Before The Martian became a bestselling novel and blockbuster film starring Matt Damon, it was a self-published book by emerging author, Andy Weir.
The Martian’s exceptional success highlights the potential of self-published literature, as the market for self-published work has experienced significant growth in recent years. Approximately 2.3 million books were self-published in 2021 – two to three times more than those published through traditional publishing houses.
The surge in self-published books underscores the evolving landscape of the publishing industry where authors are increasingly taking control of their literary destinies - and keeping more of the royalties. In this market, independent publishers like Book Whisperer (BookWhisperer.ink) serve as invaluable guides, offering expertise and support to authors navigating the self-publishing process.
“This isn’t just a job to us,” reads the Book Whisperer website, which opted for the .ink domain. “We’re not just about launching books; we’re about building relationships, seeing our authors succeed, and sharing in the joy of telling great stories.”
In 2017, founder Shaun Loftus drew on her background in theater and marketing to start Book Whisperer. The endeavor attracted a diverse, multinational team, whose backgrounds include finance, design, economics, marketing, and even astrophysics. Despite their varied expertise, the team is united by their shared passion for storytelling. Alongside the in-house team, Book Whisperer collaborates with an extensive network of industry experts to assist emerging writers in bringing their stories to fruition.
The company’s comprehensive suite of services are uniquely tailored to support indie authors on their publishing journey. The Book Whisperer states its mission loud and clear: “We’ve released hundreds of books from scores of authors, many of them landing on best-seller lists. This isn’t a coincidence. We are good at what we do…We know what kind of book works in which genre. We know what makes a cover sell, and how to position your book in the marketplace. We work with you to build your audience and work to give your book the best possible chance to get it in front of your readers.” 
Their Publishing Services ensure market readiness through editorial coverage, collaborative cover design, and strategic market positioning. They handle formatting, engage readers, and revitalize back-list titles, allowing authors to focus on writing.
“I have yet to come up with a request they can’t fulfill,” wrote client Lynn Messina. “All this help gives me more time to write, which is wonderful!”
As part of their Marketing Services, Book Whisperer helps drive traffic and find new audiences via Amazon Advertising, Facebook Ads, and BookBub. Through innovative email marketing and through social platforms like TikTok, they help authors effectively engage with readers while building a loyal fanbase.
Book Whisperer’s Group Classes provide thorough training in self-publishing essentials, including Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Personalized Author Coaching delivers one-on-one guidance tailored to individual needs. 
Additionally, Book Whisperer sponsors the Indie UnConference: Europe, now in its fourth year. This unique event puts authors at the forefront, allowing their voices to shape the agenda through a dynamic unconference format. Topics are determined onsite, in real-time, as attendees engage with seasoned authors and publishing experts from around the world to discuss the diverse topics of independent publishing. This year, the conference is in Florence, Italy. In such a rich and storied setting, the conference promises a stimulating blend of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge insights.
Since its 2017 inception around a humble kitchen table, Book Whisperer has evolved into a trusted friend for writers in the indie publishing world. Their commitment to providing comprehensive services has helped hundreds of emerging authors in bringing their literary
dreams to life.
“With unwavering support and expertise, [Book Whisperer] breathed life into my work and propelled it to heights I never thought possible,”wrote author Robera Kagan.
To learn more about Book Whisperer, visit their website BookWhisperer.Ink.