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 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Things We Left Behind (Knockemout Book 3) | Lucy Score | Sep. 5, 2023 |
| 2 | Cruel Promise (Oryolov Bratva Book 2) | Nicole Fox | Sep. 6, 2023 |
| 3 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 4 | The Broken Vows: Zane and Celeste’s Story (The Windsors) | Catharina Maura | Sep. 29, 2023 |
| 5 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1) | Lucy Score | Jan. 13, 2022 |
| 6 | Cruel Paradise (Oryolov Bratva Book 1) | Nicole Fox | Sep. 6, 2023 |
| 7 | Twisted Love: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance | Ana Huang | Apr. 29, 2021 |
| 8 | Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Book 2) | Lucy Score | Feb. 21, 2023 |
| 9 | Obsession Falls: A Small-Town Romance | Claire Kingsley | Oct. 12, 2023 |
| 10 | King of Greed: A Billionaire Romance (Kings of Sin Book 3) | Ana Huang | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 11 | The Coworker: An Addictive Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Aug. 29, 2023 |
| 12 | The Wrong Bride: Ares and Raven’s Story (The Windsors) | Catharina Maura | Oct. 15, 2022 |
| 13 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 14 | Highest Bidder | Lauren Landish | Apr. 12, 2020 |
| 15 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 16 | Devoted: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath the Mask Series Book 3) | Luna Mason | Sep. 30, 2023 |
| 17 | How Does It Feel (Infatuated Fae Book 1) | Jeneane O’Riley | Mar. 1, 2023 |
| 18 | The Locked Door: A Gripping Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Jun. 1, 2021 |
| 19 | Devious Lies: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance | Parker S. Huntington | Dec. 13, 2019 |
| 20 | Madame (Salacious Players’ Club) | Sara Cate | Oct. 12, 2023 |
| 21 | The Pucking Wrong Guy: A Hockey Romance (The Pucking Wrong Series Book 2) | C.R. Jane | Sep. 29, 2023 |
| 22 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia Book 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 23 | Tempted by the Devil (Kings of Mafia) | Michelle Heard | Oct. 19, 2023 |
| 24 | Puck Yes: A Fake Marriage Hockey Romance (My Hockey Romance Book 2) | Lauren Blakely | Oct. 9, 2023 |
| 25 | Never Lie: An Addictive Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Sep. 19, 2022 |
| 26 | Flawless: A Small Town Enemies to Lovers Romance | Elsie Silver | Jun. 24, 2022 |
| 27 | Finally Forever: A Best Friend’s Brother / Fake Dating Romance (The Lasker Brothers) | Nadia Lee | Oct. 20, 2023 |
| 28 | NERO: Alliance Series Book 1 | S.J. Tilly | Mar. 16, 2023 |
| 29 | Never Fall for the Fake Boyfriend: A Grumpy Sunshine Romance (Never Say Never Book 3) | Lauren Landish | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| 30 | DOM: Alliance Series Book 3 | S.J. Tilly | Sep. 21, 2023 |
| 31 | Cross My Heart: A Spicy Dark Academia Romance (The Oxford Legacy Book 1) | Roxy Sloane | Sep. 7, 2023 |
| 32 | Den of Vipers | K.A. Knight | Jul. 10, 2020 |
| 33 | Twisted Games: A Forbidden Royal Bodyguard Romance | Ana Huang | Jul. 29, 2021 |
| 34 | The Florist on Amelia Island (Seven Sisters Book 4) | Hope Holloway | Oct. 6, 2023 |
| 35 | King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin Book 1) | Ana Huang | Oct. 20, 2022 |
| 36 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia Book 2) | Carissa Broadbent | Apr. 14, 2023 |
| 37 | Fate of a Royal (Lords of Rathe Book 1) | Meagan Brandy | Jul. 6, 2023 |
| 38 | One By One: An Unputdownable Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Jul. 13, 2020 |
| 39 | The Wolf Prince: An Opposites Attract Shifter Romance (The Royals of Presley Acres Book 1) | Roxie Ray | Sep. 3, 2023 |
| 40 | The C*ck down the Block (The Cocky Kingmans Book 1) | Amy Award | Sep. 28, 2023 |
| 41 | The Way I Hate Him | Meghan Quinn | Aug. 1, 2023 |
| 42 | The Alpha’s Fated Encounter: An Opposites Attract Shifter Romance (Fated to Royalty Book 1) | Roxie Ray | Oct. 2, 2022 |
| 43 | Distance: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath the Mask Series Book 1) | Luna Mason | Mar. 1, 2023 |
