Amanda Hocking

Amanda Hocking, born in 1984, is an American author recognized for her contributions to paranormal romance and young adult fiction. Initially, she pursued studies in human services and worked in a group home for individuals with disabilities. During her employment, Hocking dedicated her free time to writing, producing seventeen novels. In April 2010, at the age of 25, she transitioned to self-publishing these works as e-books. This venture proved remarkably successful; by March 2011, she had sold over a million copies of her first nine books, earning two million dollars, an unprecedented achievement for self-published authors at the time. Her daily sales averaged around 9,000 books in early 2011. Hocking has since published more than twenty novels, with several appearing on The New York Times Best Seller list. Her work is characterized by a blend of relatable characters, fast-paced narratives, action, and romance, described as "literature as candy." In March 2011, she secured a significant traditional publishing deal with St. Martin's Press for four books, including her young-adult paranormal series, Watersong. Her previously self-published Trylle Trilogy was also re-released by St. Martin's Press. Hocking continues to publish, with recent and upcoming works exploring themes like Norse mythology and circus settings.

Amanda Hocking's literary career began unconventionally. While working in a group home, she wrote extensively, completing seventeen novels in her spare time. At 25, she took a bold step by self-publishing her work as e-books in April 2010. This independent route led to extraordinary success, with over a million copies sold and two million dollars earned from her initial nine books by March 2011. This level of achievement was virtually unheard of for self-published authors. Her daily sales figures reached an average of 9,000 books in early 2011, demonstrating a significant and rapid impact on the market. Hocking's ability to connect with readers through her self-published works laid the foundation for her subsequent career in traditional publishing.

Hocking's published bibliography includes several distinct series and standalone novels. Her early self-published works include the vampire romance series 'My Blood Approves' and the urban fantasy 'Trylle Trilogy,' which follows a teenage girl's journey of self-discovery. She also authored 'Hollowland,' a zombie novel. The New York Times described her writing as a dynamic mix of "quirky girl-like-Hocking characters, part breakneck pacing, part Hollywood-style action, and part bodice-ripping romance," likening it to "literature as candy." Her subsequent traditional publishing contracts with St. Martin's Press have brought forth series like 'Watersong,' a young-adult paranormal series, and explored themes inspired by Norse mythology in her 'Valkyrie' series, as well as standalone novels like 'Freeks,' set in a 1980s circus environment.

“part quirky girl-like-Hocking characters, part breakneck pacing, part Hollywood-style action, and part bodice-ripping romance—they are literature as candy, a mash-up of creativity and commerce.”