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Pursuing a career in writing books often doesn’t yield high financial rewards. Indeed reports that the average annual salary for novelists in the U.S. is $49,046. While many authors face challenges in earning a stable income, a select few have turned their literary prowess into immense wealth. Dive in to explore the most financially successful authors in history.
As reported by Most Expensive Thing, Elisabeth Badinter holds the title of the world’s most valuable author, boasting an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion. This fortune stems partly from her position as the majority shareholder of Publicis Groupe, a leading advertising and PR firm established by her father. Renowned for her feminist works, such as The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women, Badinter is also counted among France’s
J. K. Rowling secures the second position, thanks to her wildly successful Harry Potter series. The fantasy novels, along with their film adaptations, theme park attractions, and merchandise, have amassed Rowling a fortune of $1 billion. During the 2016-17 fiscal year, it was estimated that she earned $181 per minute, or approximately $4.37 per word based on average typing speeds.
While the list of literary billionaires ends here, the millionaires featured are equally remarkable in their earnings. Notable figures include James Patterson, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, and Danielle Steel. Once you’ve reviewed the complete list, explore the best-selling books of all time here.
- Elisabeth Badinter // $1.3 Billion
- J.K. Rowling // $1 Billion
- James Patterson // $560 Million
- Stephen King // $400 Million
- Nora Roberts // $390 Million
- Danielle Steel // $310 Million
- Barbara Taylor Bradford // $300 Million
- Nigel Blackwell // $292.5 Million
- John Grisham // $220 Million
- Jeffrey Archer // $195 Million