| 44 | Does It Hurt?: An Enemies to Lovers Romance | H.D. Carlton | Jul. 21, 2022 |
| 45 | One Bossy Disaster: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Bossy Seattle Suits) | Nicole Snow | Sep. 18, 2023 |
| 46 | Best Frenemies | Max Monroe | Sep. 16, 2023 |
| 47 | Carnage: A Dark Revenge Romance | Shantel Tessier | Oct. 30, 2023 |
| 48 | Watch Your Mouth (Kings of the Ice) | Kandi Steiner | Oct. 27, 2023 |
| 49 | Don’t Forget Me Tomorrow: A Brother’s Best Friend, Small Town Romance (Time River Book 2) | A.L. Jackson | Oct. 5, 7023 |
| 50 | The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 24, 2015 |
Top 50 Self-Published Print Books
Update (1/16/24): After being alerted to a title appearing twice on the Top 50 Self-Published Print Books, we removed the duplication and added another title at the bottom.
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows | Keila Shaheen | Nov. 2, 2021 |
| 2 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 3 | Building a Non-Anxious Life | Dr. John Delony | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 4 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 5 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 6 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 7 | The Inner Work: An Invitation to True Freedom and Lasting Happiness | Mathew Micheletti | May 3, 2019 |
| 8 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 9 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sep. 15, 2022 |
| 10 | A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Plush Toys with Feelings Book Box Set | Diane Alber | Jul. 10, 2021 |
| 11 | Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present | Nick Trenton | Mar. 1, 2021 |
| 12 | A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Book Box Set (Books 1–8) | Diane Alber | May 15, 2020 |
| 13 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 14 | Caught Up (Windy City Series Book 3) | Liz Tomforde | Oct. 7, 2023 |
| 15 | The LSAT Trainer: A Remarkable Self-Study Guide for the Self-Driven Student | Mike Kim | May 17, 2022 |
| 16 | Rich Dad Poor Dad | Robert T. Kiyosaki | Apr. 5, 2022 |
| 17 | $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff | Alex Hormozi | Aug. 30, 2023 |
| 18 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Mar. 20, 2023 |
| 19 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 20 | The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods | Nicole Apelian | Sep. 10, 2023 |
| 21 | The Ritual | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 22 | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 | Travis Bradberry | Jun. 16, 2009 |
| 23 | Project 369: The Key to the Universe | David Kasneci | Sep. 21, 2020 |
| 24 | SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published | Mike Barrett | Jul. 1, 2017 |
| 25 | Carnage | Shantel Tessier | Oct. 28, 2023 |
| 26 | PMP Exam Prep Simplified | Andrew Ramdayal | Jan. 4, 2021 |
| 27 | The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby | S.M. Gross | Nov. 16, 2021 |
| 28 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | Apr. 3, 2019 |
| 29 | A Little SPOT of Feelings 8 Book Box Set (Books 25–32) | Diane Alber | Aug. 14, 2021 |
| 30 | The Inmate | Freida McFadden | Jun. 11, 2022 |
| 31 | The Secret Life of Sunflowers | Marta Molnar | Jul. 14, 2022 |
| 32 | $100M Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No | Alex Hormozi | Jul. 13, 2021 |
| 33 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 34 | Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household | Claude Davis | May 10, 2021 |
| 35 | The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals | Daniel Walter | Apr. 8, 2020 |
| 36 | What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose 1) | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 37 | Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader | Marcus Aurelius | Nov. 7, 2016 |
| 38 | Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition | Lily Nichols | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| 39 | Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1) | Linda Hill | Sep. 23, 2022 |
| 40 | Den of Vipers | K.A. Knight | Jul. 10, 2020 |
