J.K. Rowling is one of the most successful book authors in history. As the brains Harry Potter, the English writer and film producer’s name became synonymous with a rags-to-riches story, having written the first fantasy novel while struggling financially. Three decades later, J.K. is now a billionaire with a high net worth.
Below, learn more about J.K.’s rise to success, her other books and where her net worth stands today.
The first novel in the franchiser, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. At the time, she was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. Two years later, J.K. sold the film rights to Warner Bros. for around £1 million. As she continued the book franchise, new films were produced, becoming one of the most successful film adaptations in cinematic history.
I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 21, 2025
Apart from the entire Harry Potter franchise, J.K. has also written a number of books. To name a few, she is the mastermind behind the Fantastic Beasts series and the Cormoran Strike series of detective novels — The Silkworm, Career of Evil, Lethal White, Troubled Blood, The Ink Black Heart, The Running Grave and The Hallmarked Man — under her “Robert Galbraith” alias.
As of 2025, J.K. is worth $1 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She earns roughly between $50 to $100 million per year, per Celebrity Net Worth.
Joanne Kathleen Rowling is the author’s full name. Many know her as “Jo.”
Yes, J.K. is an executive producer on the upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. It has a projected 2027 release date and features a brand-new cast.
