J.K. Rowling
A remarkable “rags to riches” story comes from none other than the author of the acclaimed Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling. At age 30 she finished the first manuscript of the now superstar famous book, which helped her go from single mom, living on UK state benefits to living as a multi-millionaire. The first entry, 1997’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has sold over 400 million copies worldwide and helped spin a franchise that is estimated to be over $25 billion. Keeping on the billion chat–Rowling was the first billionaire novelist reported as being worth $1 billion (although she did get knocked off Forbes‘ list, but only because she was “too charitable”). Still, she is one of the most recognizable self-made billionaires ever. She is living proof that one’s claim to billionaire fame can come without warning.