| 41 | Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll | Mr. Jay | Apr. 18, 2023 |
| 42 | How To Draw 101 Things for Kids: Simple and Easy Drawing Book with Animals, Plants, Sports, Foods, … Everythings | Sophia Elizabeth | Oct. 11, 2021 |
| 43 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 44 | Does It Hurt? | H.D. Carlton | Jul. 15, 2022 |
| 45 | Pillars of Wealth: How to Make, Save, and Invest Your Money to Achieve Financial Freedom | David M. Greene | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| 46 | The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve | G. Edward Griffin | Jan. 1, 2010 |
| 47 | PMP Exam Prep 2023 Exam Ready, 11th Edition | Margo Kirwin Rita Mulcahy | Jan. 22, 2023 |
| 48 | Rapid Interpretation of EKGs, Sixth Edition | Dale Dubin | Nov. 1, 2000 |
| 49 | The Microsoft Office 365 Bible | James Holler | Dec. 11, 2022 |
| 50 | How to Draw 101 Cute Stuff For Kids | Sophia Elizabeth | Jan. 1, 2022 |
Top 50 Hidden Gems
The Hidden Gems list excludes Big Five publishers, as well as other publishers of significant size (for example, Norton and Scholastic). For October 2023, we’ve excluded test prep guides (such as those from Kaplan), atlases from Rand McNally, National Geographic, the Bible, and blockbuster cartoon compilations from Andrews McMeel (Calvin & Hobbes). We let you know every month what we’ve excluded, or how we’ve changed list compilation.
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, it might be self-published. A good example is Keila Shaheen, who has self-published The Shadow Work Journal, but the 2nd edition was released under the name of her business, Zenfulnote.
Update (11/28): A book published by a Penguin Random House imprint, Roc Lit 101, snuck through. It was removed, making room for the last title on this list (#50).
Update (11/29): Rodale is now owned by Penguin Random House, so two of their titles have been removed and two additional titles added to the end.
| Rank | Title | Author | Publisher | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18) | Jeff Kinney | Harry N. Abrams | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 2 | The Mysteries | Bill Watterson | Andrews McMeel Publishing | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 3 | Upon Waking: 60 Daily Reflections to Discover Ourselves and the God We Were Made For | Jackie Hill Perry | B&H Books | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 4 | Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (D&D Campaign Collection) | RPG Team Wizards | Wizards of the Coast | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| 5 | The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows | Keila Shaheen | Self-published | Nov. 2, 2021 |
| 6 | The Shadow Work Journal 2nd Edition: A Guide to Integrate and Transcend Your Shadows | Keila Shaheen | Zenfulnote | Feb. 28, 2023 |
| 7 | Demon Slayer Complete Box Set: Includes Volumes 1–23 with Premium | Koyoharu Gotouge | VIZ Media LLC | Nov. 9, 2021 |
| 8 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 9 | The Way Forward (The Inward Trilogy) | Yung Pueblo | Andrews McMeel Publishing | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 10 | Food Babe Family: More Than 100 Recipes and Foolproof Strategies to Help Your Kids Fall in Love with Real Food | Vani Hari | Hay House Inc. | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| 11 | The Leaf Thief: The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers | Alice Hemming | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky | Aug. 3, 2021 |
| 12 | The Covenant of Water | Abraham Verghese | Grove Press | May 2, 2023 |
| 13 | The Chutney Life: 100 Easy-to-Make Indian-Inspired Recipes | Palak Patel | Abrams Books | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 14 | Chainsaw Man Box Set | Tatsuki Fujimoto | VIZ Media LLC | Sep. 26, 2023 |
| 15 | A Fire in the Flesh | Jennifer L. Armentrout | Blue Box Press | Oct. 31, 2023 |
| 16 | My First Library: Box Set of 10 Board Books for Kids | Wonder House Books | Wonder House Books | Apr. 25, 2018 |
| 17 | Fast Like a Girl: A Woman’s Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones | Dr. Mindy Pelz | Hay House Inc. | Dec. 27, 2022 |
