Today's Read Team 
NEW YORK, NY — Sarah J. Adams, a self-published indie author, has emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Whispers of the Forgotten, released just six months ago, has quickly become a phenomenon, selling over 100,000 copies and garnering attention from top Hollywood studios. What makes this success story particularly remarkable is that Adams achieved it without the backing of a traditional publishing house, opting instead to publish her work independently through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Adams, who resides in Brooklyn, New York, always dreamed of becoming a writer, but for years, she struggled to find a traditional publisher willing to take a chance on her work. “I had faced countless rejections, but instead of feeling defeated, I saw it as an opportunity to take control of my own career,” she explains. “Self-publishing gave me the freedom to write what I wanted, without anyone telling me to change my voice or my story.”
Whispers of the Forgotten is a historical fiction novel that takes place during World War II. The story follows two women—Marie, a French resistance fighter, and Eleanor, an English nurse—whose paths cross in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, the novel explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. While its genre is historical fiction, the book also touches on elements of suspense and romance, which has made it especially popular among readers of various genres.
Adams’ deep research into the period has been lauded by critics. She spent over a year conducting research, traveling to France, and visiting the Normandy region, where much of the novel is set. “I wanted to ensure that every detail was historically accurate,” she says. “But I also wanted to bring a sense of humanity and emotional depth to the characters, so that readers could connect with them on a personal level.”
The book’s success was not immediate, but once it began to gain traction through word-of-mouth recommendations on social media, its popularity skyrocketed. Social media has played a significant role in Adams’ success. She credits her active presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter for helping her build a dedicated fanbase. Through regular interactions with readers, she’s been able to foster a sense of community around her work.
Adams also credits her success to the freedom that comes with self-publishing. “I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself. It’s empowering,” she says. “I’m able to control the pacing of my book release, the marketing, and the distribution. If a strategy works, I know it’s because I made the decision, and if it doesn’t, it’s on me to adjust.”
While self-publishing has allowed Adams to maintain creative control, it hasn’t been without its challenges. “There’s so much work that goes into it behind the scenes—editing, marketing, branding, and even handling customer service when readers have questions. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she notes.
The success of Whispers of the Forgotten has also caught the attention of Hollywood, with several production companies vying for the film rights. Adams is currently in negotiations with a major studio to adapt the novel into a feature film, a process she describes as both thrilling and overwhelming. “It’s surreal to think that my story might one day be on the big screen. I’ve always been a huge fan of film, and to see my characters brought to life by talented actors is beyond anything I imagined.”
Adams’ journey is indicative of the broader shift happening in the publishing industry, where traditional publishing houses are no longer the only gatekeepers to literary success. In fact, a growing number of authors are choosing to self-publish, with some achieving significant commercial success. According to a 2024 report from the Author Earnings Project, the self-publishing market has continued to grow, with indie authors now accounting for nearly a quarter of total book sales in the United States.
“Sarah’s success is a testament to the power of self-publishing and how it has leveled the playing field for authors,” says Jane Smith, a publishing industry analyst. “She’s been able to build an audience and make a name for herself, all without the backing of a traditional publisher. This is a game-changer for authors everywhere.”
Adams’ success hasn’t come without its share of skeptics. Some critics argue that the rise of self-publishing has led to an oversaturation of the market, making it harder for readers to discern high-quality books from those that are less polished. However, Adams believes that readers have the ability to differentiate between good and bad writing. “At the end of the day, it’s all about telling a great story,” she says. “If the story is compelling, people will find it, whether it’s self-published or traditionally published.”
For Adams, the journey is just beginning. She’s already working on her second novel, which will explore the story of a female spy during the Cold War. “I want to keep pushing myself as a writer,” she says. “There’s so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to share my next story with the world.”
Adams’ success highlights the changing dynamics of the publishing industry, and her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. Through determination, passion, and the willingness to take control of her own career, Sarah J. Adams has proven that the path to success doesn’t always require a traditional route.