Richest Authors in the World and their Net Worth

One of the careers that can make you a millionaire is authoring. Some of the world's billionaire and millionaire authors include Elisabeth Badinter and J.K Rowling who have made a fortune through writing. Novelists make about $49,046 per year according to the national average salary. While many authors struggle to make meaningful income writing, there are some making millions in writing. 

We have compiled a list of some of the richest authors in the world and their net worth.

Top 10 Richest Authors in the World

The following is a list of some of the richest writers in the world and their net worth.

1. Elisabeth Badinter - $1.7 Billion

Elisabeth Badinter is the richest author in the world. She is a French philosopher, author, and historian. She is well known for her intellectual writings about the role of women in society. She was voted France’s most influential intellectual in 2010 by Marianna New Magazine. Elisabeth Badinter net worth stands at $1.7 billion.

2. J.K Rowling - $1.1 Billion

J.K. Rowling is a renowned British writer and one of the best authors in the world. She is well known for the Harry Potter series making her one of the wealthiest writers. Before becoming a writer, she was an English teacher and researcher. She is also known for her resilience when the Harry Potter was rejected 12 times by the publisher and finally ended up becoming one of the bestselling books. J.K. Rowling net worth stands at $1.1 billion. 

3. James Patterson - $750 Million

James Patterson is an American writer that tops the list of richest authors. He is well known for writing thriller novels and one of his best-known novels is Alex Cross, Women’s Murder, and Michael Bennet. He has published over 200 books and most of them are bestselling. James Patterson net worth stands at $750 million. 

4. Candy Spelling - $600 Million

Candy Spelling is an American author, philanthropist, and television personality who is among the richest writers in the world. Her late husband; Aaron Spelling was a well-known TV producer. She is well known for stories from Candyland, her autobiography that was ranked in New York Times bestseller. She inherited her husband’s property after his death. Candy Spelling net worth stands at $600 million.

Also read: How to get paid for your jokes.

5. Danielle Steel - $600 Million

Danielle Steel is an American romance novelist and in the list of the top wealthiest writers in the world. Her dramatic marriages and divorces inspired her to write romantic novels. She has written over 190 novels and most are bestselling. She was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 for being listed in New York Times Bestsellers for 381 consecutive weeks. Danielle Steel net worth stands at $600 million. 

6. Stephen King - $500 Million

Stephen King is a prolific writer that has published over 60 books. He is one of the richest writers in the world and has sold over 350 million copies. He is well known for his genres of horror, suspense, and fantasy. He is best known for his work Carrie, It, and The Shinning. His books have earned him over 50 literary awards. Stephen King net worth stands at $500 million.

7. Paulo Coelho - $500 million

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian writer, journalist, theatre director, and novelist. He is well known for his bestselling novel The Alchemist which was originally written in Portuguese and later translated into English. The novel has later been translated into 79 other languages. To date, he has sold over 150 million copies. His parents sent him to a mental institution where he escaped severally and was later released after four years. Paulo Coelho net worth stands at $500 million.

8. Nova Roberts - $390 Million

Nova Roberts is an American novelist, writer, and author. She is a romance writer and is well known for her first bestseller Playing the Odds. She is also known for her resilience after her work was rejected by Harlequin and yet found success after getting accepted by Silhouette. She has published multiple books most of which are bestselling. Nova Roberts net worth stands at $390 million.

9. Barbara Taylor Bradford - $300 Million

Barbara Taylor Bradford is an American novelist and one of the richest authors in the world. She started writing in 1979 when her first book A woman of Substance became bestselling. She has written over 30 novels and sold over 80 million copies. Since then, she has continued to write with a series of six more works. Barbara Taylor Bradford net worth stands at $300 million.

Also read: Jobs that can make you a millionaire.

10. John Grisham - $290 Million

John Grisham is an American writer and a Law practitioner. Besides, he has served in the House of Representatives for Mississippi. He is the 10th richest author with a net worth of $290 million. He has sold over 300 million books globally. He is well known for his debut novel, A Time to Kill which made him get recognition for his literary work. John Grisham net worth stands at $290 million. 

List of Richest Authors of All Time   

Who is the Richest Writer in the World?

Elisabeth Badinter is the richest author in the world with a net worth of 1.7 billion. She is a French philosopher, author, and historian. Most of her works are about the role of women in society. She was named France’s most influential intellectual in 2010.

Summary of the Richest Authors in the World

Above is a list of some of the richest authors in the world. These authors have written bestselling novels and books that have earned them a fortune. If you are planning to become an author, I believe some of these writers can inspire you. Some like J.K Rowling have been rejected 12 times by publishers and yet emerged to become some of the richest authors.

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