Top 25 Richest Writers: Learn From Their Success

Our list of the top 25 richest writers in the world proves that you can make quite a living as a writer; you just need that next big book idea, total dedication, and a dash of luck!

When it comes to the richest writers, it’s no great surprise that J.K. Rowling is at the top of the list, given the phenomenal success of the Harry Potter novel series. Rowling is the richest writer in the world, with a net worth of $1 billion. Yet she remains somewhat humble about her creative talent.

“I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It’s totally for myself. I never in my wildest dreams expected this popularity.”

J.K. Rowling

However, the road from a creative spark to a publishing deal is strewn with obstacles. Not everyone who puts a pen to paper becomes a billionaire or even a millionaire. It takes dedication and certainly a dash of luck.

According to WordsRated, ‘it is estimated that the chances of an author getting their work published is between 1% – 2%.‘

And for the lucky few, the royalties are not what you might imagine. The same source states that ‘for authors that work alongside traditional publishing houses, paperback royalties are often between 5% – 7.5%, and hardback royalties are often between 10% – 15%.‘

So, if this is your chosen profession, you may have your work cut out. That being said, writing is a passion. It is a way to share a story or experience with others and gain satisfaction from the creative journey. Striking it rich doesn’t seem to have been J.K. Rowling’s motivating force.

Read on to discover the top 25 richest writers in the world, in order of wealth, and consider which of their bestsellers or book series got them there.

Who is the Richest Author in the World?

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is the richest writer in the world, with a net worth of $1 billion.

Top 25 Richest Writers 

The British author Joanne Rowling, better known as J.K. Rowling, achieved literary fame for the Harry Potter series. The first book was published in 1997 when Rowling was 32, and the series of books has sold 600 million copies since.

The extraordinary fictional saga has achieved global success on an unprecedented level, giving rise to blockbuster movies, theme parks, stage shows, and numerous spin-off projects. It seems us muggles just can’t get enough!

Rowling is currently the richest writer in the world, with a net worth of $1 billion. However, she has been named the richest writer globally several times over the past decade.

Following Harry Potter, Rowling chose to write crime fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Titles include The Silkworm, Career of Evil, and The Ink Black Heart. Yet she continues to write under the name of J.K. Rowling, penning several non-Harry Potter-related stories such as Very Good Lives and The Casual Vacancy.

“I don’t believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.”

J.K. Rowling

James Patterson is a prolific writer best known for his thriller novels, including Along Came a Spider, The Noise: A Thriller, and the bestselling legal thriller The Jailhouse Lawyer. In many of his novels, Patterson focuses on the fictional hero and detective Alex Cross, later brought to life on the silver screen by Morgan Freeman.

However, Patterson has also penned numerous non-fiction titles relating to the Kennedys, John Lennon, Princess Diana, military heroes, and first responders such as the police and emergency room medical staff.

In 2007, Patterson began publishing children’s stories which include Dog Diaries, Minerva Keen’s Detective Club, and several books that focus on the young detective and son of Alex, Ali Cross.

If you want to find out more about this author, you can read his autobiography, published in 2022, James Patterson: The Stories of My Life. And if you are interested in learning something from the author himself, check our James Patterson Masterclass Review.

“Somebody said the key to life is to work hard, play hard, rest hard, and I’ve pretty much adopted that.”

James Patterson

Candy Spelling is the widow of famed producer, screenwriter, and occasional actor Aaron Spelling. Her thoroughly revealing book Stories from Candyland, Confections from One of Hollywood’s Most Famous Wives and Mothers, details her experiences as the wife of one of the most successful producers in Hollywood and her journey as a mother.

Spelling now describes herself as a Broadway producer and philanthropist, and her second book, Candy At Last, details her life since the passing of her husband and her new career path in stage production.

“I always thought writers lived the most solitary of lives. When I started to write Stories from Candyland the silence was defeaning. As soon as I began I realized, writing is a very collaborative experience.”

Candy Spelling

The name Danielle Steel is synonymous with romance. Her first novel, Going Home, was published in 1973 and achieved only moderate success. However, her fourth novel, The Promise, became a best seller and cemented her future.

Danielle Steel has published more than 190 books selling over 900 million copies globally. Her titles include Secrets, Changes, A Perfect Stranger, and Leap of Faith. Steel’s most recent offering, Second Act, was published in October 2023.

If you want to explore more of her novels, check out our guide to the best Danielle Steel books.

“I’m astonished by my success, I wrote because I needed to and wanted to. It never occurred to me that I’d become famous. I did it at night because I loved it.”

