Unknown Author to Best Seller
From self-published and undiscovered to New York Times Best Seller with multiple publishers bidding on her next manuscript
At a Glance
Challenges
No traditional publishing deal
No agent, publicist, or marketing support
Zero media coverage or press buzz
Social media presence under 500 followers
Oversaturated self-publishing market
Benefits
The book hit the New York Times Best Seller list after being republished
Over 30,000 copies sold in months
Coverage in 15 national media outlets
Featured on NPR's Fresh Air and Reese's Book Club
A six-figure, two-book traditional publishing deal
Film rights auctioned to a major production company
“I wrote the book, but Hearsay gave it life. They helped me go from wondering if anyone would ever read my work, to negotiating multiple deals, press interviews, and bestseller lists. I didn't think this path was possible for someone like me.”
Author
Backstory
After years of quietly writing while juggling a day job and family life, our author self-published her debut novel on a shoestring budget with zero press, zero followers, and no agent.
The book was beautifully written—but nearly invisible. A few early readers raved about it in obscure Goodreads threads, but the author lacked the platform or visibility to push it any further.
Enter Hearsay.
Takeaway
For authors, writing the book is only half the journey. Hearsay helps turn great writing into great careers, by crafting compelling narratives, building audience trust, and positioning writers for breakout moments. This author's success wasn't just a lucky break. It was the right story, told the right way, to the right people.
Tactics
Crafted a story worth talking about
Crafted a story worth talking about Hearsay saw the heart of the author's story as an underdog author. We positioned her as a fresh, authentic voice in modern fiction, blending literary depth with page-turning suspense.
Built momentum through indie buzz
Built momentum through indie buzz Targeted outreach to book bloggers, influencers, and micro-reviewers helped this book gain grassroots traction. A few TikTokers picked it up, and the book started to move.
Secured stragetic media coverage
Secured stragetic media coverage Within weeks, Hearsay had placed the author in several “Authors to Watch" roundups. Then came profiles, reviews, and interviews in People, Page Six, and eventually The New York Times Book Review.
Turned media into opportunity
Turned media into opportunity By the time traditional publishers took notice, the author had proven demand, buzz, and credibility. Hearsay handled press coordination during the bidding process, helping shape her next move with clarity and control.
You have a story worth sharing. Let’s make it unstoppable.
Together, we’ll shape the media presence that elevates you from behind-the-scenes to fully seen.
