Top 15 Women Authors Who Achieved Success in Self-Publishing

“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.”

Isabel Allende

Award-Winning Storyteller and Journalist Sharon Gordon published her debut novel Sheribaby and started off with a bang! Introverts may not be as purposeful due to shyness. They are reserved and avoid putting themselves ‘out there’ for the world to see them and their author life.

That said, here are 15 women authors who found significant success through self-publishing:

1. Amanda Hocking – Became a millionaire by self-publishing her paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher
2. E.L. James – Initially self-published “Fifty Shades of Grey” as fan fiction before it became a global phenomenon
3. Colleen Hoover – Self-published her debut novel “Slammed” before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author
4. Rachel Abbott – One of the UK’s most successful self-published authors with her thriller novels
5. Lindsay Buroker – Found success with her Emperor’s Edge fantasy series and numerous other works
6. Bella Forrest – Self-published the phenomenally successful “A Shade of Vampire” series
7. H.M. Ward – Romance author who sold millions of copies of her self-published works
8. Jasinda Wilder – Self-published numerous bestselling romance novels before signing a traditional deal
9. Vi Keeland – Initially self-published her romance novels before becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller
10. Penny Reid – Built a successful career with her self-published romantic comedies
11. Rupi Kaur – Self-published her poetry collection “Milk and Honey” which became a worldwide bestseller
12. Sierra Simone – Found success with her provocative romance novels
13. Sarina Bowen – Award-winning romance author who began her career self-publishing
14. L.J. Shen – Romance author who built a massive following through self-publishing
15. Lauren Blakely – Multi-million selling self-published romance author

Many of these authors began self-publishing when traditional routes weren’t available to them. They remained independent even after achieving success. Several eventually signed traditional publishing deals after demonstrating their commercial appeal through self-publishing

Need help to get over your fear of leveling up to achieve your goal of being a published author? Let these women inspire you. Have you or someone you know stepped out and achieved success? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!