How ruthless is it for writers to make money? JK Rowling's net worth reaches $1 billion, topping the list.

How much money can you make from writing a book? Just take a look at this list.

According to the latest data, J.K. Rowling has become the richest writer in the world with a net worth of $1 billion—also the first writer to break the $1 billion mark. The “Harry Potter” series has sold over 600 million copies, been translated into 84 languages, and the income from movies, games, and other derivatives is considered terrifying.

Behind closely is:

• James Patterson $800 million (wrote over 140 novels, totaling 425 million copies sold)
• Jim Davis $800 million (made it with a Garfield comic)
• Danielle Steel $600 million (published over 180 romance novels)
• Grant Cardone $600 million (Business Book Author + CEO)
• Matt Groening $600 million (creator of The Simpsons)
• Paulo Coelho $500 million (author of “The Alchemist”)
• Stephen King $500 million (Master of horror literature, author of over 60 works)
• John Grisham $400 million (earns $50-80 million annually just from royalties and advances)

Interestingly, this list includes not only novelists. Comic artists, business book authors, and even deceased members of the Kennedy family are on it. This illustrates a principle: telling a good story is more profitable than anything else.