In partnership with Bookstat, we are proud to offer three distinctive monthly bestseller lists.1
- Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
- Top 50 Self-Published Print Books (online sales only)
- Top 50 Hidden Gems (print, online sales only) — includes traditionally and self-published books
Top 50 Hidden Gems
The Hidden Gems list excludes Big Five publishers, 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 January 2024, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, study and test prep guides, and titles from Hay House and Rodale, since both are owned by Big Five publisher Penguin Random House.
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 | Sanctuary of the Shadow (Elemental Emergence) | Aurora Ascher | Entangled | Jan. 9, 2024 |
| 2 | The Pivot Year | Brianna Wiest | Thought Catalog Books | Apr. 25, 2023 |
| 3 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 4 | The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women | Dr. Kimberly D. Moore | Rockridge Press | Feb. 11, 2020 |
| 5 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sep. 8, 2020 |
| 6 | The Covenant of Water (Oprah’s Book Club) | Abraham Verghese | Grove Press | May 2, 2023 |
| 7 | Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds | David Goggins | Self-published | Dec. 10, 2018 |
| 8 | My First Library (Boxset of 10 Board Books) | Wonder House Books | Wonder House Books | Apr. 25, 2018 |
| 9 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 10 | The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery | Brianna Wiest | Thought Catalog Books | Jun. 1, 2020 |
| 11 | Gothikana | RuNyx | Bramble | Jan. 23, 2024 |
| 12 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Self-published | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 13 | Reality Check: Making the Best of the Situation | Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino | Ballast Books | Jan. 2, 2024 |
| 14 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Digest | Abrams | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 15 | The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook: 500 Inspired, Flexible Recipes for Eating Well without Meat (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) | America’s Test Kitchen | Media Alternatives | Dec. 1, 2020 |
| 16 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Self-published | Mar. 20, 2023 |
| 17 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering (Beyond Suffering) | Joseph Nguyen | Self-published | Mar. 28, 2022 |
| 18 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 19 | Wills, Trusts, and Estates, 11th Edition (Aspen Casebook) | Robert H. Sitkoff | Aspen Publishing | Nov. 11, 2021 |
| 20 | Love the Food That Loves You Back: 100 Recipes That Serve Up Big Portions and Super Nutritious Food | Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN | Mango Media | Jan. 30, 2024 |
| 21 | Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks Gift Set | Wizards RPG Team | Wizards of the Coast | Nov. 20, 2018 |
| 22 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 23 | 15 Minute Meals: Truly Quick Recipes That Don’t Taste Like Shortcuts | Ali Rosen | Mango Media | Jan. 9, 2024 |
| 24 | How to Make a Few Billion Dollars | Brad Jacobs | Greenleaf Book Group | Jan. 15, 2024 |
| 25 | The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 | Dan Buettner | National Geographic | Dec. 3, 2019 |
| 26 | Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are | Megan Logan, MSW, LCSW | Rockridge Press | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| 27 | Demon Slayer Complete Box Set (Volumes 1–23 with premium) | Koyoharu Gotouge | VIZ Media | Nov. 9, 2021 |
| 28 | Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect | Will Guidara | Optimism Press | Oct. 25, 2022 |
| 29 | The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump | Clay Cane | Sourcebooks | Jan. 30, 2024 |
| 30 | The Indoctrinated Brain: How to Successfully Fend Off the Global Attack on Your Mental Freedom | Michael Nehls, MD, PhD | Skyhorse Publishing | Dec. 12, 2023 |
| 31 | Chainsaw Man Box Set (Volumes 1–11) | Tatsuki Fujimoto | VIZ Media | Sep. 26, 2023 |
| 32 | Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time | Robert Downey Jr. | Blackstone Publishing Inc | Jan. 23, 2024 |
| 33 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout) | Lucy Score | Bloom Books (Sourcebooks) | Jan. 12, 2022 |
| 34 | Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present | Nick Trenton | Self-published | Mar. 1, 2021 |
| 35 | The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom) | Don Miguel Ruiz | Amber-Allen Publishing | Nov. 7, 1997 |
| 36 | 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think | Brianna Wiest | Thought Catalog Books | Nov. 7, 2018 |
