J.K. Rowling Biography

Joanne Rowling, better known by her pen-name JK Rowling, is an award-winning English author best known for the Harry Potter children’s book series. The Harry Potter books have sold over 500 million copies and have been translated into over 80 languages.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first book in the Harry Potter series, has sold over 120 million copies making it one of the best-selling books of all time.

Forbes estimates that Rowling has a net worth of over a billion dollars making her the richest self-made author. Her wealth comes mainly from the Harry Potter franchise that includes books, movies, merchandise, video games, and theme parks.

Born on 31 July 1965, Rowling grew up in Gloucestershire, England and wrote her first novel at age 11.  In 1997, she got her big break when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published. Greater success followed in 1998 when Warner Bros. purchased the film rights to the first two novels for a seven-figure sum.

JK Rowling has written over 22 books and screenplays including the 7 Harry Potter books. Other notable books besides the Harry Potter books are The Casual Vacancy and the Cormoran Strike crime fiction series which were written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

Her writings have been made into at least 11 movies including the Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts series. Her writings such as the Casual Vacancy have also been made into TV Series.

Further Reading

Check out the articles below for quotes by J.K. Rowlings and other accomplished writers.

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  • Sources Cited for JK Rowling’s biography

JK Rowling Official Website About Me Page and Writing Page

Forbes JK Rowling