Who is the highest-paid author? Today, the highest-paid authors are a diverse bunch. Some are young and still on their way up, while others have been publishing for decades. A few have made their fortunes in other industries before turning to writing as a second career, while others have just published their first book.
The highest-paid authors aren’t always the most prolific or successful; some have simply managed to strike gold with one book
or series of books that have struck a chord with readers. Others have built up vast fortunes by publishing multiple books over many years and selling millions of copies each year. Let’s take a look at them!
Table of Contents
Fifteen highest-paid authors
Fifteen highest-paid authors – who are they? Why did they become successful? How much money do they make? Keep reading to find out!
1. James Patterson
Who is the highest-paid author? James Patterson is the highest-paid author in the world, earning an estimated $87 million last year. Patterson has written over 100 novels, including the bestselling Alex Cross series, and his books have sold more than 375 million copies worldwide. He is also a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to literacy programs and schools. Patterson’s success as an author is partly due to his prolific output.
He typically releases multiple books each year, and his novels are often optioned for film and television adaptations. His widespread appeal means that his books are read by people of all ages, from young adults to grandparents. In addition to his monetary success, James Patterson is also one of the most popular authors worldwide, with a devoted fanbase that eagerly awaits each new release.
2. JK Rowling
JK Rowling is the second-highest-paid author in the world, with an estimated income of $95 million in 2019. The Harry Potter creator has come a long way since she lived on welfare and struggled to make ends meet. Her first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997 and quickly became a global phenomenon. The Harry Potter series has sold more than 500 million copies and has been translated into over 80 languages.
In addition to her literary success, Rowling has also found success with movies, merchandise, and theme parks. Her Harry Potter-themed attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opened at Universal Studios in 2010 and has since become one of the most popular theme park destinations worldwide. Thanks to her impressive list of accomplishments, it’s no surprise that JK Rowling is one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
3. Jeff Kinney
Who is the highest-paid author? Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, is the third highest-paid author in the world. In 2019, he earned an estimated $27 million. That’s more than double what he made in 2018 and puts him behind only James Patterson and J.K. Rowling on Forbes’ list of highest-paid authors. How does Kinney make so much money? A large portion of his earnings comes from movie adaptations of his books. The first Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie was released in 2010 and grossed $76 million at the box office.
There have been three sequels since then, with the most recent one, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, earning $64 million. In addition to his movie earnings, Kinney also makes money from merchandising and licensing deals. For example, Scholastic, the publisher of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, has sold over 200 million copies of the series worldwide. And more than 50 Diary of a Wimpy Kid products is available, including board games, lunch boxes, and calendars.
4. John Grisham
Who is the fourth highest-paid author? John Grisham is one of the world’s highest-paid authors. In 2019, he earned an estimated $27 million from his writing. It made him the fourth highest-paid author in the world, behind James Patterson, J.K. Rowling, and Dan Brown. Grisham’s novels have sold over 350 million copies and translated into 42 languages. He is best known for his legal thrillers, such as “The Firm” and “A Time to Kill.” However, he has also written non-fiction books, children’s books, and even a work of science fiction.
Grisham’s success as an author has allowed him to live a very comfortable life. He owns properties in several different countries and enjoys a lifestyle that most people can only dream of. Nonetheless, Grisham remains humble and down-to-earth. In interviews, he often speaks about his love of reading and his desire to write stories that will entertain and engage his readers. This passion for writing has made John Grisham one of the wealthiest authors in the world.
5. Stephen King
Who is the highest-paid author? If you guessed Stephen King, you would be correct! He is the fifth highest-paid author in the world. What makes Stephen King so popular? He has a gift for telling suspenseful, scary stories that keep readers up at night. His horror novels, such as “The Shining” and “Carrie,” are some of his best-known works, but he has also written successful thrillers, science fiction, and even a comedy, “Hearts in Atlantis.”
He also has a knack for creating memorable characters, such as the lovable misfits in “The Stand” and the tortured artist in “Misery.” But perhaps most importantly, Stephen King knows how to keep readers coming back for more. With over fifty books published, his work always has something new to discover. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting started, there’s no doubt that Stephen King is one of the most successful authors of our time.
6. Nora Roberts
Who is the sixth highest-paid author? That would be Nora Roberts, an incredibly prolific writer who has published over 200 novels throughout her career. Roberts is best known for her romance novels, which often feature complex storylines and larger-than-life characters. However, she has also written mystery, suspense, and even science fiction novels.