Danielle Steel

Paulo Coelho’s best-known novel, The Alchemist, was originally written in Portuguese and was later translated into English and many other languages. In fact, his novels have been translated into 81 different languages spanning 170 countries, and he has sold 210 million copies of his books worldwide.

The best-selling author and lyricist are also known for The Pilgrimage, Manual of Warrior of Light, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, Maktub, and more recently, Adultery, Hippie, and The Archer.

Coelho’s novels often explore themes of love, spirituality, sexual desire, solitude, chasing one’s dreams, and traveling while weaving these elements seamlessly with the characters and plots.

Check out our guide to the best Paulo Coelho books.

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Paulo Coelho

Stephen King is an author you would expect to find high on this list as a prolific writer of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy. King has sold 350 million copies of his books worldwide, with The Shining remaining his top best seller.

Some of his other most popular titles, from an impressive list of 64 novels, include Carrie, Pet Sematary, Misery, Cujo, and The Dead Zone. Many of his novels and short stories have been turned into blockbuster movies.

Check out our guide to the best-selling Stephen King books.

If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.

Stephen King

Before he died in 2008, Crichton’s work was already known around the world. Several of his novels have been turned into Hollywood blockbuster movies, most notably the Jurassic Park series. Spanning multiple genres of action, adventure, science fiction, techno-thriller, historical fiction, and drama, his books have sold over 250 million books worldwide and generated a film and TV revenue exceeding $10 million.

Other popular titles by Crichton include The Terminal Man, The Andromeda Strain, Eaters of the Dead, Disclosure, State of Fear, and Dragon Teeth. Crichton is also credited as the executive producer for the television drama ER and wrote the pilot episode 24 Hours.

At the time of his death, Crichton was working on a novel about the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. James Patterson has agreed to co-author this book to enable its completion, and its publication is expected in 2024.

“Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn’t quite done it.”

Michael Crichton

John Grisham has sold more than 300 million books worldwide, translated into nearly 50 languages. His first book, A Time to Kill, was published in 1989 when he was still a practicing attorney.

Grisham has been awarded the Harper Lee Prize for legal fiction twice for The Confession and Sycamore Row. Other notable titles by this American author include The Brethren, A Time to Kill, The Rainmaker, The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and The Client.

In 2017, bestselling author John Grisham undertook a book tour which he published via his podcast. In each episode of the thirteen-city tour, Grisham meets with book lovers and other notable authors such as David Baldacci, Sue Grafton, and Candice Millard.

“I seriously doubt I would ever have written the first story had I not been a lawyer. I never dreamed of being a writer. I wrote only after witnessing a trial.”

John Grisham

The name Nora Roberts may not be as familiar as some others appearing in this list of the richest writers, yet she has sold approximately 500 million copies of her books in a career spanning five decades.

According to her author bio on Amazon, ‘She was the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.’ Roberts’ novels have spent a ‘combined 861 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List, including 176 weeks in the number-one spot.’

Roberts’ first novel, Irish Thoroughbred, was published in 1981. Some of her other bestsellers include Birthright, The Next Always, Black Hills, Midnight Bayou, and The Witness.

I don’t think you can write – at least not well – if you don’t love stories, love the written word.

Nora Roberts

Pleasant Rowland is the founder of the American Girl collection comprising books, dolls, and accessories designed to inspire girls. Rowland believed that ‘great stories with aspirational characters could inspire girls to make their own positive mark on the world.’

Rowland established the business in 1986, funded with royalties earned while working as a textbook author. She was 45 at the time.

The series of books include Adventures of the Superkids, Memory Book, the Begining to Read series, and The Nitty Gritty Rather Pretty City.

You can spend your life looking over your shoulder or looking ahead. I choose to look ahead. 

Pleasant Rowland

Tom Clancy always dreamed of writing a novel. While working as an insurance broker in the early 1980s, he put his passion for naval history to good use and wrote his first book, The Hunt for Red October. Published in 1984, it became a No.1 bestseller, launching his career.

Clancy passed away in 2013 but left a legacy of 28 books, 17 of which topped the New York Times bestsellers list. Several other authors now write Clancy/Jack Ryan novels for the Tom Clancy estate, including Marc Cameron.

Many of Clancy’s novels have been turned into blockbuster movies. Some of his most famous titles include Flash Point, Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games, The Sum of all Fears, and Executive Orders.

“The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.”

Tom Clancy

The widow of Beatle George Harrison, Olivia Harrison, has worked as a producer, author, and philanthropist. Beatles fans love how Olivia Harrison has provided an insider’s look at her famed husband through her books and other projects.

Her books include Came the Lightning: 20 Poems for George and George Harrison: Living in the Material World.

“Three words of love, a kiss on the head, a hint of your smile, so easil led.”

