J.K. Rowling is a British author best known for writing the Harry Potter series of books. She is one of the most successful writers of all time in terms of both her book sales and her wealth. Due to her phenomenal success, the author is now a wealthy woman. So, what is J.K. Rowling’s net worth and how has her writing career contributed to her wealth?

J.K. Rowling- one of the richest authors in the world
Image credit: Daniel Ogren, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (J.K. Rowling’s net worth)

J.K. Rowling Facts: Her Early Life

The author was born in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, on July 31, 1965. Her parents, Peter James Rowling and Anne Rowling (née Volant), were both from London, and they moved to Yate when Anne became pregnant with Rowling. Rowling has one younger sister, Dianne. Rowling attended St Michael’s Primary School, founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. She then attended Wyedean School and College, where she excelled in English and languages. Rowling became interested in writing in her teenage years and started working on her first novel.

The Harry Potter Books: How They Contributed to J.K. Rowling’s Net Worth

J.K. Rowling is best known for authoring the critically acclaimed and best-selling Harry Potter series of books, although she has written many other novels. The series has sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, making her one of the most successful authors of all time in terms of book sales. Her sales success also contributed significantly to J.K. Rowling’s net worth.

The author began writing the first book while she was in an abusive marriage, which she left while her daughter was still young. She completed the book while she was a broke, single mother. It is said she wrote some of the book sitting in cafes.

While writing the book, Rowling worked part-time as a secretary to bring in some money and get off benefits. She also completed a teacher training course, as she intended to earn a living as a teacher. Just before completing the first Harry Potter novel, she took a teaching job at Leith Academy.

Facts About J.K. Rowling: The Harry Potter Series of Books

  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997): This is the first book in the series, where we are introduced to Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard. In the United States, the book is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998): In this book, Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, where he must solve the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets.
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999): In this book, Harry learns about his past and the truth about his parents’ deaths while also facing the dangerous escaped prisoner, Sirius Black.
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000): In this book, Harry competes in the Triwizard Tournament and discovers the return of the dark lord, Voldemort.
  • Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix (2003): Potter and his friends form a secret society to fight against the oppressive rule of the Ministry of Magic.
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005): In this book, Harry learns more about Voldemort’s past and prepares for the final battle between good and evil.
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007): In this final book, Harry, Ron, and Hermione set out to destroy the remaining Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort once and for all.

Each of the first six books has become a film, and the storyline from the final book spans two films. Some stars from the films include Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The books have also led to multiple streams of merchandise, specialist shops, experiences, and theme parks.

Other Books by J.K. Rowling

Rowling has also written several other books, including “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “The Ickabog,” “The Christmas Pig,” “Tales of Beedle the Bard,” and “Quidditch Through the Ages.” For a full list of J.K. Rowling books, check out Thrift Books.

Books by Rowling Under a Pen Name

JK Rowling has published several books under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, including “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” “The Silkworm,” “Career of Evil,” “Lethal White,” and “Troubled Blood.” These crime novels feature private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott. The books were the inspiration behind the TV series Strike.

J.K. Rowling’s Net Worth

It is estimated that J.K. Rowling’s net worth is around £820 million, approximately $1 billion, so she is the world’s richest living author. She has made most of her money from writing books, Rowling has accrued additional wealth from the TV series and films based on her books. She has spent some of her money buying properties. Her properties include a £2 million home in Edinburgh and a £4.5 million house in Kensington, London.

J.K. Rowling’s Personal Life

J.K. Rowling married Neil Murray in 2001. They have two children together, David and Mackenzie. Rowling is also a mother to a daughter, Jessica, from her previous marriage to Jorge Arantes. Her family is important to her, and she often speaks about how they inspire and motivate her in her work.