In addition to her literary achievements, Roberts is also a generous philanthropist, supporting causes such as literacy and the arts. While her novels are not always critical darlings, they are consistently popular with readers, and that popularity has translated into a massive success for Roberts. In addition to her novels, Roberts has also written several non-fiction books and dabbled in screenwriting. With such a diverse body of work, it’s no wonder that Roberts is one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
7. Dan Brown
Who is the seventh highest-paid author? That would be Dan Brown, whose novels have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Brown is best known for his Robert Langdon series, including the best-selling novels “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons.” His books are famous for their blend of history, art, and religion, and Brown is a master at creating suspenseful, page-turning plots.
While some critics have accused Brown of writing formulaic fiction, there’s no denying that his books are incredibly popular with readers. In addition to his novels, Brown has also written a non-fiction book, “The Lost Symbol,” which topped the New York Times bestseller list. With such a successful career, it’s no wonder that Dan Brown is one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
8. Janet Evanovich
Who is the eighth highest-paid author? That would be Janet Evanovich, whose novels have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. Evanovich is best known for her Stephanie Plum series, which follows the adventures of a former lingerie buyer turned bounty hunter. The books are funny, fast-paced, and perfect for readers looking for a lighthearted read.
Evanovich’s novels are so popular that they have even been adapted into a movie and TV series. In addition to her Stephanie Plum books, Evanovich has also written several other series, including the “Wicked” novels and the “Lizzy & Diesel” books. With such a large and loyal following, it’s no wonder that Janet Evanovich is one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
9. Nicholas Sparks
The ninth highest-paid author is Nicholas Sparks. Sparks is best known for his best-selling romance novels, which have been adapted into successful films such as The Notebook and The Last Song. In addition to his writing income, Sparks receives royalties from the films based on his books. He earned an estimated $17 million in the past year.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it pales compared to the earnings of the top-paid author, James Patterson, who earned an estimated $87 million in the same period. However, it should be noted that Sparks’ novels are consistently on bestseller lists and have sold millions of copies worldwide, so his earnings are still quite impressive.
10. Danielle Steel
Who is the highest-paid author? Danielle Steel is the 10th highest-paid author in the world. She is best known for her romance novels, which have sold over 800 million copies worldwide. Steel began her career as a fashion journalist before turning to fiction writing in the 1970s. Her first novel, “Going Home,” was published in 1973 and was an instant bestseller.
Since then, she has published over 70 novels, including “The Wedding,” “Dating Game,” and “Remembrance.” In addition to her success as a novelist, Steel has produced several television series and made-for-TV movies based on her books. She is currently the most translated author in the world, with her works appearing in 47 languages.
11. John Green
John Green is the 11th highest-paid author in the world. He is best known for his young adult novels, including the best-selling “The Fault in Our Stars.” Green’s books are often poignant and thought-provoking, which have earned him a large following among teenage readers.
In addition to his novels, Green has also written a non-fiction book, “An Abundance of Katherines,” and co-authored a series of mystery novels with his brother, Hank Green. He has also created several successful YouTube channels, including “Vlogbrothers” and “Crash Course.” With such a diverse range of projects, it’s no wonder that John Green is one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
12. Rick Riordan
Who is the highest-paid author? The 12th highest-paid author in the world is Rick Riordan, who earned an estimated $13 million in 2020. Riordan is best known for his Percy Jackson series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. He also writes books based on Greek and Roman mythology, and his work has been translated into 42 languages. In addition to his writing success, Riordan has also had success with his online courses and merchandise sales.
So how does he keep his fans coming back for more? Part of it has to do with the fact that he writes engaging, fast-paced stories that are perfect for reluctant readers. But it also helps that he’s an active presence on social media, regularly interacting with his fans and sharing behind-the-scenes information about his books. With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, it’s safe to say that Riordan is a powerful force in the world of publishing.
13. Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer is the 13th highest-paid author in the world. She is best known for her Twilight series, which has sold over 150 million copies worldwide. Meyer began writing the Twilight books after dreaming about a vampire love story. The first book in the series, “Twilight,” was published in 2005 and quickly became a bestseller.
The success of the Twilight series led to Meyer’s inclusion on Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2008. In addition to her work as an author, Meyer has also produced several films, including “The Host” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”
14. Dean Koontz
Who is the highest-paid author? Dean Koontz is the 14th highest-paid author in the world. He is best known for his horror novels, which have sold over 400 million copies worldwide. Koontz began his career writing science fiction and fantasy stories, but he found success in the horror genre with his 1977 novel, “Demon Seed.”
