In partnership with Bookstat, we are proud to offer 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
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 December 2024, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, Bibles and Bible studies, comics/manga compilations, box sets, educational workbooks and activity books for kids, 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 | Self-published | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 2 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 3 | Melania | Melania Trump | Skyhorse Publishing | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 4 | There’s Treasure Inside | Jon Collins-Black | Self-published | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 5 | The Muscle Ladder: Get Jacked Using Science | Jeff Nippard | Victory Belt Publishing | Dec. 31, 2024 |
| 6 | 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 |
| 7 | Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Joy | Dr. Mercola | Joy House | Dec. 10, 2024 |
| 8 | 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 |
| 9 | From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen | Snoop Dogg | Chronicle Books | Oct. 23, 2018 |
| 10 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Self-published | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 11 | The Man behind the Maps | Jason Blevins Ben Farrow | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 12 | 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 |
| 13 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 14 | Save America | Donald J Trump | Winning Team Publishing | Sept. 3, 2024 |
| 15 | The Ultimate History Buff Challenge: Over 600 Quiz Questions for Curious History Lovers | Bill O’Neill | LAK Publishing | April 9, 2024 |
| 16 | Hooked, Collector’s Edition (Never After 1) | Emily McIntire | Bloom Books/Sourcebooks | Dec. 3, 2024 |
| 17 | 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 |
| 18 | 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 |
| 19 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 20 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Feb. 1, 2013 |
| 21 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| 22 | Grandmother, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Grandmother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | Self-published | July 28, 2019 |
| 23 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | Self-published | May 24, 2024 |
| 24 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think, Expanded Edition: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Authors Equity | Oct. 29, 2024 |
| 25 | Learn a Lot While You Sit on the Pot: Fascinating Trivia and Fun Facts about Science, History, Sports, Pop Culture, Technology, Mind Puzzles, and So Much More | Jack Haynes | Self-published | Nov. 9, 2024 |
| 26 | The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes That You’ll Love to Cook and Eat | America’s Test Kitchen Kids | Sourcebooks Explore | Oct. 16, 2018 |
| 27 | Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles and Brain Teasers Families Will Love | M Prefontaine | Self-published | May 17, 2017 |
| 28 | How to Draw Anything in 3D: Learn to Draw Fun Things in Three Dimensions with Step-by-Step Lessons and Guides | Leia Bloom | Let’s Draw Press | Nov. 3, 2023 |
| 29 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Self-published | April 3, 2019 |
| 30 | Grandma’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Paige Tate & Co | Dec. 21, 2021 |
| 31 | If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose | Refaat Alareer | OR Books | Dec. 10, 2024 |
| 32 | Hot Mess (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 19) | Jeff Kinney | Harry N. Abrams | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 33 | Berserk Deluxe Volume 1 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | March 26, 2019 |
| 34 | Small Things Like These | Claire Keegan | Grove Press | Nov. 30, 2021 |
| 35 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Grandma: A Grandmother’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | Self-published | April 18, 2021 |
| 36 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 37 | 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do | National Geographic | National Geographic | Feb. 7, 2017 |
| 38 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 39 | Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Paige Tate & Co | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 40 | Comfy Days: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | July 9, 2024 |
| 41 | Would You Rather Book for Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Self-published | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 42 | Mom’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Paige Tate & Co | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 43 | How to Draw Everything: 600 Simple Step by Step Drawings for Kids Ages 4 to 8 | Bryce Ross | Self-published | Sept. 18, 2022 |
| 44 | Trigun Maximum Deluxe Edition Volume 3 | Yasuhiro Nightow | Dark Horse Manga | Dec. 10, 2024 |
