The Highest Paid Authors and How They Make it Happen
/
Today I’m excited to share a guest post by Raven Howell as part of her blog tour with WOW! Women on Writing! Thank you, Raven!
With a happy morning greeting to our town postman, I take our mail into the house. It makes my day brighter to find a publishing royalty check for my kids’ books. Most of my publishers distribute royalty statements and payment via online means, but not everyone.
I’m opening my envelope with Good Morning America on the TV in the background when I hear world-renowned author James Patterson discussing another new book with the morning hosts. I crack a smile—I can only imagine what his royalty checks look like! Known for his numerous book series, thrillers, non-fiction, and romance novels, he’s a prolific writer, and one of the top five most prosperous authors in 2024. Mr. Patterson was the first author ever to sell one million e-books. Go, J.P!
Considering world-wide authors, both Elisabeth Badinter and J.K. Rowling are billionaires. Elisabeth Badinter is a feminist author. Her book, The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women, sparked controversy in 2010 and was super popular in Europe. But she also inherited 19 million shares of the Publicis Groupe, a global leader in advertising and public relations, which contributed to her wealth. And J.K. Rowling is the one who “captured the hearts of millions of readers”. The Harry Potter series earned well over $1 billion in sales alone, but she has also earned hundreds of millions from her share of the profits from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies.
Danielle Steele and Stephen King round out the millionaire status of the top of the wealthiest authors tier, although there are other runners-up. Statistics show Danielle Steele is the fourth best-selling fiction novelist ever, and the best-selling author who is still alive. She’s known for romance writing, and romance is the best-selling genre. As for Stephen King, many of his most popular supernatural and horror books have spurred movies, numerous TV shows and miniseries. That renders significant income.
Now back down to earth. Only a small percentage of authors become wealthy from just their book sales. Making money from writing and illustrating books can take time. Most often people will not be able to work full-time on their creative work from the very beginning of their career. Still, if it’s your passion and you feel that writing is where your talent lies, keep on, and let some of these world-renowned authors inspire you. Look at it this way: if you end up selling 3,000 copies of your book—or even 100 copies, how do you know that one of those copies doesn’t inspire a reader to become a scientist or doctor to help humanity, or just encourage a child or person to be kind and make the world a better place? So, let’s write, and let’s read!
About Author Raven Howell
Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books, she enjoys sharing her joy of reading and literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven serves as Creative & Publishing Advisor for Red Clover Reader, writes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine, and is a Collaborating Author for Reading is Fundamental and I am a Promise Books.
She writes for children’s magazines including Ladybug, The School Magazine, Highlights for Children, and Humpty Dumpty. She’s a storybook writer for educational publisher, Reading Gate, and aims for every child’s opportunity to blossom.
Find Raven online at:
https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/
https://www.facebook.com/raven.howell.75/
https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
https://www.pinterest.com/pickward/_saved/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
About Blink and Glow
Lilly and Leo think it's super to catch fireflies and salamanders—and even more exciting, as they plan to bring their glowing nature finds to show-and-tell the next day. They have a change of heart when Grandma's wisdom guides the children to respect the freedom and light of the natural life in all living things.
Publisher: Tielmour Press
ISBN-10: 173821933X
ISBN-13: 978-1738219339
Print Length: 32 pages
Purchase a copy of Blink and Glow on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
Blog Tour Calendar
July 22nd @ The Muffin
Our tour begins at the WOW blog, The Muffin. Join us as we celebrate Raven Howell's newest book, Blink and Glow. We'll interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
July 23rd @ Pages and Paws
Join Kirstine who shares a guest post by Raven Howell about how her tomboy childhood inspires her writing today at 60.
July 24th @ Pages and Paws
Visit Kristine's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.
July 24th @ Lisa Haselton's Book Reviews & Interviews
Join Lisa for an interview with author Raven Howell and her book Blink and Glow
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
July 25th @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
July 28th @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Visit Karen's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.
https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/
July 31st @ Carole Writes
Visit Carole's blog for her review of Blink and Glow as well as an interview with author Raven Howell.
August 1st @ AJ Kormon's blog
Visit AJ's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.
https://ajkormon.com/blog/book-reviews
August 2nd @ Little Squirrel's Bookshelf
Visit Veronica's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.
https://www.instagram.com/littlesquirrelsbookshelf
August 3rd @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for a special recipe by Raven Howell. You'll learn how to make easy firefly brownie bites and butterfly cupcakes.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/
August 3rd @ The Faerie Review
Lily will be spotlighting Blink and Glow on her blog.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
August 7th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a review of Blink and Glow. You can also read a guest post by Raven Howell about whether audiobooks really promote literacy skills.
August 10th@ Michelle Cornish's blog
Stop by Michelle's blog for a guest post about the highest-paid authors and how they make it happen.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
August 14th @ BookBunnies
Join Caramel for a review of Blink and Glow.
August 15th @ Choices
Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by Raven Howell about today's most popular children's book themes.
August 16th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for a guest post by Raven Howell, who has a chat with her publisher about the impact of books on young minds
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
August 17th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
August 18th @ What is That Book About?
Join Michelle to read an excerpt of Blink and Glow.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
August 20th @ Rosh's Reviews
Visit Rosh's blog for a review of Blink and Glow.
https://roshreviews.blogspot.com/
August 22nd @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Blink and Glow. You can also win a copy of the book!
https://worldofmyimagination.com
August 24th @ Wildwood Reads
Visit Megan's blog for her review of Blink and Glow.
August 25th @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog for her review of Blink and Glow. You'll also have the chance to read an interview with the author herself.
