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 October 2024, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, technical manuals, 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 | Melania | Melania Trump | Skyhorse Publishing | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 2 | The Boyfriend | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 3 | 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 |
| 4 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | Self-published | March 20, 2023 |
| 5 | Bloodborne Complete Guide, 25th Anniversary Edition | Future Press | Future Press Verlag und Marketing GmbH | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 6 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | July 9, 2024 |
| 7 | 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 |
| 8 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | Hungry Minds | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 9 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Self-published | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 10 | Hot Mess (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 19) | Jeff Kinney | Harry N. Abrams | Oct. 22, 2024 |
| 11 | The Leaf Thief: The Perfect Fall Book for Children and Toddlers | Alice Hemming | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky | Aug. 3, 2021 |
| 12 | My Sticker Dress-Up: Swifties: Fun and Creative Activity Book for Swifties of All Ages with 500+ Reusable Stickers | Louise Anglicas | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 13 | Moving beyond the COVID-19 Lies: Restoring Health & Hope for Humanity | Bryan Ardis | Harvest Creek Publishing | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 14 | 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 |
| 15 | The Dragon’s Prophecy: Israel, the Dark Resurrection, and the End of Days | Jonathan Cahn | Frontline | Sep. 3, 2024 |
| 16 | Carnivore in the Kitchen: A Fresh and Fun Approach to Meat-Based Meals | Courtney Luna | Victory Belt Publishing | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 17 | Save America | Donald J Trump | Winning Team Publishing | Sep. 3, 2024 |
| 18 | The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer’s Crimes against Humanity | The WarRoom / DailyClout Pfizer Documents Analysts | War Room Books | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 19 | 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 |
| 20 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | May 29, 2024 |
| 21 | Navy SEALs Bug in Survival Guide: The Ultimate Home Defense Manual: How to Create an Impenetrable Safe Haven | Miles Ruel | Self-published | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| 22 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 23 | World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book | PI Kids | PI Kids | Feb. 1, 2013 |
| 24 | Priceless Facts about Money | Mellody Hobson | Candlewick Press | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 25 | The Housemaid Is Watching | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks / Poisoned Pen Press | June 11, 2024 |
| 26 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | Self-published | May 24, 2024 |
| 27 | What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: A Cookbook | Caroline Chambers | Union Square & Co. | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 28 | The Achievements of Kamala Harris | Jason Dudash | Self-published | Sep. 29, 2024 |
| 29 | How to Catch a Witch | Alice Walstead | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Aug. 2, 2022 |
| 30 | The Book of Unusual Knowledge | Publications International Ltd. | Publications International | April 1, 2012 |
| 31 | Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief Workbook: Tools for Releasing Pain and Remembering with Love | David Kessler | Bridge City Books | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 32 | I Love You to the Moon and Back | Amelia Hepworth | Tiger Tales | March 3, 2015 |
| 33 | My First Learn-to-Write Workbook: Practice for Kids with Pen Control, Line Tracing, Letters, and More! | Crystal Radke | Callisto Kids | Aug. 27, 2019 |
| 34 | Oh No, Not “The Home”: Observations and Confessions of a Grandmother in Transition | Peggy Rowe | Forefront Books | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 35 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sourcebooks / Poisoned Pen Press | Dec. 5, 2023 |
| 36 | The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness | Morgan Housel | Harriman House | Sep. 8, 2020 |
| 37 | Berserk Deluxe Volume 2 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | July 9, 2019 |
| 38 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | Self-published | March 28, 2022 |
| 39 | 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 |
| 40 | Little Spooky: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Self-published | Aug. 21, 2024 |
| 41 | Berserk Deluxe Volume 1 | Kentaro Miura | Dark Horse Manga | March 26, 2019 |
| 42 | Barbara O’Neill Natural Herbal Remedies Complete Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing ALL of Dr. Barbara O’Neill’s Studies and the Non-Toxic Lifestyle | Roberta Lane | Self-published | June 18, 2024 |