Since then, he has written over 100 novels, including “Watchers,” “Odd Thomas,” and “Frankenstein.” In addition to his work as a novelist, Koontz has also written several non-fiction books and screenplays. He remains one of the most popular authors in the world, and his work continues to find new audiences through film and television adaptations.
15. James Dashner
James Dashner is the 15th highest-paid author in the world. He is best known for his Maze Runner series, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The first book in the series, “The Maze Runner,” was published in 2009 and quickly became a bestseller.
The success of the Maze Runner series led to Dashner’s inclusion on Forbes’ list of the Highest-Paid Authors in the World in 2015. In addition to his work as an author, Dashner has also written several screenplays, including one for the film adaptation of “The Maze Runner.” With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, Dashner is one of the most successful authors.
Five tips to become a highly-paid author
Becoming a highly-paid author is not as difficult as you might think. In fact, with the right tips and a bit of hard work, anyone can make a good living from writing. Here are five tips to help you get started.
1. Write what you know
Many factors can contribute to an author’s success, but one of the most important is writing about what you know. Readers can tell when an author is passionate about their subject matter, and this passion is often rewarded with high sales figures and positive reviews.
Of course, it’s not always possible to write about what you know, but if you can find a way to incorporate your personal experiences into your work, it will make your writing more engaging. Who is the highest-paid author? In many cases, the author has written about their own life or about topics they are intimately familiar with. So if you want to be a highly-paid author, start by writing about what you know.
2. Find your niche
Who is the highest-paid author? While many factors determine an author’s earnings, one of the most important is finding your niche. Niche writing can be extremely lucrative, whether it’s writing for a specific market or genre or catering to a particular audience.
Some of the highest-paid authors are those who have found a way to tap into a specific market or audience. While it may take some time to find your niche, the effort can pay off significantly.
3. Develop a unique voice
Being a highly-paid author requires developing a unique voice. Who is the highest-paid author? People are more likely to pay for your work when you have a strong and easily recognizable voice. This means you need to find your niche and learn how to write in a way that distinguishes you from everyone else in your genre. Fortunately, some simple tips can help you develop a unique and marketable voice as an author.
First, focus on writing in your natural style. Don’t try to imitate other authors or force yourself to write in a way that doesn’t come naturally. Second, be yourself. Injecting your personality into your work will help you stand out from the crowd. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Trying new things and taking risks can help you find an original voice that resonates with readers. By following these tips, you can develop the unique voice essential for becoming a highly-paid author.
4. Stay motivated
Getting motivated to write can be tough, especially when you do not see any immediate results. But if you’re committed to becoming a highly-paid author, finding ways to keep yourself motivated is essential. For starters, look at the list of the world’s highest-paid authors. Seeing how much money other writers are making can help inspire you to reach for the stars.
Additionally, try to set realistic writing goals and reward yourself when you reach them. This could be as simple as taking a break after writing for two hours or treating yourself to a new book after completing your latest manuscript. By finding small ways to celebrate your progress, you’ll keep yourself motivated to keep moving forward.
5. Have a good marketing strategy
Who is the highest-paid author? While many factors contribute to an author’s success, having a good marketing strategy is essential if you want to be highly paid. Luckily, a few simple tips can help you get started. First, it’s essential to understand your audience and what they’re looking for.
Then, you need to create interesting and shareable content that will capture their attention. Finally, it would help if you promote your work in a way that reaches as many people as possible. By following these simple tips, you can position yourself to become a highly-paid author.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about who is the highest-paid author!
What is the most successful book genre?
There is no one answer to this question, as different genres can be successful for different reasons. However, some of the most popular and successful book genres include fiction, non-fiction, mystery, thriller, and romance.
What is the best way to market a book?
There is no one answer to this question as there are many effective ways to market a book. However, some tips to get you started include understanding your audience, creating shareable content, and promoting your work in a way that reaches as many people as possible.
How do you get your book published?
There are a few different ways to get your book published. The most common method is to submit your work to a literary agent or publishing house. However, you can also self-publish your work or use a print-on-demand service.
Is being an author worth it?
Yes! Being an author can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to share your stories with the world, but you can also make a good living doing what you love.
Conclusion
Becoming a highly-paid author takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of luck. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, it is possible to achieve your dreams. Following the tips in this article can increase your chances of becoming a top-earning author. Who knows, you could even end up on the list of the world’s highest-paid authors!