Bestselling books that started out self-published

Self-publishing gives authors the freedom to write what they want, how they want, without the limitations of traditional publishing houses. There are many authors who have used self-publishing to launch their writing careers and even get traditional publishing deals and continue their success.

 Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

1. The Appeal of Self-Publishing

Why are so many writers turning to self-publishing? The answer lies in creative control and opportunity. Self-publishing gives authors the freedom to write what they want, how they want, without the limitations of traditional publishing houses.

One major advantage is speed. Traditional publishing can take years, but self-publishing lets you get your book to market quickly. This rapid turnaround attracts many authors. Self-publishing also offers significant financial benefits. When you self-publish, you retain a much higher percentage of the royalties, greatly increasing your earnings. Finally, there’s immense satisfaction in seeing your book in print and knowing you achieved it independently.

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2. Self-Publishing Bestseller as a Blog Serial: The Martian by Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s The Martian started as a blog serial. Yes, you read that right. He published chapters on his website, and readers loved it. They loved it so much that they requested an eBook version.

Weir listened to his audience and self-published The Martian as an eBook and quickly caught the attention of a literary agent. Soon after, it became a bestseller and turned into a blockbuster movie starring Matt Damon.

The key takeaways? Listen and engage with your readers. You might discover a new way to publish your work! Don’t be afraid to start small, either. Successful authors often begin with blog posts or self-published eBooks before hitting the bestseller list.

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3. Self-publishing Bestseller as Both Paperback and eBook: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey is arguably one of the most famous self-publishing success stories in modern history. Initially published as an eBook and print-on-demand (POD) paperback, it quickly gained a massive following which led to a conventional publishing deal, and the rest is history. Fifty Shades of Grey became a global phenomenon, complete with movies, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base.

James’ story highlights the importance of multi-format publishing. Offering your book in both eBook and paperback formats can broaden your audience and increase your reach and therefore sales potential.

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4. Self-Publishing Bestseller as a Novella Series: Wool by Hugh Howey

Hugh Howey’s Wool series is another success story. Initially, Howey released Wool as a stand-alone novella, and when its popularity surged he expanded the story into subsequent novellas and eventually compiled them into a full-length novel.

Howey’s self-publishing strategy allowed him to build a loyal reader base by continually releasing new content, keeping his audience engaged and increasing his book sales with each new instalment.

Howey proves that a publishing strategy can be to release your books online in smaller, serialised formats. This tactic can generate anticipation, retain engaged readers, and boost your overall sales in the self-publishing market.

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5. Australian Self-Publishing Success Story in Poetry: Grave Delights by N’Gadie Roberts

In Australia, self-publishing success isn’t just for novels. N’Gadie Roberts’ poetry collection Grave Delights exemplifies this. Roberts chose to self-publish to maintain full artistic control. Her unique voice and compelling themes resonated with readers, resulting in strong sales and critical praise. Roberts has even gone on to have her poetry exhibited in the Met Museum and read by actress Cynthia Erivo.

Grave Delights proves that poetry can excel in the self-publishing world, especially when the author stays true to their vision. For poets considering self-publishing, Roberts’ success story powerfully demonstrates what can be achieved.

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6. Australian Success Story in Historical Fiction: Grimmish by Michael Winkler

Michael Winkler’s Grimmish is a historical fiction novel which Winkler initially had difficulty getting published. He first attempted traditional publishing means, but was met with disinterest. By choosing to self-publish, Winkler bypassed traditional gatekeepers and brought his unique story to life on his own, and it was well worth it, too; Grimmish became the first self-published book to be shortlisted for Australia’s Mile Franklin Award.

Winkler’s success highlights the potential of self-publishing, especially for niche genres like historical fiction which are often overlooked by traditional publishing. If you’re writing in a genre which isn’t the mainstream, self-publishing might be your best option to reach readers and achieve success.

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7. Tips from Bestselling Self-Published Authors

Now that we’ve explored some stellar examples, let’s learn valuable insights from successful self-published authors. Discover their top tips and strategies for self-publishing to boost your book’s success.

7.1 Engage with Your Readers

Andy Weir’s success story highlights the power of reader engagement. Connect with your audience through blogs, social media, and email newsletters. Their feedback shapes your publishing strategy for better results. Engaging with readers boosts your visibility and helps you understand their preferences, driving more traffic to your content.

7.2 Offer Multiple Formats

E.L. James demonstrated that offering both eBooks and paperbacks can significantly boost your reach and sales. Different readers have varied preferences, so catering to all formats increases your chances of success. Optimise your publishing strategy by providing both digital and print options to maximise reader engagement and book sales.

7.3 Consider Serialisation

Hugh Howey’s strategy of publishing his work in smaller instalments engaged his readers and made them crave more. To boost reader retention and increase excitement around your story, consider using serialisation as a winning approach.

7.4 Stay True to Your Vision

N’Gadie Roberts and Michael Winkler show that sticking to your creative vision pays off. Self-publishing lets you maintain your unique voice and message, resonating deeply with readers. Discover how self-publishing benefits authors, helping them reach their audience while staying true to their artistic vision.

7.5 Invest in Quality

When self-publishing a book, don’t skimp on quality. A polished book always stands a better chance in the competitive self-publishing market, so hire professional editors, cover designers, and typesetters. Investing in quality makes your book stand out and attracts more attention and, in turn, readers.

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