| 43 | The Slow Down: For the Love of Home | Leanne Ford | Harry N. Abrams | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 44 | How to Catch a Monster: A Halloween Picture Book for Kids about Conquering Fears | Adam Wallace | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Sep. 5, 2017 |
| 45 | Taylor Swift (Spotlight on a Legend) | Holly Corbett | Hearst Home | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 46 | Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 Months (Moms on Call 1) | Laura Hunter LPN | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2006 |
| 47 | I Love You Like No Otter: A Funny and Sweet Animal Board Book for Babies and Toddlers This Christmas (Punderland) | Rose Rossner | Sourcebooks Wonderland | Jan. 7, 2020 |
| 48 | 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 |
| 49 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Self-published | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 50 | Trigun Maximum Deluxe Edition Volume 1 | Yasuhiro Nightow | Dark Horse Manga | Oct. 8, 2024 |
Top 50 Self-Published Ebooks
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 2 | Anathema (Eating Woods) | Keri Lake | Sep. 8, 2024 |
| 3 | Promise Me Not | Meagan Brandy | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 4 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 12, 2021 |
| 5 | The Wingman: A Relationship Coach Hockey Romance (Vancouver Storm 3) | Stephanie Archer | Sep. 26, 2024 |
| 6 | The Bonus | T L Swan | Aug. 13, 2024 |
| 7 | Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor 5) | Melanie Harlow | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 8 | How My Neighbor Stole Christmas | Meghan Quinn | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 9 | Goldfinch (Plated Prisoner Series 6) | Raven Kennedy | Sep. 24, 2024 |
| 10 | Scarred Queen (Adamov Bratva 2) | Naomi West | Sep. 18, 2024 |
| 11 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Nov. 19, 2021 |
| 12 | The Perfect Fit | Sadie Kincaid | Dec. 10, 2023 |
| 13 | Scarred King (Adamov Bratva 1) | Naomi West | Sep. 18, 2024 |
| 14 | The Romance Line (Love and Hockey 2) | Lauren Blakely | Oct. 2, 2024 |
| 15 | The Unwanted Bride: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Lasker Brothers) | Nadia Lee | Sep. 20, 2024 |
| 16 | Forever Starts Tonight: A Small Town, Brother’s Best Friend Romance (Wilder Family) | Karla Sorensen | Sep. 27, 2024 |
| 17 | On the Wild Side: A Small Town, Cowboy, Single Mom Romance (Wilds of Montana 4) | Kristen Proby | Oct. 3, 2024 |
| 18 | Just Between Us (Kings) | Lena Hendrix | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 19 | Nocticadia | Keri Lake | April 25, 2023 |
| 20 | The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1) | Carissa Broadbent | Aug. 30, 2022 |
| 21 | The Unplanned Wedding: Knox & June’s Story: Boss Employee Marriage of Convenience Romance (Davenports 3) | L. Steele | Sep. 19, 2024 |
| 22 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 28, 2022 |
| 23 | Say You Swear | Meagan Brandy | Feb. 16, 2022 |
| 24 | From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge 1) | A.L. Jackson | Oct. 15, 2024 |
| 25 | Temptation Trails: A Small-Town Romance (Haven Brothers 3) | Claire Kingsley | Sep. 12, 2024 |
| 26 | It’s Just Business | Lauren Landish | Sep. 20, 2024 |
| 27 | Twisted Love | Ana Huang | April 29, 2021 |
| 28 | Ghosts of Halloween: A Dark Why Choose Romance | Layla Fae | Sep. 23, 2024 |
| 29 | God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1) | Rina Kent | July 14, 2022 |
| 30 | The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia 2) | Carissa Broadbent | April 14, 2023 |
| 31 | The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | Feb. 6, 2024 |
| 32 | Credence | Penelope Douglas | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| 33 | The Sinner: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 4, 2022 |
| 34 | Never Lie | Freida McFadden | Sep. 19, 2022 |
| 35 | Secret Love : A Small Town, Single Dad, Sports Romance (Single Dad Playbook 2) | Willow Aster | Oct. 10, 2024 |
| 36 | Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1) | Lucy Score | Jan. 13, 2022 |
| 37 | Gild (Plated Prisoner Series 1) | Raven Kennedy | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| 38 | Heat of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse Saga 3) | Penn Cole | Sep. 12, 2023 |
| 39 | Redeeming (Red Lips & White Lies 2) | Bella Matthews | Sep. 26, 2024 |
| 40 | The Deal (Off-Campus 1) | Elle Kennedy | Feb. 24, 2015 |
| 41 | Little Liar: A Dark Taboo Romance (Web of Silence Duet 2) | Leigh Rivers | Sep. 29, 2024 |
| 42 | Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3) | Raven Kennedy | May 31, 2021 |
| 43 | A Blackened Bond (Blackened Blade 2) | Isla Davon | Sep. 30, 2024 |
| 44 | Glow (Plated Prisoner 4) | Raven Kennedy | June 18, 2022 |
| 45 | Heartless: A Small Town Single Dad Romance | Elsie Silver | Oct. 14, 2022 |
| 46 | Obsession Falls: A Small-Town Romance (Haven Brothers 1) | Claire Kingsley | Oct. 12, 2023 |
| 47 | Bridesmaid Undercover | Meghan Quinn | Aug. 20, 2024 |
| 48 | The Sacrifice: A Dark Revenge Romance | Shantel Tessier | April 6, 2023 |
| 49 | The Inmate: A Gripping Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | June 13, 2022 |
| 50 | Empire: A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound 10) | Nicoli Gonnella | Oct. 9, 2024 |
Top 50 Self-Published Print Books
Box sets are excluded from this list.
