Our collection is brimming with books written by incredible female authors, from pioneers like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, to modern icons like Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison.
To celebrate International Women's Day, we've made this list of ten of the highest selling female writers of all time. Together, they've sold nearly 7 BILLION books! And have each left a lasting legacy, with work that will continue to be read and adored for many generations to come.
Click the titles to read something by one of these literary giants.
-----------------------------------------------
1. Agatha Christie
Books sold (largest estimate): 4 billion
Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time.
She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play – The Mousetrap.
“Everything is simple, if you arrange the facts methodically.” - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie
2. Danielle Steel
Books sold (largest estimate): 800 million
Danielle Steel is an American writer, best known for her romance novels. With over 800 million copies sold, she is the highest selling living author.
Steel has written more than 210 books: 182 novels, 18 children’s books, four works of nonfiction, and a book of poetry.
“You don’t know how lucky you are, my dear. Don’t waste it with regrets of the places and people you have lost. You have a lifetime to fill, so many good times and good years and great people ahead of you. You must rush to meet it.” - The Long Road Home, Danielle Steel
3. Enid Blyton
Books sold (largest estimate): 600 million
Born in London in 1897, Enid Blyton was a prolific and popular author of stories, poems, plays, and educational books for children. Her books - including the Famous Five series - have sold over 600 million copies and been translated into over 40 languages. Many of her stories have been adapted into highly successful stage shows, TV series and films, all around the world.
“The best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping-stones. Laugh at them, tread on them, and let them lead you to something better.” - Mr Galliano's Circus, Enid Blyton
- The Famous Five: Five go Adventuring Again
- The Magic Faraway Tree: Adventure of the Goblin Dog
- Tales of Toyland
4. J.K. Rowling
Books sold (largest estimate): 600 million
J.K Rowling is the creator of the astonishingly popular and critically acclaimed Harry Potter series. A self-confessed bookworm as a child, Rowling wanted to be a writer from an early age.
Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter is the best-selling book series in history, and has been translated into 85 languages.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K Rowling
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
5. Nora Roberts
Books sold (largest estimate): 400 million
Dubbed ‘America’s favourite novelist’, Nora Roberts is the author of more than 225 romance novels. Writing under several pen names, Roberts' books have sold over 400 million copies worldwide.
She was the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.
“Some things in life are out of your control. You can make it a party or a tragedy.” - Vision in White, Nora Roberts
6. Beatrix Potter
Books sold (largest estimate): 250 million
Beatrix Potter is one of the world’s greatest children’s writer’s and illustrators, best known for her animal characters including Peter Rabbit. Inspired by childhood holidays in Scotland and the Lake District, her Tales series was first published in 1902.
Her books have sold more than 250 million copies. In 1903, Peter Rabbit was the first fictional character to be made into a patented stuffed toy, making him the oldest licensed character.
“Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality.” - Beatrix Potter
7. Catherine Cookson
Books sold (largest estimate): 120 million
Born in South Shields in 1906, Catherine Cookson started writing later in life as a form of therapy, to help her recover from child loss. She wrote 100 novels, exploring the complexities of working-class life in Northern England. She is in the top 20 of the most widely read British novelists, with sales topping 100 million, while retaining a relatively low profile in the world of celebrity writers.
“Anyway, as they say, where there's life, there's hope. So let us eat.” - The Black Candle, Catherine Cookson
8. Stephenie Meyer
Books sold (largest estimate): 116 million
American author Stephenie Meyer is best known for her Twilight series, which has sold sold over 100 million copies globally, with translations in 37 languages.
“I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.” – Twilight, Stephanie Meyer
9. Mary Higgins Clark
Books sold (largest estimate): 100 million
With a career spanning four decades, Mary Higgins Clark was an American mystery and suspense writer. Dubbed the ‘queen of suspense’, Higgins Clarke wrote 51 books and has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, with her debut suspense novel, Where Are the Children? on its 75 printing.
“If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for life, love what you do.” - On the Street Where You Live, Mary Higgins Clark
10. Patricia Cornwell
Books sold (largest estimate): 100 million
Patricia Cornwell is an American crime writer, best known for her thriller novels featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Worldwide bestsellers, her books have sold over 100 million copies in 36 languages.
“The dead have never bothered me. It's the living that I fear.” – Postmortem, Patricia Cornwell
