The best-selling self-published books 2025 highlight how indie authors are thriving in a competitive market. From romance blockbusters to thrilling mysteries, these titles are connecting with passionate readers worldwide.
1. The Tenant — Freida McFadden
Topping Jane Friedman’s Bestseller Lists for self-published ebooks, The Tenant has cemented Freida McFadden as a master of psychological suspense (Jane Friedman).
Learn how to craft irresistible hooks in our guide on turning browsers into buyers.
2. Wild Side (Rose Hill #3) — Elsie Silver
Featured as a top Hidden Gems indie pick, Elsie Silver’s enemies-to-lovers romance delivers the emotional payoff fans crave (Jane Friedman).
For romance authors, see our advice on how to captivate readers from the first line.
3. King of Envy (Kings of Sin #5) — Ana Huang
Ana Huang continues her indie dominance with this sizzling romance, holding a top spot in self-published ebook sales (Jane Friedman).
If you’re building a series, read our self-publishing success guide.
4. Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes — Matt Eicheldinger
Originally self-published, Matt Eicheldinger’s middle-grade hit won Indie Book of the Year and later became a New York Times & USA Today bestseller (Wikipedia).
5. The Lost Bookshop — Evie Woods
A booklover’s delight, Evie Woods began The Lost Bookshop as a self-published project before it gained a traditional publishing deal (Wikipedia).
For tips on transitioning from indie to traditional publishing, see our post on self-publishing vs traditional publishing.
Why These Indie Hits Stand Out
- Genre mastery: Romance, thriller, and middle-grade are indie powerhouses (Miblart).
- Platform power: Amazon KDP remains central to distribution success (Accio).
- Community momentum: Lists like Hidden Gems can catapult visibility (Jane Friedman).
- Crossover success: Several of these authors transitioned to traditional publishing while retaining creative control.
Conclusion
The best-selling self-published books 2025 prove that indie authors can achieve critical and commercial success with the right blend of genre appeal, marketing savvy, and reader engagement.
If you’re ready to launch your own indie hit, contact WriteLight Group for expert help with writing, editing, publishing, and marketing.
FAQ — Best-Selling Self-Published Books 2025
1. What’s the #1 self-published ebook of 2025 so far?
The Tenant by Freida McFadden, per Jane Friedman’s bestseller list.
2. Which indie authors transitioned to traditional publishing in 2025?
Matt Eicheldinger and Evie Woods both made the leap (Wikipedia).
3. Which genres dominate self-published bestsellers?
Romance, thrillers, and fantasy lead the pack (Miblart).
4. How important is Amazon KDP for indie authors?
It’s still the primary sales platform for most top-selling self-published books (Accio).
5. Can indie books get media coverage?
Yes—several titles earned spots in outlets like The New York Times and national bestseller lists.
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