| 45 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 46 | How to Draw 101 Things for Kids: Simple and Easy Drawing Book with Animals, Plants, Sports, Foods … Everythings | Sophia Elizabeth | Self-published | Oct. 11, 2021 |
| 47 | Meditations | Marcus Aurelius | Fingerprint! Publishing | Feb. 15, 2023 |
| 48 | How to Survive a Freakin’ Bear Attack: And 127 Other Survival Hacks You’ll Hopefully Never Need | Bill O’Neill | LAK Publishing | Oct. 24, 2022 |
| 49 | The Sick Man’s Rage (Nir Tavor Mossad 4) | Amir Tsarfati, Steve Yohn | Ten Peaks Press | Dec. 3, 2024 |
| 50 | Snoop Dogg Presents Goon with the Spoon: A Cookbook | Snoop Dogg | Chronicle Books | Nov. 14, 2023 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How My Neighbor Stole Christmas | Meghan Quinn | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 2 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 3 | My Favorite Holidate: A Standalone Holiday Romance | Lauren Blakely | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 4 | Good Elf Gone Wrong: A Holiday Romantic Comedy (Wynter Brothers 1) | Alina Jacobs | Nov. 14, 2023 |
| 5 | Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop | Tricia O’Malley | Dec. 2, 2024 |
| 6 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 7 | Promised in Blood (Broken Bloodlines 2) | Sadie Kincaid | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| 8 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 9 | The Songbird and the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia 3) | Carissa Broadbent | Nov. 19, 2024 |
| 10 | Forged in Blood: A Dark Paranormal/Fantasy romance (Broken Bloodlines 1) | Sadie Kincaid | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 11 | The Wrong Quarterback: A Football Romance (Wrong Player 1) | C.R. Jane | Nov. 22, 2024 |
| 12 | The Christmas Fix | Lucy Score | Dec. 1, 2017 |
| 13 | Elf against the Wall: A Holiday Romantic Comedy (The Wynter Brothers 2) | Alina Jacobs | Nov. 12, 2024 |
| 14 | Sweet Prison: An Age Gap Mafia Romance (Perfectly Imperfect 10) | Neva Altaj | Dec. 13, 2024 |
| 15 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 16 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 17 | Spark of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse Saga 1) | Penn Cole | June 1, 2023 |
| 18 | Redaction (Rachel Hatch 12) | L.T. Ryan | Dec. 12, 2024 |
| 19 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse Saga 3) | Penn Cole | Sept. 12, 2023 |
| 20 | She’s a Wild One: A Small Town, Second Chance, Rival Families Romance (Wilds of Montana 5) | Kristen Proby | Dec. 12, 2024 |
| 21 | Wild Love (Rose Hill 1) | Elsie Silver | April 9, 2024 |
| 22 | Emperor of Lust: A Dark Mafia Enemies to Lovers Romance | Jagger Cole | Dec. 5, 2024 |
| 23 | State of Alert: A First Family Novel (First Family 8) | Marie Force | Dec. 25, 2024 |
| 24 | The Plight before Christmas: An Un-EX-pected Sugar and Spice Christmas Romance (Holiday Hijinx 1) | Kate Stewart | Dec. 17, 2021 |
| 25 | Filthy Rich Santas | Eva Ashwood | Oct. 25, 2024 |
| 26 | Say You Swear | Meagan Brandy | Feb. 16, 2022 |
| 27 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 28 | The Very Naughty List | Callie Rose | Oct. 11, 2024 |
| 29 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 30 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 31 | My December Darling: A Holiday Novella | Lauren Asher | Nov. 21, 2024 |
| 32 | Anathema (Eating Woods) | Keri Lake | Sept. 8, 2024 |
| 33 | Glow of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse Saga 2) | Penn Cole | July 18, 2023 |
| 34 | The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 35 | A Pack for Winter: A Small Town Why Choose Romance | Eliana Lee | Dec. 13, 2024 |
| 36 | Enticing (Red Lips & White Lies 3) | Bella Matthews | Dec. 1, 2024 |
| 37 | Leave Me Behind | K.M. Moronova | Nov. 6, 2024 |
| 38 | Holiday Hoax: A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance (Cartwright Family 1) | Maggie Cole | Nov. 15, 2022 |
| 39 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout 1) | Lucy Score | Jan. 13, 2022 |
| 40 | Don’t Let Her Stay: An Unputdownable Psychological Thriller with a Breathtaking Twist | Nicola Sanders | Feb. 9, 2023 |
| 41 | The Bonus | TL Swan | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 42 | Until Bax (Until Him/Her) | Aurora Rose Reynolds | Dec. 13, 2024 |
| 43 | Pucking Around: A Why Choose Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays 1) | Emily Rath | March 20, 2023 |
| 44 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sept. 19, 2022 |
| 45 | Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls 3) | Catherine Cowles | Nov. 19, 2024 |
| 46 | Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal 1) | Rachel Schneider | May 12, 2024 |
| 47 | Psycho Pack: A Dark Reverse Harem Omegaverse Romance (Ghost Alpha Unit 3) | Lenore Rosewood | Dec. 10, 2024 |
| 48 | Priest: A Love Story | Sierra Simone | June 29, 2015 |
| 49 | Corrupt (Devil’s Night 1) | Penelope Douglas | Nov. 15, 2015 |
| 50 | Holiday Hire: A Billionaire Single Dad Nanny Romance (Cartwright Family 2) | Maggie Cole | Nov. 1, 2024 |
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 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | HUNGRY MINDS | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 3 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 4 | Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love | Jeffrey Mason | May 27, 2019 |
