Self-publishing has become a popular avenue for aspiring authors to get their work out into the world without having to go through the traditional publishing route. In recent years, self-publishing has gained immense popularity, and many authors have achieved great success through self-publishing. In this article, we will take a look at five popular books that were originally self-published.
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir, which was first self-published in 2011. The book tells the story of an astronaut, Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars after his crewmates leave him behind, thinking he’s dead. Watney is forced to survive on the planet using his wit, intelligence, and the resources at his disposal. The book became an instant hit and gained a large following, leading to it being traditionally published in 2014. The book was later adapted into a successful movie starring Matt Damon.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eragon is a young adult fantasy novel by Christopher Paolini, which was self-published by Paolini and his parents in 2002. The book follows the story of a young farm boy named Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg and becomes embroiled in a war between good and evil. The book was a huge success, and it caught the attention of publishing giant Random House, who later republished the book in 2003. The book went on to become a New York Times bestseller and spawning several movie adaptations.
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Fifty Shades of Grey is a romance novel by E.L. James, which was originally self-published as an ebook in 2011. The book tells the story of a college student, Anastasia Steele, who enters into a BDSM relationship with a wealthy businessman, Christian Grey. The book became an instant success, and it quickly gained a large following, leading to a traditional publishing deal with Vintage Books. The book went on to become a global sensation, selling over 150 million copies worldwide and sparking an immensely successful movie trilogy.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Still Alice is a novel by Lisa Genova, which was self-published in 2007. The book tells the story of Alice Howland, a linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The book gained critical acclaim and caught the attention of traditional publishers, leading to a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster in 2009. The book went on to become a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a successful movie starring Julianne Moore.
The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer
The Joy of Cooking is a classic cookbook by Irma S. Rombauer, which was self-published in 1931. The book contains a comprehensive collection of recipes and cooking techniques, and it quickly gained a following among home cooks. The book’s success caught the attention of publishing company Bobbs-Merrill, who later republished the book in 1936. The book has since been reprinted numerous times, with over 18 million copies sold worldwide.
Self-publishing has become a popular avenue for authors to get their work out into the world, and these five books serve as a testament to the success that can be achieved through self-publishing. These books have all gone on to achieve incredible success, both critically and commercially, and they continue to inspire aspiring authors to take their writing careers into their own hands.
If you liked this blog and want to be the first to hear about new content that we publish? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive blog posts, special offers, and self-publishing news straight to your inbox.
