Some authors have achieved unprecedented success in the realm of literature, enthralling the masses with their storytelling prowess and amassing millions of readers worldwide. These best-selling authors not only dominated the bookstores but also had a big impact on popular culture.
This article honors the amazing achievements of these literary giants, whose works have crossed boundaries and achieved extraordinary financial success.
1. William Shakespeare
Whether you love him or despise the fact that you had to struggle through iambic pentameter poetry in middle school, you can’t dispute that the author of “Romeo and Juliet” is one of the world’s best-selling authors.
With roughly 4 billion copies of Shakespeare’s work in movement, there are nearly enough copies for every individual on the planet.
2. Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie, the undoubted queen of mystery fiction, has fooled, bewildered, and shocked millions of readers. Christie authored famous novels such as “And Then There Were None” during this phase of her career, which are currently taught in many classrooms.
Her approximately 70 works have sold nearly as many copies as Shakespeare’s estimated 4 billion. According to her website, she is “the most popular writer of all time.”
3. Barbara Cartland
Being extremely prolific is one method to enter the exclusive club of the world’s best-selling authors.
During her career, Barbara Cartland published 723 novels and holds a Guinness World Record for releasing the most novels in just one year. Cartland is thought to have sold over a billion copies of her job, though this figure has been challenged.
4. Sidney Sheldon
This author began her career as a scriptwriter but rose to prominence after reaching the age of 50 by penning successful novels with intriguing romantic stories. Sheldon, besides being he of the best-selling novelists of all time, was a TV director who produced the classic show “I Dream of Jeannie.”
Sheldon’s books are expected to have sold about 300 million copies.
5. Enid Blyton
Enid Blyton, a prolific children’s book author, is responsible for great works of literature such as “Brer Rabbit.” Despite the fact that Blyton’s work has sold more than 600 million copies, critics have labeled many of her works as “deeply racist” due to their pictures and descriptions of people of color.
Blyton’s earnings have kept her on the best-seller list.
6. Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel is a romance book genre institution. Despite Publishers Weekly’s criticism of her “resounding lack of critical acclaim,” her works have sold between 300 and 800 million copies worldwide.
She has written over 165 books.
7. J. K. Rowling
At the time, around 500 million copies of the Harry Potter novels were sold around the world. J.K. Rowling’s story captivated the world, spawning several films, spin-offs, and even an amusement park.
Rowling rose to notoriety as one of the wealthiest and best-selling authors in history after writing the Harry Potter series while living in poverty. In fact, the Harry Potter universe is so successful that it holds a Guinness World Record for the Most Successful Book Series of All Time. Rowling has also written successful works such as “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” “The Silkworm,” and “The Casual Vacancy.”
8. Stephen King
A master of horror and suspense, Stephen King has terrified and thrilled readers for decades. His vast bibliography, featuring classics like “The Shining,” “It,” and “Misery,” has amassed a loyal and dedicated fanbase. King’s ability to delve into the darkest corners of human nature and create chilling tales of terror has solidified his position as one of the best-selling authors in the world.
9. Dan Brown
Known for his gripping thrillers that blend history, art, and mystery, Dan Brown has garnered a massive following worldwide. His breakout novel, “The Da Vinci Code,” achieved unprecedented success, cementing his status as a best-selling author. Brown’s books, including “Angels & Demons” and “Inferno,” continue to captivate readers with their fast-paced narratives and thought-provoking themes.
10. Nora Roberts
With her prolific output and captivating storytelling, Nora Roberts has become a dominant force in the romance genre. Her heartfelt tales of love and passion, such as the “In Death” series and the “Bride Quartet,” have garnered a massive readership and secured her place as one of the best-selling romance authors of all time.
Famous Authors : Final Word
These best-selling authors’ success is a testimonial to their extraordinary storytelling abilities and ability to connect with readers on a profound level. J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie, Dan Brown, Stephen King, and Nora Roberts are literary legends whose influence goes far beyond the pages of their books. Their extraordinary successes serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the lasting impact that books can have on our lives.