| 5 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 6 | The Man behind The Maps | Jason Blevins, Ben Farrow | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 7 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 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 | Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters | Coco Wyo | May 22, 2024 |
| 10 | Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| 11 | Grandmother, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Grandmother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 28, 2019 |
| 12 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | May 24, 2024 |
| 13 | Learn a Lot While You Sit on the Pot: Fascinating Trivia and Fun Facts about Science, History, Sports, Pop Culture, Technology, Mind Puzzles, and So Much More! | Jack Haynes | Nov. 9, 2024 |
| 14 | Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles and Brain Teasers Families Will Love | M Prefontaine | May 17, 2017 |
| 15 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 16 | Grandma’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Dec. 21, 2021 |
| 17 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Grandma: A Grandmother’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | April 18, 2021 |
| 18 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 19 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 20 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 21 | Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 22 | Comfy Days: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 23 | Would You Rather Book for Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You Laugh | Stephen J. Ellis | Sept. 22, 2021 |
| 24 | Mom’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sept. 13, 2022 |
| 25 | How to Draw Everything: 600 Simple Step by Step Drawings for Kids Ages 4 to 8 | Bryce Ross | Sept. 18, 2022 |
| 26 | How to Draw 101 Things for Kids: Simple and Easy Drawing Book with Animals, Plants, Sports, Foods … Everythings | Sophia Elizabeth | Oct. 11, 2021 |
| 27 | 100 QUEST Color by Number: Squares + Triangles + Hexagons + Circles | Sunlife Drawing | Jan. 1, 2023 |
| 28 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Mom: A Mother’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | April 18, 2021 |
| 29 | The Complete Home Apothecary Book: 250+ Ancient Powerful Remedies to Heal, Soothe, and Energize Naturally | Isabella Sage | Nov. 26, 2024 |
| 30 | Cute & Groovy: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids | Coco Wyo | April 1, 2024 |
| 31 | What Should Danny Do? | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 32 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 33 | Simple Art: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Minimalist Features | Coco Wyo | July 31, 2024 |
| 34 | You Are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence | Nadia Ross | Nov. 8, 2021 |
| 35 | Cozy Girl Coloring Book: Bold and Easy Hygge Inspired Designs for Adults and Teens | Jeanett Veronica | June 23, 2024 |
| 36 | People of Walmart Adult Coloring Book: Rolling Back Dignity | Andrew Kipple | Sept. 30, 2016 |
| 37 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Dad: A Father’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | April 18, 2021 |
| 38 | 2025 Vision Board Clip Art Book: 500+ Extensive Collection of Powerful Pictures, Quotes, Words, and Affirmations to Create Dream Boards for Women & Men | Olivia Everly | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| 39 | 100 Amazing Patterns: An Adult Coloring Book with Fun, Easy, and Relaxing Coloring Pages | Jade Summer | July 15, 2019 |
| 40 | Everything Teen Boys Should Know: 100+ Essential Life Skills, Strategies, and Insider Tips for Thriving in Your Teenage Years | The Mentor Bucket | Oct. 4, 2023 |
| 41 | Barbara O’Neill Natural Herbal Remedies Complete Collection | Roberta Lane | June 18, 2024 |
| 42 | Tell Me Your Life Story, Grandpa: A Grandfather’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book | Questions about Me | April 18, 2021 |
| 43 | The Ultimate Activity Book for Intelligent Men: Tricky Brain Teasers, Mind Games and Logic Puzzle Book for Adults | IQ Street | Oct. 29, 2023 |
| 44 | How to Draw Anime and Manga for Beginners: Learn to Draw Awesome Anime and Manga Characters | Shinjuku Press | May 2, 2022 |
| 45 | Comfy Patterns: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 4, 2024 |
| 46 | Cozy Spaces: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Relaxing Familiar Corners with Cute Animal Characters for Stress Relief | Coco Wyo | March 9, 2024 |
| 47 | Mystery In Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Mystery 1) | Aaron Johnson | May 22, 2022 |
| 48 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 49 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 50 | Cozy & Cute: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Bold and Easy Designs for Relaxation with Hygge Inspirations | Coco Wyo | Aug. 21, 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.