| Rank | Title | Author | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth | Joel Lambert | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| 2 | The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments | Nicole Apelian | March 20, 2023 |
| 3 | Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 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 | NO GRID Survival Projects | Claude Davis | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 6 | Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 19, 2019 |
| 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 | Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | May 29, 2024 |
| 9 | Navy SEALs Bug In Survival Guide: The Ultimate Home Defense Manual: How to Create an Impenetrable Safe Haven | Miles Ruel | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| 10 | The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2019 |
| 11 | Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress Relief | Vivi Tinta | May 24, 2024 |
| 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 Spooky: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | Aug. 21, 2024 |
| 14 | Barbara O’Neill Natural Herbal Remedies Complete Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing ALL of Dr. Barbara O’Neill’s Studies and the Non-Toxic Lifestyle | Roberta Lane | June 18, 2024 |
| 15 | Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End Of Suffering | Joseph Nguyen | March 28, 2022 |
| 16 | The Lost Ways | Claude Davis | Jan. 1, 2016 |
| 17 | Comfy Days: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters in Cozy Hygge Moments for Relaxation | Coco Wyo | July 9, 2024 |
| 18 | Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies at Your Fingertips | Dr. Nicole Apelian | Oct. 8, 2024 |
| 19 | How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing Things | Emma Greene | Nov. 18, 2023 |
| 20 | The Guerrilla’s Guide to the Baofeng Radio | NC Scout | Dec. 1, 2022 |
| 21 | Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds | Tabitha Paige | Oct. 20, 2020 |
| 22 | The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way | Joseph Alton, MD | Aug. 24, 2021 |
| 23 | Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health | Dr. Livingood | Dec. 24, 2017 |
| 24 | Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy 1) | Callie Hart | June 3, 2024 |
| 25 | The Mindf*ck Series | S.T. Abby | April 3, 2019 |
| 26 | Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1) | H.D. Carlton | Aug. 13, 2021 |
| 27 | Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 2) | H.D. Carlton | Jan. 25, 2022 |
| 28 | Anathema (Eating Woods 1) | Keri Lake | Sep. 12, 2024 |
| 29 | What Should Danny Do? | Adir Levy | May 17, 2017 |
| 30 | Mom’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sep. 13, 2022 |
| 31 | Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal for My Family | Korie Herold | Sep. 13, 2022 |
| 32 | The Ritual: A Dark College Romance | Shantel Tessier | Dec. 1, 2021 |
| 33 | The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization | Hungry Minds | Jan. 1, 2022 |
| 34 | That’s Good Right There: Southern Cooking | Kelley Harris | Oct. 1, 2024 |
| 35 | Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids: 300 Difficult Riddles and Brain Teasers Families Will Love | M Prefontaine | May 17, 2017 |
| 36 | The Prepper’s Survival Bible: [30 in 1] The Complete Long-Term Life-Saving Survival Guide | Tom Briggs | June 13, 2024 |
| 37 | Barbara O’Neill Natural Herbal Remedies Complete Collection: 30 in 1 | Fiona Wren | Aug. 28, 2024 |
| 38 | Grandmother, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Grandmother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life and Her Love | Jeffrey Mason | July 28, 2019 |
| 39 | Krockpots to Kasseroles: Dinner Made Easy with the Mississippi Kween | Caroline Davis | Oct. 21, 2024 |
| 40 | Swearing Cats Catitude: Coloring Book of Funny Kitty Memes for Adult Relaxation | Gritty Witty and Wise | May 27, 2024 |
| 41 | Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition | Lily Nichols | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| 42 | Cozy Girl Coloring Book: Bold and Easy Hygge Inspired Designs for Adults and Teens: Simple, Cute Illustrations with Thick Lines | Jeanett Veronica | June 23, 2024 |
| 43 | The Baofeng Radio Bible: The Comprehensive and Easy-to-Follow Guerrilla’s Guide to Become a Pro with Your Baofeng Radio in No Time and Stay Connected When It Matters Most | Eliot J. Hawke | Aug. 25, 2024 |
| 44 | Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present | Nick Trenton | March 1, 2021 |
| 45 | You Are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence | Nadia Ross | Nov. 8, 2021 |
| 46 | No Grid Survival Projects Bible: 20 in 1 | Rowan Mercer | Aug. 18, 2024 |
| 47 | The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby | S.M. Gross | Nov. 16, 2021 |
| 48 | Ward D: A Gripping Psychological Thriller | Freida McFadden | May 8, 2023 |
| 49 | Back Mechanic | Stuart McGill | Sep. 30, 2015 |
| 50 | 100 Quest Color by Number: Squares + Triangles + Hexagons + Circles | Sunlife Drawing | Jan. 1, 2023 |
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.
