Can Self-Published Books Become Bestsellers? The Complete Guide

Can a self-published book be a bestseller? The answer is yes, but to understand what that means, it’s important to recognize that the term bestseller doesn’t carry the same definition everywhere. Globally, bestseller lists like The New York Times or USA TODAY usually require authors to sell around 5,000 to 10,000 copies in a single week, with USA TODAY specifically setting the bar at about 5,000 copies sold from Monday to Sunday. In highly competitive markets such as the United States and Europe, these weekly sales numbers determine whether a book can even be considered for major lists.

In Pakistan, however, the benchmark is far more modest due to limited readership, smaller print runs, and the lack of standardized sales tracking. While there is no official data system in place, industry insights suggest that selling 1,000 copies is already considered a success, and crossing 5,000 copies nationwide is often viewed as bestseller-level performance. Some publishers even regard sales of just a few hundred copies as noteworthy, highlighting the stark contrast between Pakistan’s book market and global publishing hubs.

Despite these differences, the essence of becoming a bestseller, whether in Pakistan or abroad, remains the same: it requires strategy, persistence, and effective marketing. Self-published books have repeatedly proven that they can break through, with several titles not only hitting bestseller status but also going on to sell millions worldwide. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transforming your self-published work into a potential bestseller, from building strong foundations to creating marketing plans that actually work.

Laying the Foundation: Quality First

The foundation of any bestselling self-published book lies in its quality. Even the most brilliant story will struggle to find an audience if it looks amateur or contains errors. Let's examine the three essential elements that form the backbone of a professional-grade book.

Professional editing and proofreading

The difference between an amateur manuscript and a bestseller often comes down to editing. Professional editing isn't just about fixing typos; it's a multi-layered process that polishes your work to meet industry standards.

Most successful self-published books undergo several types of editing. First, developmental editing addresses plot structure and character arcs. Next, copyediting focuses on grammar, syntax, and consistency. Finally, proofreading catches those last-minute typos and formatting issues that slipped through earlier stages.

Quality editing isn't cheap; expect to pay around PKR 60,000 for a professional copyedit of a 50,000-word manuscript. Moreover, a final proofread might cost approximately PKR 40,000 for the same length. Though expensive, these investments directly impact reader perception and reviews.

Remember that even professionally edited books aren't perfect. Even books published by major houses undergo multiple rounds of editing and still contain occasional errors. Therefore, consider reviewing your manuscript yourself after professional editing for the cleanest possible final version.

Investing in a great cover design

Your book cover serves as your primary marketing tool, not just decoration. In today's crowded publishing landscape, a compelling cover grabs attention, signals genre, and conveys tone.

For most readers, the cover creates their first impression. It provides visual cues about the book's content, tone, and quality before they read a single word. Consequently, a professionally designed cover dramatically increases your book's discoverability, especially when displayed as a small thumbnail online.

When readers equate good design with good content, a poor cover can sink your book regardless of the quality inside. In fact, sales can increase sevenfold after a professional cover redesign that properly matches reader expectations.

Budget accordingly; professional cover design starts at around PKR 7,500 but can range upward to PKR 20,000 or more for premium services. 

Formatting for both print and digital

Professional formatting creates a seamless reading experience across all platforms. For self-published authors, this typically means preparing different files for different formats. 

For print books, you'll need to create both a manuscript file (the interior) and a cover file (including front, back, and spine). Set proper trim size, margins, and bleed for visual elements that reach the page edge. Create front matter (title pages, copyright), body matter, and back matter (author bio) according to industry standards.

For digital books, consider reflowable ebook formats like EPUB or MOBI that adapt to different screen sizes and devices. These formats provide accessibility across platforms like Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.

You have several options for formatting, and whatever method you choose, ensure your book meets the specific requirements of each platform where you'll publish.

By prioritizing these three quality foundations, you'll significantly increase your chances of creating a self-published book that not only looks professional but has the potential to reach bestseller status.

Depending on which self-publishing company you choose to publish your work, they may provide these services either as part of the offered packages or as additional services. If you want to know more about the complete cost breakdown of self publishing a book, check out our complete guide: How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in Pakistan?

Building a Long-Term Author Strategy

Success as a self-published author rarely happens overnight. Instead, it requires a strategic approach that extends beyond a single book. Successful indie authors understand that building a sustainable career means playing the long game.

Why one book isn't enough

Many aspiring bestselling authors put all their energy into a single book, hoping it will skyrocket to success. Yet the reality tells a different story. First-time books rarely generate substantial sales immediately, even with extensive marketing efforts. On the contrary, most successful self-published authors build their careers gradually through multiple publications.

The answer doesn’t necessarily require churning out 10-30 books as quickly as possible. Rather than becoming trapped on that hamster wheel, focus on developing quality work that sustains long-term reader interest.

The power of writing a series

Writing a series offers distinct advantages over standalone books for self-published authors aiming for bestseller status.

Series writing delivers several benefits:

• Reduced risk: Readers who enjoyed your first book face less uncertainty when buying subsequent titles in the same series
• Easier discovery: Amazon and other retailers automatically link series books together, creating natural pathways for readers to find your other work
• Higher-value products: Combining books into box sets creates higher-priced offerings that can make advertising more profitable

Plus, series writing helps establish your author brand more firmly within your chosen genre. This recognition factor becomes increasingly valuable as you publish more titles.

How each book boosts the others

Each new book you publish creates multiple opportunities for cross-promotion. Readers who discover your second or third book often circle back to purchase your earlier works. This natural cross-pollination effect means that even if your debut doesn't immediately find traction, subsequent releases can revitalize sales across your entire catalog.