| 37 | I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Ordinary People Change the World) | Brad Meltzer | Rocky Pond Books | Jan. 9, 2024 |
| 38 | Berserk Deluxe (Volume 1) | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | Mar. 26, 2019 |
| 39 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Self-published | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 40 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Poisoned Pen Press (Sourcebooks) | Dec. 05, 2023 |
| 41 | Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents | Lindsay C. Gibson | New Harbinger Publications | Jun. 1, 2015 |
| 42 | Midnight Ruin (Dark Olympus 6) | Katee Robert | Sourcebooks Casablanca | Jan. 16, 2024 |
| 43 | Breaking Free from Broke: The Ultimate Guide to More Money and Less Stress | George Kamel | Ramsey Press | Jan. 16, 2024 |
| 44 | The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) | Hal Elrod | BenBella Books | Dec. 12, 2023 |
| 45 | Project 369: The Key to the Universe | David Kasneci | Self-published | Sep. 21, 2020 |
| 46 | Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! | Robert T. Kiyosaki | Self-published | Apr. 5, 2022 |
| 47 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months (Parenting 1) | Laura Hunter, LPN | Moms on Call | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 48 | New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional | Paul David Tripp | Crossway | Oct. 31, 2014 |
| 49 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Doom and Bloom, LLC | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 50 | Twisted Love (Twisted 1) | Ana Huang | Bloom Books (Sourcebooks) | Sep. 27, 2022 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 2 | The Inmate | Freida McFadden | Jun. 13, 2022 |
| 3 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout 1) | Lucy Score | Jan. 13, 2022 |
| 4 | Things We Left Behind (Knockemout 3) | Lucy Score | Sep. 5, 2023 |
| 5 | Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout 2) | Lucy Score | Feb. 21, 2023 |
| 6 | When the Moon Hatched (Moonfall 1) | Sarah A. Parker | Jan. 13, 2024 |
| 7 | The Perfect Fit | Sadie Kincaid | Dec. 10, 2023 |
| 8 | Midnight Sanctuary (Bugrov Bratva 2) | Nicole Fox | Dec. 6, 2023 |
| 9 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 10 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sep. 19, 2022 |
| 11 | Wild Scottish Rose (Enchanted Highlands 4) | Tricia O’Malley | Jan. 19, 2024 |
| 12 | The Ritual | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 13 | The Fake Out (Vancouver Storm 2) | Stephanie Archer | Dec. 7, 2023 |
| 14 | Flawless | Elsie Silver | Jun. 24, 2022 |
| 15 | King of Wrath (Kings of Sin 1) | Ana Huang | Oct. 20, 2022 |
| 16 | Twisted Love | Ana Huang | Apr. 29, 2021 |
| 17 | The Playboy (Spade Hotel 1) | Marni Mann | Dec. 28, 2023 |
| 18 | Nero (Alliance 1) | S.J. Tilly | Mar. 16, 2023 |
| 19 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 20 | Searching for Heather (Eagle Point Search & Rescue 6) | Susan Stoker | Jan. 2, 2024 |
| 21 | Midnight Purgatory (Bugrov Bratva 1) | Nicole Fox | Dec. 6, 2023 |
| 22 | Twisted Games | Ana Huang | Jul. 29, 2021 |
| 23 | The Graham Effect (Campus Diaries 1) | Elle Kennedy | Oct. 31, 2023 |
| 24 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 25 | Want to Know a Secret? | Freida McFadden | Jan. 5, 2021 |
| 26 | Mine to Keep (Southern Weddings 8) | Natasha Madison | Jan. 5, 2024 |
| 27 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | Apr. 14, 2023 |
| 28 | Forever Covert (Forever Bluegrass 21) | Kathleen Brooks | Jan. 12, 2024 |
| 29 | Thoroughly Pucked (My Hockey Romance 3) | Lauren Blakely | Jan. 11, 2024 |
| 30 | Once You’re Mine (Possessing Her 1) | Morgan Bridges | Oct. 1, 2023 |
| 31 | Den of Vipers | K.A Knight | Jul. 10, 2020 |
| 32 | Loving Romeo (Magnolia Falls 1) | Laura Pavlov | Jan. 18, 2024 |
| 33 | The Sweetest Obsession (Dark Hearts of Redhaven 2) | Nicole Snow | Dec. 17, 2023 |
| 34 | Taming Seraphine | Gigi Styx | Dec. 26, 2023 |
| 35 | A Not So Meet Cute | Meghan Quinn | Nov. 2, 2021 |
| 36 | P.S. You’re Intolerable (The Harder They Fall) | Julia Wolf | Dec. 14, 2023 |
| 37 | Powerless | Elsie Silver | Feb. 10, 2023 |
| 38 | Behind the Net (Vancouver Storm 1) | Stephanie Archer | Jun. 30, 2023 |
| 39 | Damaged Goods (All Saints High) | L.J. Shen | Jan. 23, 2024 |
| 40 | Highest Bidder | Lauren Landish | Apr. 12, 2020 |
| 41 | Antarctica Station | A.G. Riddle | Jan. 15, 2024 |
| 42 | Twisted Hate | Ana Huang | Jan. 27, 2022 |
| 43 | Twisted Lies | Ana Huang | Jun. 30, 2022 |
| 44 | The Broken Protector (Dark Hearts of Redhaven 1) | Nicole Snow | Jun. 20, 2023 |
| 45 | Right Man, Right Time | Meghan Quinn | Mar. 7, 2023 |
| 46 | Dom (Alliance 3) | S.J. Tilly | Sep. 21, 2023 |
| 47 | One Night (Sullivan Family 4) | Lena Hendrix | Jan. 8, 2024 |
| 48 | The Coworker | Freida McFadden | Aug. 29, 2023 |