Olivia Harrison

Barbara Taylor Bradford is an English novelist who skillfully crafts thrilling romance novels with plenty of intrigue. She has 39 published novels, with her 40th, The Wonder of it All, available from December 2023.

Taylor Bradford’s first novel, A Woman of Substance, was an immediate hit following its publication in 1979. Other notable titles include Cavendon Hall, Just Rewards, To Be the Best, Emma’s Secret, and Hold the Dream.

To date, ten of her novels have been made into films or TV series, including A Woman of Substance. According to her website, ‘A Woman of Substance is ranked in the top ten bestselling works of fiction of all time with more than 32 million copies sold.’

I work eight hours a day, but I’m not writing all that time. I’m thinking, editing, looking something up. Thinking is what I do a lot of.

Barbara Taylor Bradford

London-born Jeffrey Archer is most famous for his writings while incarcerated; however, his career as an author began in 1975 with the publication of his first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less.

He went on to publish 22 books before being sentenced to 4 years in prison for perjury. While in prison, Archer wrote a three-book series, A Prison Diary.

After his release from prison, he continued to write bestsellers, including the series Clifton Chronicles. He has 50 titles to his name, including By Royal Appointment, And Thereby Hangs A Tale, Traitors Gate, and The New Collected Short Stories.

Archer has sold in excess of 275 million copies of his books and is published in 114 countries.

“There are defining moments in one’s life when you learn about yourself, and you deposit that knowledge in the experience account, so you can draw on it at some later date.”

Jeffrey Archer

Allison DuBois isn’t just an author — she’s also a psychic. The TV series Medium was based on DuBois and how she used her psychic prowess to solve crimes.

Her books include Don’t Kiss Them Good-Bye, We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us, Secrets of the Monarch: What the Dead Can Teach Us about Living a Better Life, and Talk to Me: What the Dead Whisper in Your Ear.

“If you let people break your spirit and detour you from your path, then you have not been true to yourself or those you’re here to touch, those who believe in you. Figuring out our gifts in life is part of our journey to becoming enlightened human beings.”

Allison DuBois

Dean Koontz, also known as the master of suspense, writes thrillers that encompass horror, fantasy, and science fiction.

According to his website, Koontz’s books are published in 38 languages and have sold over 500 million copies.

Fourteen of his novels have achieved No.1 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list. They include One Door Away From Heaven, Midnight, Cold Fire, The Bad Place, Hideaway, Dragon Tears, Intensity, Sole Survivor, Relentless, What the Night Knows, and 77 Shadow Street.

Koontz’s wife was instrumental in kickstarting his career, offering to support him for 5 years to enable him to focus on writing. Needless to say, it was a sound investment! Explore 19 of the best Dean Koontz books now.

“I like to deal with EVERY aspect of our condition, and that means terror and humor in equal mix. Some books have more room for humor than others.”

Dean Koontz

Jackie Collins sold over 500 million books across 40 countries in her career, with 32 consecutive New York Times best sellers. Collins skillfully created gripping stories about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

“I write about real people in disguise,” she once said. “If anything, my characters are toned down – the truth is much more bizarre!”

Jackie Collins’s first novel, The World Is Full of Married Men, was published in 1968 and paved the way for a string of successes such as The Stud, The Bitch, Chances, Lady Boss, and Hollywood Kids.

The English author was awarded an OBE in 2013 for her services to charity and literature. Collins was a long-time supporter of AIDS Project LA, HIV & AIDS research, and equality for the LGBT community. Collins sadly passed away in 2015.

If you haven’t sampled her work yet, check out our roundup of the best Jackie Collins books.

Do not copy my style! The first rule of writing is write about what you know, not what you think you know. So, think about what you’ve done in your life and write about that.

Jackie Collins

With bestsellers like The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, Dan Brown‘s name is synonymous with Hollywood hits. The American author has sold over 200 million books worldwide.

As a child, Dan Brown developed a fascination with the paradoxical interplay between science and religion.’ His passion for these topics, and his expertise in symbology, have given an unrivaled depth to his narrative.

Other titles by Dan Broan include Origin, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, Deception Point, and Digital Furness. Read our round-up of the best Dan Brown books to find out more.

Nothing is more creative… nor destructive… than a brilliant mind with a purpose.

Dan Brown

The Nigerian preacher David Oyedepo’s religious texts have made him one of the richest writers in the world. Oyedepo currently serves as the Bishop of Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Nigeria.

According to his website, Oyedepo believes that he experienced a vision in 1981, charging him with the task of liberating ‘the world from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching of the Word of faith.’ His experience led to the creation of the Liberation Mandate, also known as the Living Faith Church Worldwide.