Book launches become progressively easier as well. With each release, you're not starting from zero, you're building upon an existing foundation of readers. As a result, your marketing efforts become more efficient over time.

This multiplier effect explains why many successful self-published authors focus on building a substantial backlist rather than endlessly marketing a single title. Ultimately, the strongest marketing tool for any book is often another book by the same author.

Remember that publishing success rarely comes from a "one-hit wonder" approach. By creating a strategic publishing plan that spans multiple books, you position yourself for sustainable growth that can eventually lead to bestseller status.

How to Promote Your Self-Published Book

Effective promotion remains the critical final piece in the bestseller puzzle. Even the most brilliantly written self-published book needs strategic visibility to reach its potential audience. 

Depending on the publishing route you choose and if you publish your work with a self publishing house, they may offer additional marketing services which will take the burden off your shoulders. TWS Publications, Pakistan’s leading self publishing company, offers effective marketing packages tailored to each author’s requirements which bring in real results. 

Free promotions and limited-time discounts

Price promotions create immediate visibility spikes that can dramatically boost your book's ranking. These free promotions help you attract new readers and widen your audience. Alternatively, consider running Countdown Deals with time-sensitive discounts to create urgency.

The impact can be substantial; many authors report a significant increase in book sales following promotions, with effects lasting beyond the promotional period. Furthermore, promotions often lead to increased reviews and visibility for your entire catalog, as 70% of bargain readers eventually purchase full-priced books.

Using book clubs and reader groups

Book clubs offer a unique opportunity to connect directly with engaged readers who are specifically committed to reading, discussing, and recommending books to others. Unlike casual readers, these bibliophiles provide authentic word-of-mouth marketing, deep engagement with your work, and constructive feedback.

To approach book clubs effectively:

• Research groups that genuinely align with your genre and themes
• Offer free copies for consideration
• Create a book club kit with discussion questions and behind-the-scenes information
• Propose ways to enrich their experience, such as Q&A sessions

Collaborating with influencers and bloggers

Seek out influencers with audiences that match your target readers. The most effective influencer collaborations build on mutual respect and shared goals. Whenever possible, involve influencers in your creative process to ensure authentic promotion that resonates with their audience.

Likewise, target book bloggers who regularly review books in your genre for interviews or features.

Engaging Readers and Growing Your Audience

Beyond marketing tactics and promotional strategies, the true path to bestseller status lies in building lasting relationships with your readers. Cultivating an engaged audience transforms casual readers into loyal fans who eagerly anticipate your next release.

Building a newsletter and reader list

Email newsletters represent the most valuable marketing asset for self-published authors because they're the only platform you fully own. Unlike social media accounts that can change algorithms overnight, your email list provides direct access to readers who have explicitly shown interest in your work.

To build an effective newsletter:

• Offer a "reader magnet" – free exclusive content that incentivizes sign-ups
• Maintain a consistent sending schedule to build trust
• Include updates on your books, writing process, and limited-time deals
• Segment your audience based on interests for more targeted content
• Ensure every element includes a clear call to action

Above all, remember that newsletters let you market through your craft, showcasing your writing style and personality. Most successful authors find a monthly sending schedule hits the sweet spot; frequent enough to maintain connection without overwhelming readers.

Asking for feedback and involving readers

Gathering reader feedback provides invaluable insights that can shape your future writing. Active engagement with reader opinions helps you identify what resonates with your target audience.

Consider creating interactive polls asking which elements readers prefer or what part from your book stood out to them. Make the review process straightforward by providing direct links to review platforms. Yet beyond formal feedback, simply responding to comments demonstrates you value your readers' thoughts.

Indeed, reviews generate social proof, encouraging others to examine your work. Making readers feel heard often converts casual readers into devoted followers who appreciate your authenticity.

Creating a loyal fanbase through interaction

Fostering trust forms the foundation of reader loyalty. Share glimpses of your writing journey, discuss inspirations, and throughout your interactions, maintain authenticity.

Interactive elements like online Q&As, competitions, or giveaways make readers feel involved in your creative process. Granted, this takes time, nevertheless, these connections turn an audience into a community centered around your books.

First and foremost, acknowledge individual contributions from readers. A simple shoutout in your newsletter or responding to social media interactions shows appreciation. Of course, offering exclusive content or early access to loyal readers provides concrete rewards for their continued support.

Conclusion

Self-publishing success stories prove that bestseller status remains achievable without traditional publishing houses backing your work. Throughout this guide, we've explored how quality foundations serve as the bedrock for any successful self-published book. Professional editing, eye-catching cover design, and proper formatting certainly make the difference between amateur work and professional-grade books that readers trust.

Bestseller status rarely happens through a single book, though. Your journey toward significant sales will likely involve creating multiple quality works that boost each other. Series writing especially creates powerful momentum, allowing each new book to revitalize interest in your earlier publications.

Effective promotion stands as another essential element of self-publishing success. Free promotions, engaging with book clubs, collaborating with influencers, and implementing creative outreach strategies all work together to expand your audience. When combined with direct reader engagement through newsletters and meaningful interactions, these efforts transform casual readers into devoted fans eagerly awaiting your next release.

The path to bestseller status demands patience, persistence, and strategic thinking. While overnight success stories exist, most self-published authors who achieve significant sales build their readership gradually through consistent quality and smart marketing. Your self-published book absolutely can become a bestseller, provided you approach the journey with both creativity and business savvy.

TWS Publications stands as a leading name in self-publishing across Pakistan. Ready to share your writing with the world? Discover our Publishing Process and see how we turn your manuscript into a book readers can enjoy!