| 49 | God of Malice (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | Jul. 14, 2022 |
| 50 | Cluelessly Yours | Max Monroe | Jan. 13, 2024 |
Top 50 Self-Published Print Books
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 2 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 3 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 4 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Mar. 20, 2023 |
| 5 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Mar. 28, 2022 |
| 6 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 7 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 8 | Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present | Nick Trenton | Mar. 1, 2021 |
| 9 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 10 | Breaking Free from Broke: The Ultimate Guide to More Money and Less Stress | George Kamel | Jan. 16, 2024 |
| 11 | Project 369: The Key to the Universe | David Kasneci | Sep. 21, 2020 |
| 12 | Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! | Robert T. Kiyosaki | Apr. 5, 2022 |
| 13 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 14 | The LSAT Trainer: A Remarkable Self-Study Guide for the Self-Driven Student | Mike Kim | May 17, 2022 |
| 15 | The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows | Keila Shaheen | Nov. 2, 2021 |
| 16 | The Inner Work: An Invitation to True Freedom and Lasting Happiness | Mathew Micheletti | May 3, 2019 |
| 17 | The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals | Daniel Walter | Apr. 8, 2020 |
| 18 | A Little SPOT of Emotion (8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book Box Set) | Diane Alber | Jul. 10, 2021 |
| 19 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Apr. 3, 2019 |
| 20 | A Little SPOT of Emotion (8 Book Box Set) | Diane Alber | Apr. 29, 2020 |
| 21 | PMP Exam Prep Simplified | Andrew Ramdayal | Jan. 4, 2021 |
| 22 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Travis Bradberry | Jun. 16, 2009 |
| 23 | The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods | Nicole Apelian | Jun. 21, 2021 |
| 24 | $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff (Acquisition.com $100M) | Alex Hormozi | Aug. 30, 2023 |
| 25 | Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader | Marcus Aurelius | Nov. 7, 2016 |
| 26 | The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby | S.M. Gross | Nov. 16, 2021 |
| 27 | The Ritual | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 28 | The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life | J.L. Collins | Jun. 18, 2016 |
| 29 | Stress Relief: Adult Coloring Book with Animals, Landscape, Flowers, Patterns, Mushroom and Many More for Relaxation | Kytefox Publishing | Jun. 22, 2023 |
| 30 | Chair Yoga for Seniors over 60 | The Star Publications | Sep. 8, 2023 |
| 31 | Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts | Jane Bexley | Nov. 24, 2020 |
| 32 | Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition | Lily Nichols | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| 33 | Rapid Interpretation of EKGs, Sixth Edition | Dale Dubin | Nov. 1, 2000 |
| 34 | The Guerrilla’s Guide to the Baofeng Radio | NC Scout | Dec. 1, 2022 |
| 35 | Ask for Andrea | Noelle West Ihli | Apr. 14, 2022 |
| 36 | Goodbye Lupus, Hello Delicious: Hyper-Nourishing Recipes to Reverse Autoimmune Diseases with Supermarket Foods | Brooke Goldner, MD | Dec. 19, 2023 |
| 37 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 38 | The Art of Laziness: Overcome Procrastination & Improve Your Productivity | Library Mindset | Dec. 3, 2023 |
| 39 | The Secret Life of Sunflowers | Marta Molnar | Jul. 14, 2022 |
| 40 | Call It What You Want | Alissa DeRogatis | Apr. 26, 2023 |
| 41 | What Should Danny Do? (Power to Choose) | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 42 | $100M Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No (Acquisition.com $100M) | Alex Hormozi | Jul. 13, 2021 |
| 43 | Our Little Adventures | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 44 | Trader Joe’s 5 Items or Less Cookbook | Anna Lisa | Oct. 7, 2022 |
| 45 | The Overthinking Cure: How to Stay in the Present, Shake Negativity, and Stop Your Stress and Anxiety | Nick Trenton | Oct. 18, 2021 |
| 46 | How Highly Effective People Speak: How High Performers Use Psychology to Influence with Ease (Speak for Success) | Peter Andrei | May 29, 2020 |
| 47 | Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life | Patrick Van Horne | Jun. 13, 2014 |
| 48 | 101 Calmness: Beautiful Designs of Animals, Landscape, Beach, House, Birds, Flowers, and More | Coloring Book AMA | May 3, 2023 |
| 49 | Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD | Linda Hill | Sep. 23, 2022 |
| 50 | Back Mechanic | Dr. Stuart McGill | Sept. 30, 2015 |
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.
