Who Are the Bestselling Authors of All Time?
Who are the bestselling authors of all time? The answer might suprise you. This article includes the 20 most successful bestselling authors of all time, a brief bio for each of them, their genre(s), and—of course—the number of books they’ve sold. This article is part of a series about how to become a bestselling author, written by a former literary agent who’s helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers.
The bestselling authors of all time are: Agatha Christie (2 billion copies), William Shakespeare (4 billion copies), Danielle Steel (800 million copies), Barbara Cartland (750 million copies), Dr. Seuss (650 million copies), J.K. Rowling (600 million copies), Enid Blyton (600 million copies), Nora Roberts (500 million copies), James Patterson (425 million copies), Stephen King (400 million copies), J.R.R. Tolkien (300 million copies), and C.S. Lewis (200 million copies).
The Bestselling Authors of All Time
Throughout history, some authors have achieved staggering commercial success, selling millions or even billions of copies of their works. These literary giants have captivated readers worldwide and left indelible marks on their genres. Here are the 20 bestselling authors of all time, ranked by their estimated total book sales and accompanied by 40-word bios highlighting their achievements.
1. William Shakespeare
Estimated Sales: Over 4 billion copies
Genre: Drama, Poetry
Bio: William Shakespeare (1564–1616), the Bard of Avon, is history’s most celebrated playwright and poet. His timeless works, including Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, explore themes of love, power, and ambition, resonating across cultures and generations.
2. Agatha Christie
Estimated Sales: Over 2 billion copies
Genre: Mystery
Bio: Agatha Christie (1890–1976), the “Queen of Mystery,” wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Her iconic creations, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, make her the bestselling novelist ever, with And Then There Were None a standout classic.
3. Danielle Steel
Estimated Sales: Over 800 million copies
Genre: Romance, Drama
Bio: Danielle Steel (b. 1947) is a prolific novelist known for emotionally gripping stories of love, loss, and resilience. With more than 190 published works, she remains one of the most successful authors in contemporary fiction.
4. Barbara Cartland
Estimated Sales: Over 750 million copies
Genre: Romance
Bio: Barbara Cartland (1901–2000) published over 700 romance novels, making her one of the most prolific authors ever. Her formulaic yet captivating tales of love and adventure secured her status as a legend in the romance genre.
5. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel)
Estimated Sales: Over 650 million copies
Genre: Children’s Literature
Bio: Dr. Seuss (1904–1991) brought whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations to life in classics like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. His books remain staples of early childhood education and entertainment worldwide.
6. J.K. Rowling
Estimated Sales: Over 600 million copies
Genre: Fantasy
Bio: J.K. Rowling (b. 1965) transformed children’s literature with her Harry Potter series, blending magic, adventure, and universal themes. The franchise’s immense success spans books, films, and merchandise, establishing her as one of the most influential authors of all time.
7. Enid Blyton
Estimated Sales: Over 600 million copies
Genre: Children’s Literature
Bio: Enid Blyton (1897–1968) delighted young readers with adventurous tales like The Famous Five and The Secret Seven. Her engaging stories and memorable characters continue to charm generations of children around the globe.
8. Nora Roberts
Estimated Sales: Over 500 million copies
Genre: Romance
Bio: Nora Roberts (b. 1950), the “Queen of Romance,” has written over 230 novels blending love, drama, and suspense. Her prolific career and loyal readership have made her a staple of the romance genre.
9. James Patterson
Estimated Sales: Over 425 million copies
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Bio: James Patterson (b. 1947) is a bestselling thriller author whose works include Along Came a Spider. Known for his collaborative approach, Patterson’s accessible writing style has captivated readers of all ages.
10. Stephen King
Estimated Sales: Over 400 million copies
Genre: Horror, Suspense
Bio: Stephen King (b. 1947), the “Master of Horror,” has penned more than 60 novels, including The Shining and It. His mastery of suspense and psychological terror has earned him a place in literary and cinematic history.
11. R.L. Stine
Estimated Sales: Over 400 million copies
Genre: Children’s Horror
Bio: R.L. Stine (b. 1943) introduced young readers to the thrill of horror with his Goosebumps series. His accessible and spooky storytelling has made him one of the most beloved children’s authors.
12. J.R.R. Tolkien
Estimated Sales: Over 300 million copies
Genre: Fantasy
Bio: J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973), the “Father of Modern Fantasy,” created the richly detailed world of Middle-earth in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, inspiring countless adaptations and shaping the fantasy genre.
13. Roald Dahl
Estimated Sales: Over 250 million copies
Genre: Children’s Literature
Bio: Roald Dahl (1916–1990) is celebrated for imaginative classics like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His whimsical and darkly humorous tales have inspired children and filmmakers alike.
14. Paulo Coelho
Estimated Sales: Over 225 million copies
Genre: Fiction, Spirituality
Bio: Paulo Coelho (b. 1947) achieved global fame with The Alchemist, a philosophical tale of self-discovery and following dreams. His inspirational storytelling has resonated with readers seeking deeper meaning in life.
15. C.S. Lewis
Estimated Sales: Over 200 million copies
Genre: Fantasy, Theology
Bio: C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) enchanted readers with The Chronicles of Narnia, a timeless fantasy series. A renowned scholar and Christian apologist, he also authored influential theological works like Mere Christianity.
16. E.L. James
Estimated Sales: Over 150 million copies
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Bio: E.L. James (b. 1963) became a global sensation with Fifty Shades of Grey. Her steamy trilogy sparked conversations about erotica in mainstream fiction and achieved phenomenal commercial success.
17. Rick Riordan
Estimated Sales: Over 135 million copies
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Bio: Rick Riordan (b. 1964) is the creator of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, blending Greek mythology with modern-day adventure. His relatable characters and action-packed stories have made him a favorite among young readers.
18. Suzanne Collins
Estimated Sales: Over 100 million copies
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
Bio: Suzanne Collins (b. 1962) rose to fame with The Hunger Games trilogy, a dystopian saga of survival and revolution. The series’ success extended to blockbuster film adaptations, cementing Collins as a literary phenomenon.
19. George R.R. Martin
Estimated Sales: Over 90 million copies
Genre: Fantasy
Bio: George R.R. Martin (b. 1948) captivated readers with A Song of Ice and Fire, the epic saga adapted into HBO’s Game of Thrones. His intricate world-building and morally complex characters redefine modern fantasy.
20. Erich Segal
Estimated Sales: Over 30 million copies
Genre: Romance, Drama
Bio: Erich Segal (1937–2010) gained worldwide acclaim for Love Story, a poignant romance that became a cultural phenomenon. Its success extended to a hit film, making “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” iconic.
Conclusion – Who Are the Bestselling Authors of All Time?
These authors have shaped literary history with their creativity and compelling stories. From Shakespeare’s timeless plays to contemporary fantasy epics, their works demonstrate the universal power of storytelling, transcending cultures, languages, and generations. Now that you’ve read “Who Are the Bestselling Authors of All Time?” click here for the next article about becoming a bestselling author, “How to Become a New York Times Bestseller.”
The Bestselling Author, LLC
Established in 2011, The Bestselling Author has helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Writers who’ve worked with Literary Agent Undercover, a division of The Bestselling Author, have gotten six-figure book deals; been on the New York Times bestseller list; had their books adapted for TV, stage, and feature film; had their work licensed in 40+ countries; and sold many millions of books.
Notable authors include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob’s Life, which is currently being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, which was published by Thomas Nelson and is now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker.
The founder of The Bestselling Author, Mark Malatesta, is a former literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts. He is now an author coach and consultant. Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews.
