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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The literary world has consistently produced a series of highly acclaimed works that have attracted millions of readers from across the globe. Names like The Great Gatsby and To Kill A Mockingbird are widely regarded as the “greatest books ever written,” as quoted from Britannica.
The authors behind these top-selling works have not only achieved fame and fortune but also made a significant impact on the global literary landscape. In this article, we will examine some of the richest authors in the world for the year 2024.
List of the Top 10 Richest Authors in the World for 2024
The following list of the 2024 10 richest authors in the world is based on The Scotsman’s wealthiest writers, with additional information from other various sources, including Britannica, CEOWorld Magazine, and Forbes.
Keep in mind that the following article only includes well-known authors; hence, other successful figures who happen to write books won’t appear here. Without further ado, let’s find out the most standout authors in terms of fortune this year.
1. J.K. Rowling (US$1 billion)
J.K. Rowling currently holds the title of the 2024 richest author in the world. J.K. Rowling’s net worth this year stands at an estimated US$1 billion, further cementing her significance in the realm of literature.
Rowling is best known for her phenomenal creation, Harry Potter, which has captivated audiences of all ages. Despite being one of the top-selling book series, Forbes revealed that the British author, for the time being, generates most of her banknotes from Universal Studios' "Wizarding World" attractions.
2. James Patterson (US$800 million)
The second-richest author in the world for now is occupied by James Patterson. Renowned for his specialty in the thriller genre, James Patterson’s net worth in 2024 reveals a staggering US$800 million.
He made his debut in 1976 and has been publishing about 90 books ever since. His prolific writing brought him some prestigious awards, including the Guinness World Record and the New York Times award for being the author of 70 bestsellers.
3. Danielle Steel (US$600 million)
In contrast with Patterson, Danielle Steel found her loyal global audience after exploring the romance genre. With over 170 published works, the American romance novelist successfully sells more than US$1 billion copies. One of her best-selling creations is The Promise, which was her fourth novel.
4. Paulo Coelho (US$500 million)
Paulo Coelho gained international fame with his The Alchemist, which sold more than 65 million copies. The Brazilian author charms bookworms with his rich symbolism, which has led to his work being translated into countless languages.
5. Stephen King (US$500 million)
The undisputed king of horror and suspense, Stephen King has an unmatched ability to thrill readers with his chilling tales. With classics like The Shining and It, King has sold over 350 million copies of his books, making him one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
Many of his works have been adapted into successful films and TV series, further contributing to his wealth.
6. John Grisham (US$400 million)
During his tenure as an author, John Grisham has published a remarkable number of best-sellers, including The Firm, The Client, and The Pelican Brief. His 25th novel, entitled The Litigators, sold a whopping million copies, hence regarded as the top-selling adult hardcover in 2011. Beyond his legal thrillers, Grisham is into baseball.
7. Nora Roberts (US$400 million)
Nora Roberts is among the highest-paid authors in 2024, revealing a net worth of US$400 million. Despite facing rejections and failures in her early career, Roberts remained consistent and would later find her time to shine.
With over 225 novels to her name, Nora Roberts is one of the most prolific authors of romance and suspense. Besides selling millions of copies of her books, some of Roberts’ works have been adapted for made-for-television movies, namely Sanctuary, Midnight Bayou, and The Reef.
8. Barbara Taylor Bradford (US$300 million)
What makes Barbara Taylor Bradford stand out is that even her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, instantly became a top seller, clocking more than 30 million copies. In total, she has published 40 best-selling books. While the author recently passed away in November 2024, her works remain iconic in the literary world.
9. Dean Koontz (US$200 million)
Dean Koontz is among the most acclaimed writers, as his works have been translated into 38 languages and have sold over 500 million copies. This is largely due to his notable writing style, which The New York Times referred to as “psychologically complex, masterly, and satisfying.”
Not to mention that fourteen of his novels have topped the New York Times hardcover bestseller list, including One Door Away From Heaven, From the Corner of His Eye, and 77 Shadow Street, as highlighted in his personal blog.
10. Jeffrey Archer (US$200 million)
Rounding off our list of the richest authors in the world is Jeffrey Archer, with an estimated US$200 million worth of fortune. The English novelist is particularly renowned for his Kane and Abel, which sold more than 34 million copies.
Aside from the 1979 hit, Mightier than the Sword, Best Kept Secret, and The Sins of the Father are among his popular titles. Furthermore, as mentioned on his personal website, Archer has published works in 114 countries and 47 languages.
Aside from the literary world, the entertainment industry is also among the most lucrative these days. Learn about the world’s richest singers in 2024 here on Tempo.
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