD | July 27, 2013 |
| 15 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 16 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 17 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0-6 Months | Laura Hunter, LPN | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 18 | The Amish Ways | Eddie Swartzentruber | Oct. 8, 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 | Love, Mom: A Fast-Paced Psychological Thriller with Several Twists | Iliana Xander | Oct. 31, 2024 |
| 21 | The Complete Self Healing Collection of Natural Herbal Remedies Inspired by Barbara O’Neill | Clara Whitfield | Nov. 30, 2024 |
| 22 | Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 23 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 24 | The Man behind the Maps | Jason Blevins, Ben Farrow | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 25 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 26 | The Surrogate Mother: An Addictive Psychological Thriller You Won’t Be Able to Put Down | Freida McFadden | April 20, 2020 |
| 27 | Wait for Me in the Rainbow: How to Deal with the Loss of Your Pet | Laura Vidal | Dec. 20, 2022 |
| 28 | Cat Moments: Meow Life Coloring Book for Adults and Teens | Hikaru Kotz | Jan. 24, 2025 |
| 29 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 30 | There’s Treasure Inside | Jon Collins-Black | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 31 | Z Is for Zombie: Learning to Spell with House of 1000 Corpses Friends | Rob Zombie | March 10, 2025 |
| 32 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 33 | Dummies Guide to Starting Your Own Business: The Simplest, Step-by-Step Guide to Launch a Successful Small Business in Record Time | Finance Knights Publications | Dec. 6, 2023 |
| 34 | My Best Friends Are Balls | Jen Jenivive | Jan. 21, 2025 |
| 35 | The Tears That Taught Me | Morgan Richard Olivier | March 1, 2022 |
| 36 | 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 |
| 37 | 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 |
| 38 | Where God Came Down | Joel P. Kramer | Oct. 14, 2020 |
| 39 | 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 |
| 40 | Comfy Days: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 41 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 42 | 100 Amazing Patterns: An Adult Coloring Book with Fun, Easy, and Relaxing Coloring Pages | Jade Summer | July 15, 2019 |
| 43 | The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals | Daniel Walter | April 8, 2020 |
| 44 | Kiss The Villain: A Dark MM Enemies to Lovers Romance | Rina Kent | March 18, 2025 |
| 45 | 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 |
| 46 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 47 | Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition | Lily Nichols | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| 48 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Jean Greaves | June 16, 2009 |
| 49 | The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to His Son: Perspectives, Ideology, and Wisdom | G. Ng | Aug. 5, 2021 |
| 50 | 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 |
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.
