The Bestsellers Born in The Substack Bookstore
From debut dreamers to chart-toppers: these authors turned shared notes, book swaps, and Substack support into real Amazon #1s.
It started back in July 2025 with a simple idea: what if indie authors helped each other rise?
No noisy ads. No algorithms. Just writers and readers showing up for one another: buying books, sharing links, and celebrating every milestone along the way.
Today, that idea has grown into a genuine movement. Inside The Substack Bookstore, dozens of authors have found not just their readers, but their confidence; and, increasingly, that little orange #1 Amazon Bestseller flag beside their names.
Here are just a few of the authors who reached the top of their Amazon categories thanks to the power of community.
1. Gunnar Habitz
July 30 2025
Gunnar Habitz was our first number one category bestseller, and what an exciting milestone it was for the Bookstore, that was only a few weeks old at that point.
From inspiration to international bestseller — Gunnar’s journey reminds us that one book really can start it all.
2. Sarah Tinney
August 25, 2025
A children’s story filled with heart and history, Jack’s Train Day became an instant fan favourite, and proof that even small stories can make a big impact when shared through community.
3. Gary Coulton
September 11, 2025
Gary Coulton’s powerful memoir about neurodiversity and resilience continues to find new readers month after month, showing that success isn’t just about launch day, it’s about longevity and connection.
4. Saddletramp1956
October 3, 2025
Another indie success story powered by mutual support: proof that genre fiction and heartfelt storytelling both have a home here.
5. Paul Cobbin
October 24, 2025
From a life-changing concept to global bestseller, Paul’s success shows how powerful it can be when an author connects deeply with their readers’ needs, and when the community rallies behind them.
More than just Bestsellers
Not only are our Bestseller Tier authors winning with Number Ones, their visibility in The Substack Bookstore is translating into real sales increases, as evidenced by Jo Taylor.
Jo Taylor’s KENP growth on Amazon KDP since posting her book on The Substack Bookstore
The Bigger Picture
Each of these authors represents a different genre, story, and journey, but they share one common thread: they didn’t do it alone.
At The Substack Bookstore, authors celebrate each other’s wins, share what works, and lift each other higher. Every purchase, repost, review and kind word fuels the next indie success story.
And if you’re an author wondering whether your book could be next? The answer is yes.
Your story deserves readers.
And your launch deserves a community that believes in you.
List your book, support your peers, and maybe, just maybe, see your name beside that little orange #1 too.
Part of The Substack Bookstore Ecosystem
This newsletter is part of The Substack Bookstore ecosystem — Substack’s most trusted hub for indie authors.
Together, our publications support every step of your author journey:
The Online Writing Club – A newsletter which helps writers start, grow, monetize and market their writing and newsletter online, created by global top #20 Education Substack Bestseller and mompreneur Kristina God. Her newsletter covers Substack, freelancing, Medium blogging, and book publishing - the motto: get paid to be you!
Author Growth - Stop writing books that nobody will buy. Get the strategy behind a successful indie book launch from an Amazon best-selling author with 25+ years writing and marketing experience.
Free Books First – Readers get early access to free and discounted indie books before they hit the charts. Authors get access to 2k+ readers to request Beta and ARC reviews.
Editorial Reviews – Connect with vetted reviewers and earn powerful blurbs to boost your book’s credibility and conversions.
Every publication in The Substack Bookstore Ecosystem exists to help indie authors get seen, sell more books, and build lasting visibility.
