25 Richest Writers: Learn From Their Success

Yes, you really can make quite a living as a writer — and this list of the top 25 richest writers in the world proves it.

While not everyone who puts a pen to paper becomes a millionaire (or a billionaire, in the case of J.K. Rowling), plenty of writers earn a pretty penny showing off their literary expertise. Here, we’ll explore the top 25 richest writers in the world — you may be surprised to see who made the cut. 

Top 25 Richest Writers 

British author J.K. Rowling is best known for the Harry Potter series — the series has sold more than 500 million copies, cementing Rowling’s place in the billionaires club. The blockbuster movie franchise went on to wow muggles around the world. 

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

J.K. Rowling

Bestseller James Patterson is known for his thriller novels, including The Noise: A Thriller and the bestselling legal thriller The Jailhouse Lawyer. Patterson’s fictional hero, Alex Cross, keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout each of the American author’s best-selling books.

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

James Patterson

Wife of famed screenwriter Aaron Spelling, Candy Spelling’s wealth isn’t just from her books. The American writer’s tell-all book, Stories from Candyland, tells the stories of growing up as the wife of one of Hollywood’s greats. 

It’s a constant work in progress. Ours is just more exposed, I think. People just have to keep that in mind. It’s not that it’s so bad.

Candy Spelling

Paulo Coelho’s best-known novel, The Alchemist, was originally written in Portuguese and was later translated into English and 79 other languages. The best-selling author is also known for The Pilgrimage and Warrior of the Light: A Manual. He’s one of the world’s richest authors. 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

From Carrie to Billy Summers to The Shining, suspense thriller author Stephen King is known for his New York Times bestsellers — the American author has sold more than 350 books worldwide. 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

American novelist Danielle Steel is a bestselling romance author. From her first novel, Summer’s End, published in 1979, fans have kept coming back for more from this American author.

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

I wrote because I needed to and wanted to. It never occurred to me that I’d become famous.

Danielle Steel

With bestsellers like Playing the Odds and The Liar, Nora Roberts’ romance novels have spent a combined 176 weeks at the number one slot on the New York Times bestseller list.

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

Nora Roberts

The founder of the American Girl series of books worked to create a world in which young girls could see their heroines as capable and strong. Many fans of the series remember how Pleasant Rowland’s books taught them about history while also delivering a captivating story.

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

Pleasant Rowland

Her first novel, A Woman of Substance, set author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s career on fire. Six more books followed in the series, cementing the English author’s place in literary history. The series follows Emma Harte, a young, poor woman determined to rise above her circumstances. 

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

Today, John Grisham has sold more than 300 million books worldwide. His rise to fame started with his first book, A Time to Kill. Grisham wrote the book when he was still a practicing attorney. 

In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth. Each of you is an original. Each of you has a distinctive voice. When you find it, your story will be told. You will be heard.

John Grisham

Many of Tom Clancy’s best novels have been made into hit Hollywood films, including The Hunt for Red October. Sadly, Clancy passed away in 2013.

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

Tom Clancy

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

The moment you’re talking about is now. I can’t say I’m really prepared. I almost don’t want people to see it. It’s like showing everybody into your most private place. But at the same time, I think it’s important.

Olivia Harrison

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. 

Figuring out our gifts in life is part of our journey to becoming enlightened human beings.

Allison DuBois

London-born Jeffrey Archer is most famous for his writings while incarcerated for perjury. After his release from prison, he continued to write bestsellers, including the series Clifton Chronicles. 

Making a million legally has always been difficult. Making a million illegally has always been a little easier. Keeping a million when you have made it is perhaps the most difficult of all.

Jeffrey Archer

Kids around the world remember R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series as a spooky, riveting part of their childhood. To date, Stine has sold over 400 million books worldwide. 

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

A multi-hyphenate, Jackie Collins is known for her writing skills and her acting chops. All 32 of her books have become New York Times bestsellers.

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

Before his death in 2008, Crichton’s work was known around the world. Both The Andromeda Strain and the Jurassic Park series were turned into Hollywood hits. Michael Crichton also worked as a producer and director. 

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

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. 

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

Dan Brown

A 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. 

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

Author of bestsellers including Intensity and Watchers, Koontz is known as the Master of Suspense. Dean Koontz had success from the start of his writing career, with his first novel, Whispers, hitting the bestseller list. 

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

American suspense author Mary Higgins Clark got a late start in her writing career, releasing her first book at age 43. Since then, she’s had 51 bestsellers in the United States and has sold more than 100 million copies of her books around the world.

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

Mary Higgins Clark

Author of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer had teens (and adults) on the edge of their seats for years with both her books and the blockbuster hits that followed. In 2021, Meyer released Midnight Sun, the tale of the Twilight saga from a previously untold perspective.

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

Stephenie Meyer

Clive Cussler wasn’t just known for his writing — he was also known as an underwater explorer. Cussler wrote thriller-style novels following the adventures of main character Dirk Pitt. Sadly, Cussler passed away in 2020.

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

Janet Evanovich writes quick 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. 

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

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

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

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