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Written by ABA
Last edited Mar 2023 — 3 min read
Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for new authors to get their work out into the world. With the rise of digital publishing platforms and the ease of online distribution, self-publishing offers authors greater control over their work and a direct line to readers. However, while self-publishing can be a great way to get started, many authors dream of being picked up by a traditional publisher and having their work distributed through major bookstores and literary channels. What many people don't realize is that it's possible for a self-published book to catch the attention of a traditional publisher and be re-released through their channels. In fact, there are many successful examples of books that started out as self-published titles and later went on to become bestsellers through traditional publishing. In this article, we'll take a look at some of these success stories and explore the journey that these authors took to get their work into the hands of a wider audience.
The Martian is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir that tells the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars and his efforts to survive and make contact with Earth. The book was originally self-published by Weir in 2011 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and a subsequent film adaptation starring Matt Damon.
Wool is a dystopian science fiction novel by Hugh Howey that is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in a massive underground silo. The book was originally self-published by Howey in 2011 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and a subsequent film adaptation in development.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a self-help book by Stephen Covey that offers practical advice for personal and professional success. The book was originally self-published by Covey in 1989 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The Shack is a novel by William P. Young that tells the story of a man who receives a mysterious invitation to visit a cabin in the woods and comes face-to-face with God. The book was originally self-published by Young in 2007 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent film adaptation.
A Time to Kill is a legal thriller by John Grisham that tells the story of a lawyer defending a black man who has killed the men who raped his daughter. The book was originally self-published by Grisham in 1989 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The Celestine Prophecy is a novel by James Redfield that tells the story of a man who embarks on a spiritual journey in search of a series of insights that can transform human society. The book was originally self-published by Redfield in 1993 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The 4-Hour Work Week is a self-help book by Timothy Ferriss that offers practical advice for increasing productivity and achieving a more balanced lifestyle. The book was originally self-published by Ferriss in 2007 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
Fifty Shades of Grey is an erotic romance novel by E.L. James that tells the story of a college student who falls in love with a wealthy businessman who introduces her to BDSM. The book was originally self-published by James in 2011 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a personal finance book by Robert Kiyosaki that offers practical advice for building wealth and achieving financial independence. The book was originally self-published by Kiyosaki in 1997 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The One Thing is a self-help book that emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing that matters most to achieve success in life. Gary Keller's book provides practical advice on how to prioritize and manage one's time, energy, and attention to increase productivity and effectiveness. The book was originally self-published by Keller in 2012 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The Paleo Solution is a health and fitness book that advocates for adopting a paleo diet and lifestyle to achieve optimal health. Robb Wolf's book provides practical advice on how to improve one's physical and mental well-being by eating real food, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress. The book was originally self-published by Wolf in 2010 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The Art of Possibility is a self-help book that explores the power of creativity and imagination to transform one's life and work. Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander's book provides practical advice on how to cultivate a mindset of possibility and abundance to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals. The book was originally self-published by the Zanders in 2000 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The House of Morgan is a history book that chronicles the rise of the Morgan banking dynasty from its origins in Victorian England to its dominance in the American financial system. Ron Chernow's book provides a detailed and engaging account of the Morgan family's influence on global finance and politics. The book was originally self-published by Chernow in 1989 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
Still Alice is a novel that tells the story of a Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and must navigate the challenges of the disease while maintaining her identity and relationships. Lisa Genova's book provides a moving and insightful portrayal of Alzheimer's from the patient's perspective. The book was originally self-published by Genova in 2007 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent film adaptation starring Julianne Moore.
The Secret is a self-help book that explores the law of attraction and offers practical advice for manifesting one's desires. Rhonda Byrne's book provides a simple yet powerful message about the role of positive thinking in shaping one's life. The book was originally self-published by Byrne in 2006 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
The Martian Chronicles is a science fiction book that explores the theme of colonialism and its impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. Ray Bradbury's book provides a thought-provoking and imaginative vision of a future Mars inhabited by humans. The book was originally self-published by Bradbury in 1950 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
Pines is a thriller novel by Blake Crouch that tells the story of Secret Service agent Ethan Burke as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of two federal agents in a small Idaho town. The book was originally self-published by Crouch in 2012 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent television adaptation starring Matt Dillon.
The Fat-Burning Bible is a health and wellness book by Mackie Shilstone that provides practical advice and tips for achieving weight loss and improved health. The book was originally self-published by Shilstone in 2004 and became a bestseller, leading to subsequent editions and international success.
The Manual to Manhood is a self-help book by Jonathan Catherman that provides practical advice and tips for young men on topics such as shaving, tying a tie, and changing a tire. The book was originally self-published by Catherman in 2014 and became a bestseller, leading to a traditional publishing deal and subsequent international success.
In conclusion, self-publishing can be a great way for authors to get their work out into the world and connect with readers. And while the traditional publishing route may seem like the ultimate goal for many writers, it's important to remember that success can come in many forms. For some authors, the path to traditional publishing may start with self-publishing, and that can be a valuable step in building a successful writing career.
The examples we've looked at in this article show that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, it's possible to make the leap from self-publishing to traditional publishing. So if you're an author considering self-publishing, don't be discouraged if traditional publishing seems out of reach.
Keep honing your craft, building your platform, and connecting with readers, and who knows? Your self-published book could be the next one to catch the attention of a traditional publisher.
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