His books include The Kingdom Millionaire Mindset: Unlocking Your Potential Wealth, Winning Invisible Battles, Building Successful Marriage, You Are Born To Win, and Understanding the Power of Praise.

When you know and understand what God is saying, and walk in the light of it, you live in the realm of the miraculous.

David Oyedepo

Kids around the world know R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series as a spooky, riveting part of their childhood. To date, Stine has sold over 400 million books worldwide and had his work translated into 35 languages.

Stine started writing after moving to New York in 1967, but he, in his own words, ‘got scary’ in 1986 when he wrote his first horror novel for teens, Blind Date. His other spooky offerings include Slime Doesn’t Pay, Why Did The Monster Cross The Road?, Stinetinglers, and Just Beyond: Monstrosity.

“Many adults feel that every children’s book has to teach them something… My theory is a children’s book… can be just for fun.”

R.L. Stine

Janet Evanovich writes romance novels that give readers a much-needed escape from the mundanity of day-to-day life. The American author has sold over 100 million books, and 25 of her novels have become bestsellers.

Evanovich’s first novel to make No.1 on the New York Times List was Hot Six which she co-authored with Leanne Banks. Other bestsellers by Evanovich include One For The Money, Smokin’ Seventeen, and Twisted Twenty-Six, all from the Stephanie Plum series, and The Recovery Agent, a standalone novel.

“Romance novels are birthday cake and life is often peanut butter and jelly. I think everyone should have lots of delicious romance novels lying around for those times when the peanut butter of life gets stuck to the roof of your mouth.”

Janet Evanovich

American mystery and suspense author Mary Higgins Clark, also known as the queen of suspense, came relatively late to writing novels after being encouraged by her mentor. Her first book, Aspire to the Heavens: A Biography of George Washington, was published in 1968.

But it was her first suspense novel that brought her the recognition she deserved. Where Are The Children was published in 1975 and paved the way for a string of successes, including A Stranger is Watching, All Dressed in White, The Sleeping Beauty Killer, and All Around the Town.

Check out our roundup of the best Mary Higgins Clark books.

“When someone is mean to me, I just make them a victim in my next book.“

Mary Higgins Clark

Clive Cussler was an American adventure novelist and marine archaeologist whose work often made the New York Times fiction best-seller list. Cussler has sold 100 million books worldwide.

He began writing novels in 1965 and published the first in a series of books featuring the adventure hero Dirk Pitt in 1973. However, he has also published several non-fiction titles and children’s books, drawing on his wealth of knowledge on shipwrecks. Cussler founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency, which preserves American maritime and naval history.

Clive Cussler passed away in 2020, aged 88.

If you are looking for your next adventure read and are new to this author, check out our roundup of the best Clive Cussler books.

“I am not like Stephen King, who writes one book, then writes another. I finish a book and go off and… look for wrecks. Then, six months later, I might start another book.”

Clive Cussler

The author of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer, had teens (and adults) on the edge of their seats for years. The irresistible four-book series led the way in this specific horror niche, revitalizing tales of vampires and werewolves and giving them the chance to be good.

Meyer’s lead characters even make a positive contribution to society. But like all good horrors, there is a dark side!

Meyer has sold over 250 million copies of her books which have been translated into 37 languages. The Twilight series includes Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Other titles by this author are The Host, Midnight Sun, and The Chemist.

Sometimes, fact mixed with fiction so thoroughly that, though no lies were told, it was hard to remember what was strictly true.

Stephenie Meyer

World-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck is dedicated to helping budding culinary phenoms in home kitchens by sharing his knowledge in various cookbooks. The Beverly Hills-based chef has many top cookbooks, including Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy and Live, Love, Eat!

Puck’s titles include Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy: A Step-by-Step Recipe Collection for the Home, Wolfgang Puck Makes It Healthy: Light, Delicious Recipes and Easy Exercises for a Better Life, Wolfgang Puck: Adventures in the Kitchen, Wolfgang Puck’s Pizza, Pasta, and More, and Wolfgang Puck’s Modern French Cooking For The American Kitchen: Recipes form the James Beard Award-Winning Chef-Owner of Spago.

A good chef has to be a manager, a businessman, and a great cook. To marry all three together is sometimes difficult.

Wolfgang Puck

Final Word on Richest Writers

It’s clear: writers who want to make a living from their novels need to hone in on their chosen genre and work to develop their individualistic style. Next time you head out to see the latest hit movie, be sure to learn more about the book that inspired it — and maybe even pick up the book to hear the story directly from the rich author in question! If you like this article, check out our guide to making money writing online.

FAQs on Richest Writers