Self-Publishing Success Story: Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and public speaker who rose to popularity due to his “new-age guru” teachings, which he has written on extensively in his published work. His break-out work, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, remained on The New York Times best-sellers’ list for 72 weeks in 1994.

What books has he written?
Chopra specializes in spiritual and self-help literature, exploring the ‘magic’ of the world with a warm, but scientific eye. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success in 1994 is considered one of his greatest works by readers, and the previous piece Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old had made him a household name. Chopra has continued to write books since, including the most recent The 13th Disciple: A Spiritual Adventure.

The Success Story
After becoming disenchanted with his position as a medical doctor, Chopra became interested in traditional Ayurdervic medicine and transcendental meditation as a means of controlling his addictions and overcoming his stress. He soon rose to great acclaim in the trascendental movement and was appointed one of the highest positions by his guru, serving on the National Institute of Health’s ad hoc alternative medicine panel. He published his findings and ideas in Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine as well as Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide in 1990.

In 1993 Chopra had become a physician in a private clinic that had, among others, Michael Jackson’s family as clients. The two became acquainted, and with some public appeal owing to his friendship, Chopra garnered public attention, and his work quickly took off, including his then-most recent title Ageless Body, Timeless Mind.

Chopra has since begun to run a more encompassing business, moving away from practicing as a “doctor” into spiritual healing both in person and through his literature.

How many books has he sold?
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind reportedly sold 400,000 copies in its first week, and by 2013 his business is estimated to grow at over $20 million a year gross between book sales, therapies, and paid lectures.