Authors chose to self-publish for greater creative control, faster time to market and higher royalty rates, especially for ebooks.

While the big publishing houses dominate the dystopian bestseller charts, self-published authors aren’t exactly on the sidelines – they’ve made their mark, too!

The key? A gripping story and polished editing, clever marketing through social media, blogs and ads to reach their audience and reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

I’ve highlighted 5 self-published dystopian novels that broke through and revealed the 5 Factors Publishers consider in a hit. Prepare to be inspired!

5 Self-Published Dystopian Best-sellers

1. Wool by Hugh Howey

• Initially released as a short story on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) in 2011, Wool gained immense popularity, leading to a full-length series.
• Traditional Publishing Deal: After its success, Howey negotiated a unique deal with Simon & Schuster, retaining his digital publishing rights while granting them print rights.
• Impact: Wool became a bestseller and a benchmark for self-publishing success in speculative fiction, eventually adapted into the Apple TV+ series Silo.

2. The Martian by Andy Weir

• While more science fiction than pure dystopia, The Martian shares thematic similarities with dystopian survival tales. Andy Weir initially serialised it on his website before self-publishing the complete work in 2011.
• Traditional Deal: The book was picked up by Crown Publishing (an imprint of Penguin Random House) and became a bestseller, later adapted into the blockbuster movie starring Matt Damon.

3. Yesterday’s Gone by Sean Platt and David Wright

• This dystopian thriller was self-published in serialised Amazon Kindle episodes resembling a TV series format.
• Niche Appeal: It attracted a devoted following, demonstrating that self-publishing can work well for serialised storytelling.

4. The Subtle Body by Brenda Cooper

• Brenda Cooper, a seasoned author, chose to self-publish this dystopian book, proving that even established writers use self-publishing for creative freedom.
• Reader Engagement: While not as mainstream as others, the book found its audience among fans of thoughtful speculative fiction.

5. The Book of Deacon by Joseph R. Lallo

• Though primarily a fantasy author, Lallo ventured into dystopian elements. He gained a loyal fan base through Kindle Direct Publishing and built a sustainable career.

5 Key Factors Publishers Consider 

• Sales Numbers:
  • 10,000+ copies sold signals to traditional publishers that the book has market potential.
  • 5,000–10,000 copies might suffice for niche genres if paired with excellent reviews and consistent sales growth.
• Audience Engagement:
  Publishers look for authors who have built a dedicated fan base, such as:
  • High follower counts on social media.
  • Positive and numerous reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
  • Email newsletter subscribers or a growing reader community.
• Consistent Sales Growth:
  A book that shows steady upward sales momentum over time (even without a blockbuster debut) is appealing, as it suggests longevity and a loyal audience.
• Critical Acclaim or Awards:
  Winning self-publishing awards or earning significant media coverage can signal quality and enhance credibility.
• Potential for Expansion:
  Publishers are drawn to self-published books that can be expanded into series or adapted into movies or TV shows.

So, the secret sauce that publishers are secretly (or not so secretly) searching for?

It’s not just about having a killer plot—it’s about nailing the timing and the marketing!

Happy Writing!