Top 10 Best-selling Female Authors in the 21st Century

Once more, we have another list of the top 10 best-selling female authors in the 21st century. These remarkable women have collectively sold millions upon millions of copies of their books.

1. Danielle Steel

First on our list is Danielle Steel, born on August 14, 1947, in New York City, U.S. She is an American author renowned for her captivating romance novels. Presently residing in California at the age of 76, Danielle’s work comprises over 140 novels and 190 books. Regarded as one of the bestselling living authors and among the most successful fiction writers of all time, her works have over 800 million copies in sales.

Her books, translated into 43 languages and adapted for television 22 times, earned two Golden Globe nominations. A number of her books are best-sellers like “The Gift”, “Changes”, “The Long Road Home”, “Prodigal Son”, “Big Girl”, “Until the End of Time”, “Undercover”, and “Crossings”. Known for her fictional romance novels, Steel’s narratives often revolve around strong and beautiful women overcoming significant obstacles to achieve success in career, love, and family.

2. J. K. Rowling

Joanne Rowling, a British author and philanthropist, was born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, into a middle-class family. Best known by her pen name J.K. Rowling, she is currently 58 years old. Throughout her career, she has explored various genres including fantasy, drama, young adult fiction, and crime fiction. Since 1997, Rowling has been captivating readers worldwide with her iconic Harry Potter series, which has sold over 600 million copies and this brought her to global fame and fortune. And the book made her one of the best-selling female authors in the 21st Century.

Rowling has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Since 2001, she has been married to Dr. Neil Murray, and together they reside in Edinburgh with their son, David (born 2003), and daughter, Mackenzie (born 2005). Some of her other great books include “Career of Evil”, “The Running Grave” and “Fantastic Beasts”.

3. Jackie Collins

Jacqueline Jill Collins, an English romance novelist and actress, holds the third position on our list. Born on October 4, 1937, in London, England, she is celebrated as one of the bestselling authors of the 21st Century. With a record of over 500 million copies sold and translations into 40 languages, she’s one of the celebrited authors of all time. Eight of her novels have been adapted for the screen.

Throughout her career, which she primarily spent in Los Angeles after relocating in 1985. Collins’s works consistently graced the New York Times Best Sellers list, with a remarkable 32 appearances. Among her most renowned works is “Hollywood Wives,” which soared to the number one spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Other books include “The World Is Full of Married Men” (1968), “The Stud” (1969), “Lady Boss” (1990), and “Chances” (1981), among others, totaling over 32 published books.

Sadly, Collins succumbed to breast cancer on September 19, 2015.

4. Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts stands as one of the most successful female authors of the 21st century, with over 225 romance novels. Born on October 10th, 1950, in Silver Springs, Maryland, USA, Nora has achieved great success, with over 400 million copies of her works sold worldwide. At the age of 73 she continues to captivate readers with her diverse range of genres, including romance, fantasy, and suspense.

Throughout her career, Nora has received many awards including the prestigious Golden Medallion Awards, RITA awards, and Quill awards. Among her books, popular titles such as “The Heart’s Victory,” “Opposites Attract,” “This Magic Moment,” “Untamed,” and “A Matter of Choice,” have received widespread recognition.

Renowned as the number one New York Times bestselling author with over 200 novels to her name, Nora’s literature works continues to shine. In 2004, her nineteenth book, “Divided in Death,” emerged as the best-selling novel of the year.

5. Janet Dailey

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey, an American author famous for her romance novels, was also a successful entrepreneur. Moreover, her books, translated into nineteen languages, have sold over 300 million copies worldwide. Born on May 21st, 1944, in Storm Lake, Iowa, U.S., Dailey began her writing journey in 1974 and continued until 2013.

In 1979, Dailey made history as the first romance author to transition from writing category romances to producing single-title romance novels. Her romance novel, “Touch the Wind,” swiftly climbed onto the prestigious New York Times Best Seller List. Among her contributions are the beloved Calder series, including “This Calder Sky,” “Something Extra,” “No Quarter Asked,” and “Wildcatter’s Woman.”

Janet passed away on December 14th, 2013, at her home in Branson, due to complications from heart surgery.

6. Jan Berenstain

Our list continues with Jan Berenstain, born on 26 July, 1923 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania , United States. Jan co-authored the beloved children’s book series “The Berenstain Bears” with her husband Stan Berenstain. Both of them were American authors and illustrators. She sold over 260 million copies of their books, making her one of the award-winning authors of children’s books. Some of their most famous books include “The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby,” “The Berenstain Bears Go to School,” and “The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room.” Unfortunately Jan Berenstain passed away on February 24, 2012, at the age of 88. She lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for most of her life.

7. Rumiko Takahashi

Rumiko Takahashi, a renowned Japanese manga artist, was born on October 10th, 1950, in Niigata, Japan. She is currently 66 years. Takahashi first gained recognition with her debut manga series, “Urusei Yatsura,” in 1978. She is Japan’s most celebrated and wealthiest manga artists.

Takahashi’s books have received worldwide recognition, with translations into many languages and over 200 million copies in sold. Throughout her career, she has received prestigious awards like the Shogakukan Manga Award, which she won twice for “Urusei Yatsura” in 1980 and “Inuyasha” in 2001.

8. Ann M. Martin

Ann M. Martin, an American writer of children’s fiction, is most recognized for her series, “The Baby-Sitters Club.” Born on August 12, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey, Martin has a collection of over 400 books for children and young adults. With total sales of over 180 million copies.

In recent years, Martin has shifted her focus to writing standalone novels, many of which are set in the 1960s. Her novel “A Corner of the Universe” earned a Newbery Honor in 2003.

9. Astrid Lindgren

Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, born on November 14, 1907, is renowned for her creation of the iconic character Pippi Longstocking, a spirited and beloved young girl. Lindgren won many wards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1958 and the Right Livelihood Award in 1994. She received prestigious honors such as the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.

Because of her commitment to children rights and education, Lingren served as a member of the Swedish parliament. She actively participate in various charitable organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of children worldwide. Lindgren passed away on January 28, 2002.

10. Anne Rice

Last on our list is Anne Rice. An American best-selling female authors in the 21st century. Born on October 4, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Anne Rice is renowned for her work in the Gothic and supernatural fiction genres, particularly her series “The Vampire Chronicles” and “The Lives of the Mayfair Witches,”. Throughout her career, Rice authored over 30 novels, many of which became bestsellers and inspired films and television series.

Her writing often blended elements of horror, romance, and historical fiction.Some of her most famous works include “Interview with the Vampire,” “The Vampire Lestat,” and “The Queen of the Damned.” These books introduced readers to characters like Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, earning Rice a dedicated fanbase.

Rice received several awards including the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement and the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.

Most of these best-selling authors had a number of books that made them best-sellers. And because if that ,we could not include all of them.

Female authors in the 21st century have demonstrated their remarkable work and influence through their best-selling books, contributing significantly to the literature world and inspiring generations of readers.