Picture a Puerto Rican-born businessman turned literary sensation, churning out thrillers that hooked millions—meet John Locke! Not the philosopher, but the self-publishing trailblazer who became the first indie author to sell over a million eBooks on Amazon. With his witty Donovan Creed series, Locke redefined digital publishing, proving that a clever story and savvy marketing could outshine traditional gatekeepers.
From his 99-cent pricing strategy to his unapologetic pulp fiction flair, Locke’s journey is a masterclass in seizing the digital age. Ready to dive into the wild world of a former CIA assassin and the author who brought him to life? Let’s explore Locke’s unique path.
The Making of John Locke
Born in 1951 in Puerto Rico to a Canadian military father and an American mother, John Locke’s early life was anything but ordinary. Raised in Pennsylvania boarding schools, his writing spark ignited in elementary school after an ant bite inspired a short story, 'Ants Aren’t Very Nice.' His teacher’s praise fueled a lifelong passion, though Locke initially pursued business, building a fortune in insurance and real estate. It wasn’t until 2009, at age 58, that he turned to fiction, trading boardrooms for the thrill of storytelling.
Locke’s varied career—from rock and roll singer to door-to-door salesman—gave him a knack for connecting with people, a skill he’d later wield in marketing his books. His leap into self-publishing was less a gamble and more a calculated move by a seasoned entrepreneur who saw opportunity in Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing.
John Locke’s Unforgettable Stories
Locke’s Donovan Creed series, starring a former CIA assassin with a penchant for easy women and grisly humor, is the heart of his legacy. The series’ debut, Lethal People (2010), introduces Creed as a morally complex hitman navigating mob deals and government contracts. Fast-paced, funny, and unapologetically pulpy, it’s a page-turner that doesn’t pretend to be high literature but delivers relentless entertainment.
Other standouts include Lethal Experiment (2010), where Creed juggles contract killing with a quest for a normal life, and Saving Rachel (2010), a twisty tale of killers and impossible choices. Locke also ventured into Westerns with the Emmett Love series, like Follow the Stone (2011), blending humor with gritty frontier tales. His style—snappy dialogue, quirky characters, and breakneck plots—appeals to readers craving escapist fun, with translations in over 29 languages.
Locke’s nonfiction work, How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months (2011), reveals his marketing genius, detailing how he used social media, blogging, and low pricing to build a fanbase. While his books aren’t literary masterpieces, their accessibility and charm made them Kindle bestsellers, with four titles once dominating Amazon’s top 10.
Why John Locke Matters
John Locke didn’t just write books; he reshaped self-publishing. As the first indie author to hit a million Kindle sales, he proved that talent and hustle could bypass traditional publishers. His 99-cent pricing strategy democratized reading, making thrillers affordable and sparking debates about eBook value. Despite controversy over paid reviews in 2012, which briefly tarnished his reputation, Locke’s transparency in his marketing book cemented his influence.
His deal with Simon & Schuster for paperback distribution—while retaining editorial control—set a precedent for hybrid publishing models. Locke’s success inspired countless indie authors, showing that the digital age rewards those who connect directly with readers. His legacy lies in empowering storytellers to take charge of their craft.
About John Locke
- Born: 1951 in Puerto Rico
- Key Works: Donovan Creed series, Emmett Love series, How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months
- Milestone: First self-published author to sell 1 million Kindle eBooks
- Fun Fact: Once a rock and roll singer and door-to-door salesman
Snag Lethal People and dive into John Locke’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud world of crime and chaos!