| 18 | How to Catch a Witch | Alice Walstead | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Aug. 2, 2022 |
| 19 | The Josiah Manifesto: The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End Times | Jonathan Cahn | Frontline | Sep. 5, 2023 |
| 20 | The Great Awakening: Defeating the Globalists and Launching the Next Great Renaissance | Alex Jones | Skyhorse | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 21 | Ralph Lauren A Way of Living: Home, Design, Inspiration | Ralph Lauren | Rizzoli | Sep. 26, 2023 |
| 22 | Chainsaw Man (Vol. 12) | Tatsuki Fujimoto | VIZ Media LLC | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 23 | King of Greed (Kings of Sin, Book 3) | Ana Huang | Bloom Books | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 24 | Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks Gift Set | Dungeons & Dragons | Wizards of the Coast | Nov. 20, 2018 |
| 25 | Building a Non-Anxious Life | Dr. John Delony | Ramsey Press | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 26 | Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine | Mark Davidson | Callaway | Oct. 24, 2023 |
| 27 | The Final Witness: A Kennedy Secret Service Agent Breaks His Silence after Sixty Years | Paul Landis | Chicago Review Press | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 28 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 29 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout) | Lucy Score | Bloom Books | Jan. 12, 2022 |
| 30 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Capital Printing | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 31 | Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style | Architectural Digest | Abrams Books | Oct. 8, 2019 |
| 32 | The Camper and The Counselor | Jackie Oshry | Genius Cat Books | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 33 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) | H.D. Carlton | Self-published | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 34 | Tom Ford | Tom Ford | Rizzoli | Nov. 4, 2008 |
| 35 | Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds | David Goggins | Lioncrest Publishing | Dec. 10, 2018 |
| 36 | Things We Left Behind (Knockemout Series 3) | Lucy Score | Bloom Books | Sep. 5, 2023 |
| 37 | Out of the Far North (A Nir Tavor Mossad Thriller) | Amir Tsarfati | Ten Peaks Press | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 38 | Hopeless: A Chestnut Springs Special Edition | Elsie Silver | Elsie Silver Literary Ltd. | Oct. 13, 2023 |
| 39 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | Eric Carle | PI Kids | Feb. 2, 2013 |
| 40 | Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection | Shawn Waldron | Abrams Books | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 41 | The Inner Work: An Invitation to True Freedom and Lasting Happiness | Mathew Micheletti | Self-published | May 3, 2019 |
| 42 | Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series 2) | Lucy Score | Bloom Books | Feb. 21, 2023 |
| 43 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sep. 8, 2020 |
| 44 | Rediscovering Israel: A Fresh Look at God’s Story in Its Historical and Cultural Contexts | Kristi McLelland | Harvest House Publishers | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| 45 | How to Catch a Monster: A Halloween Picture Book for Kids about Conquering Fears! | Adam Wallace | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Sep. 5, 2017 |
| 46 | Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy | Kash Pramod Patel | Post Hill Press | Sep. 26, 2023 |
| 47 | Deception: The Great Covid Cover-Up | Rand Paul | Regnery Publishing | Oct. 10, 2023 |
| 48 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Global Brother | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 49 | Berserk Deluxe Volume 1 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | March 26, 2019 |
| 50 | ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide: TEAS 7 Prep Book, Six Full-Length Practice Tests | Matthew Bowling | Mometrix Media LLC | March 6, 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.
