Collecting and reading books is a cherished hobby for many, as there’s nothing quite like diving into a universe crafted by another’s imagination.
The world’s wealthiest author has sold an astonishing 600 million copies of their books globally – you’d likely guess it was Stephen King or George R.R. Martin, wouldn’t you? Both are prolific writers with numerous works to their names.
Stephen King, the master of horror, has penned an impressive 77 books and countless short stories that have thrilled fans, including IT and Pet Semetary, both adapted for the big screen.
Meanwhile, R.R. Martin has authored 47 books, including his wildly popular Game of Thrones series, which spawned a highly successful TV adaptation.
However, neither of these authors’ net worths match that of the top-selling author. Throughout his career, Stephen King has sold approximately 400 million copies of his books worldwide, maintaining popularity by branching out from horror into crime and other genres.
George R. R. Martin has also enjoyed tremendous success, selling more than 90 million copies of his books worldwide, translated into 45 different languages.
(
Getty Images for Warner Bros.)
Yet, even with a combined total of 490 million copies sold, they haven’t reached the staggering success of the most popular author, who boasts a billion-dollar net worth thanks to their book sales.
Can you guess which author is leading the pack? If you said J. K. Rowling, then you’re spot on. Her Harry Potter series has captivated generations, but it wasn’t an overnight success.
In her early career, writing was more of a pastime than a money-making venture. However, when Bloomsbury published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, her career took off.
J. K. Rowling is also known for her philanthropy, donating millions to charities that support those with MS, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and dementia, as well as women’s causes and education initiatives.
However, J.K. Rowling has faced backlash from many of her LGBTQ+ fans due to her controversial comments on X and disputes with prominent trans individuals.
This post was originally published on here