JK Rowling | $1 Million

Joanne Kathleen Rowling, popularly known by her pen name JK Rowling, is the world-renowned author of the hit fantasy book series Harry Potter. Rowling finished her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1995 and immediately began her search for a publisher. The book was submitted to twelve publishing houses, all of which rejected the manuscript. After the incessant defeat, Rowling, a single mother who was then living on income support of £70 almost gave up.

A £4,000 money loan from a close friend gave her hope to continue writing the series. To date, Rowling became one of Britain’s richest private citizens and the first writer in the world with a net worth of US$1 billion. She was the world’s highest-paid author for 2019 according to Forbes. Good on her for never giving up! Rowling is also using her wealth and power to support a number of charities and charities.