When you think of wealthy people, writers might not be the first to come to mind. Yet entertaining readers with books can be remarkably lucrative for some authors. In fact, some of the richest authors in the world may be writers whose books you keep on your bookshelves at home or regularly check out at libraries. Others may surprise you and turn you into a fan of their writing.
Using data from Celebrity Net Worth, GOBankingRates pulled from a list of 50 authors to determine who is in the top 10. These are the top 10 richest authors in the world.
10. John Grisham
American novelist John Grisham takes 10th place in the top 10 with a net worth of $400 million.
Several of Grisham’s bestselling legal thrillers including “The Firm” and “The Pelican Brief” have been adapted into blockbuster movies. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Grisham earns between $50 to $80 million in book and movie royalties and advances each year. Fans of “The Firm” will be excited to hear he’s released the sequel to that book 32 years later on Oct. 17, titled “The Exchange.”
9. Stephen King
In ninth place is American horror and supernatural fiction writer Stephen King. King’s net worth is $500 million.
Often referred to as the King of Horror, King has published more than 60 novels and sold more than 350 million copies worldwide. Some of King’s most popular books include “The Shining,” “Carrie,” “Misery” and “Salem’s Lot.” King released his latest novel, “Holly,” in September 2023.
8. Rose Kennedy
American philanthropist and socialite Rose Kennedy had a net worth of $500 million at the time of her death in 1995.
Rose was the matriarch of the Kennedy family and the author of her 1974 autobiography “Times to Remember.”
7. Paulo Coelho
Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho takes seventh place among the richest authors in the world with a net worth of $500 million.
Coelho’s novel “The Alchemist” is an international bestseller. Since it was published in 1988, Coelho has published 30 more books. He is also a lyricist and worked as a songwriter. His latest book is called “Eleven Minutes.”
6. Matt Groening
In sixth place is American cartoonist Matt Groening with a net worth of $600 million.
As well as authoring several graphic novels, Groening is the creator of the cartoon series “The Simpsons” which is the longest-running primetime TV series in history. In addition, Groening is a television producer, author and animator.
5. Grant Cardone
Author Grant Cardone holds the fifth place among the world’s richest authors with a net worth of $600 million.
Cardone is the author of numerous business books including the bestselling “The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure.” In addition to being an author, Cardone is the CEO of seven privately held companies and runs 13 business programs.
4. Danielle Steel
With a net worth of $600 million, American author Danielle Steel takes fourth place among the richest authors in the world.
Steel is best known for her romance novels, many of which have occupied the No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Sellers. She has authored more than 180 books with sales of more than 800 million copies, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her latest book, “Second Act,” just published Oct. 12 and her next book, “The Ball at Versailles,” is already available for preorder.
3. Jim Davis
In third place is American cartoonist Jim Davis with a net worth of $800 million.
Davis is most famous for his international hit comic strip “Garfield” which has been in syndication since 1978. Since its debut, “Garfield” has enjoyed successful spinoffs including a CBS series and television specials written by Davis.
2. James Patterson
American author James Patterson, with a net worth of $800 million, is the second richest author in the world.
Patterson is best known for the “Alex Cross,” “Detective Michael Bennett” and “Women’s Murder Club” novel series. He has written more than 140 novels since 1976 and his books have sold more than 425 million copies worldwide to date. His next book, “Alex Cross Must Die,” releases on Nov. 20.
1. J.K. Rowling
British author Joanne Rowling, also known as J.K. Rowling, is the richest author in the world with a net worth of $1 billion.
Rowling is the author of the hit children’s fantasy series “Harry Potter.” The seven-volume series sold over 600 million copies and has been translated into 84 languages. Its worldwide media franchise includes blockbuster films and video games. Rowling, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is the first author in the world to achieve a net worth of $1 billion. Her latest book in the series under her pen name Robert Galbraith, “The Running Grave,” published in April.
News
Craig Berube Shares True Feelings About Chris Tanev’s Performance During Training Camp
Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs on Twitter/X Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked this week about the performance of Chris Tanev in his first training camp in Toronto and gave a rave review of the veteran defenseman. Craig Berube…
Maple Leafs Confirm Very Young Lineup for Saturday Night Showdown with Canadiens
Photo credit: Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are giving a number of young players, including Nikita Grebenkin, Easton Cowan and Topi Niemela, a chance to shine on Saturday in Montreal. After putting together a thrilling 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on…
Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds has bluntly criticized Eminem for his “hateful” anti-gay lyrics, not hesitating to call the rap icon an enemy of the LGBTQ+ community.
The American rapper surprise-released his 10th studio album, Kamikaze, to critical acclaim and praise from fans last week, but he also faced controversy for once again using the anti-gay slur “faggot” on a track called Fall. “Tyler create nothing, I…
Eminem still holds the throne: Shocking numbers prove he is the best-selling rapper of all time!
Way ahead of any possible competition you can imagine, Eminem holds the title of the best selling rapper in the world. Recently, Forbes updated its infamous list of the Top 50 best rappers. They placed Jay-Z at No.1 and Eminem at No.10,…
50 Cent and Eminem team up to reveal the shocking secret that Diddy was involved in 2Pac’s death.
50 Cent teams up with Eminem to expose Diddy for sacrificing 2Pac The alliance between two titans of hip-hop, 50 Cent and Eminem, has long been known for its formidable impact on the music industry. However, their recent collaboration took…
John Tavares talked about his early exit during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens.
John Tavares discusses early exit in Maple Leafs’ pre-season game (Picture credit: Imagn) John Tavares addresses his early first-period exit that sparked injury scare Tavares was slow getting to the bench but stayed in the game. He was limited to…
End of content
No more pages to load