Net Worth: | $50.0 Million |
---|---|
Age: | 74 |
Born: | Jun 5, 1949 |
Gender: | male |
Height: | Unknown |
Country of Origin: | United Kingdom |
Source of Wealth: | Novelist, Author, Writer, Film Producer, Actor |
Last Updated: | 2023 |
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What is Ken Follett’s net worth?
Ken Follett is a Welsh author who has a net worth of $50 million. He is known for his thrilling and suspenseful novels, including “The Eye of the Needle,” “Whiteout,” “The Key to Rebecca,” and “World Without End.” With nearly 160 million copies of his books sold worldwide, Follett has established himself as a prominent figure in the literary world.
Ken Follett’s Net Worth, Career, and Success Story (2023 Update)
Early Life
Kenneth Martin Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom in June 1949. Growing up, he developed a keen interest in reading, as his parents did not allow him to watch TV or movies. After completing his education, Follett graduated from University College London and pursued a post-graduate course in journalism. He began his career as a trainee reporter and later became a general assignment reporter for the Evening News. Eventually, he took on the role of deputy managing director of Everest Books.
Career
Follett’s writing career began as a hobby, but it quickly turned into a successful venture. His breakthrough came with the publication of his book “Eye of the Needle” in 1989, which catapulted him to fame and fortune. Since then, Follett has written over 30 books, spanning various genres and series. Some of his notable works include the Apples Carstairs series, Piers Roper series, Kingsbridge series, and The Century Trilogy. Many of his books have reached the top of the New York Times best-seller list, solidifying his position as a bestselling author.
Throughout his career, Follett has sold over 160 million copies of his works, captivating readers with his gripping storytelling and well-researched historical settings. His contributions to literature have earned him honorary doctorates from three universities.
Advances
From humble beginnings, Follett’s success has allowed him to command substantial book advances. In the early stages of his career, he received a 200 Pound advance for his first book, which eventually became “The Big Needle.” As his popularity grew, so did the size of his advances. For instance, the US paperback rights for “Eye of the Needle” were sold for a staggering $800,000, with Follett receiving a significant portion of that windfall.
In a 2001 interview with the New York Times, Follett revealed that he was receiving $6 million as an advance for each book he produced at that time. This placed him in the same league as other successful authors like James Patterson and Tom Clancy. Notably, Follett negotiated advances to be paid in monthly installments as he wrote, deviating from the traditional payment structure in the industry.
Regarding his net worth, Follett clarified that the estimated figure of £12 million (equivalent to approximately $17 million USD in 2001) was accurate, dismissing claims made by British journalists who had inflated the number. Adjusted for inflation, his net worth would be around $30 million in today’s dollars.
Film Deals
In addition to his literary success, Follett has also profited from selling the film rights to his books. It is estimated that he has earned between $30-60 million from these deals, further contributing to his impressive net worth.
Personal Life
Outside of his writing career, Follett leads a fulfilling personal life. He married Barbara Broer in 1984, and they have enjoyed a long and happy marriage. Together, they have embarked on various projects and supported charitable causes.
Summary
Ken Follett is a highly acclaimed Welsh author known for his thrilling novels that have captivated readers worldwide. With a net worth of $50 million, he has achieved remarkable success in the literary industry. From his early days as a journalist to becoming a bestselling author, Follett’s talent for storytelling and his meticulous research have earned him a dedicated fan base. His contributions to literature have solidified his place among the literary greats, and his books continue to entertain and inspire readers around the globe.