Self-publishing success stories: 0 to 5841 books sold 

JD Caron
September 4, 2023

How to become one of the self-publishing success stories…

Ever dreamt of being a hit self-published author? How does selling thousands of books sound? Let's dive into a success story that proves—with the right strategy, you can dominate the self-publishing world! Stick around, you'll want to hear these numbers and what she did to get there!

Sally’s self-publishing success story

So, a while back, in December 2021, Sally—a name we're using for privacy—reached out. She had a fantasy novel, brimming with magic, adventure, with historical elements. Sounds cool, right? But there was a hitch.

Sally was a rookie to the marketing side of books. These were here struggles:

  • “I need guidance.
  • Everywhere I look, there’s different advice.
  • My novel is unique.
  • How do I get it out there?”

She was overwhelmed. Social media? Secret strategies for Amazon? Does this all still work? Or did any of what she read ever work? What will work for my book? Too much information, not enough clarity.

She had one simple wish. She didn’t want fame or heaps of cash. She just wanted her book to be read and loved. Can you relate to all of this?

Where to start to become of the Amazon self-publishing success stories?

Let's dive into Sally's transformative journey. With a clear guidance and feedback through our coaching program along with some determination, we first tackled that crucial first impression—the cover. We worked with the designer it to be a beacon for lovers of magic, adventure, and thrilling tales.

Click here to learn more about how much a book cover cost

We then shifted our focus to Amazon. Here, everything matters to stack the deck in our favor of the book taking off. We meticulously selected keywords, categories, crafted an enticing blurb, and created a portal that wasn’t just about selling a book—it was about welcoming readers and answering their questions when they come to the page “will I like this book” and “is this book any good”.

Next, we worked for people to notice it through targeted ads and promos. Together, we consistently analyzed the numbers and shifted them as needed. Lastly, she also leveraged her connections in book clubs to help spread the word.

So, what were the results?

Sally's debut book took off, collecting over 700 reviews on Amazon. Sales hit a remarkable 5,372 copies in just over a year. And her sequel that was just released? Within a mere 3 weeks, she sold 469 copies, clinching the #1 new release spot in two dominant categories.

And yes, she didn’t make the New York Times best-seller list, but with a foundation like this, she could be well on her way to becoming one of those self-publishing success stories that end up on that list.

Imagine stepping into the vast unknown of self-publishing, and, in just over a year, having this head start. Since the average self-published book sells 250 in its lifetime, this is over 21 times more than the average.

Now, some of you might be thinking, 'Sally probably had tens of thousands in her budget to make this happen.'

Nope! While yes, it did require an investment of money and time, I’d bet it's much less than what you’re thinking and affordable for the majority of you.

Self-publishing Success Stories: Key Takeaways

  • A so-called Marketing Maven Isn't Made Overnight.

Sally's journey proves you don't have to kick off with a love for marketing. You can get better at it over time, especially when you see your efforts turning into tangible results. Remember, it's okay to start off unsure, but it's essential to stay open and adaptable.

  • Invest in Guidance

The world of self-publishing is vast, and navigating it alone can feel like an uphill battle. But why go it alone when you don't have to? Finding someone who has walked the path, overcome the obstacles, and unlocked the secrets can be invaluable.

Think of it as a trail through a forest. Sure, you can blaze your own, but why not take the one already cleared, saving you time, effort, and resources?

  • Streamlining is the Name of the Game.

Efficiency and effectiveness go hand-in-hand. Having a structured system, like the Author Success System, provides a blueprint. It’s not about cutting corners; it's about smart strategy. Following a tried-and-tested method can save you from common pitfalls and launch you toward success faster.

In conclusion, your journey as an author is uniquely yours, but that doesn’t mean you have to face every challenge alone. Embrace the resources, like Author Success System, and witness your dreams transform into reality.

Insert About the Author

About the author 

JD Caron

Meet JD - a natural leader with a talent for coaching. He spent time in the military and as a 911 dispatcher, honing his skills in teaching and guiding others through emergencies.


After struggling to self-publish his first book, he discovered a passion for helping others succeed in their writing endeavors. 


When he's not coaching, JD can be found exploring Europe and soaking up history at every turn.

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