The Most Popular Author in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the author you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 07:19
Book lovers often face the challenge of deciding what to read next amidst a sea of endless options. Identifying the most popular author in America can simplify this choice, offering a starting point that reflects widespread appreciation and acclaim. By focusing on authors who capture the hearts of many, readers can find works that resonate with broad audiences and spark lively discussions.
This live ranking system is shaped by the votes of individuals just like you, who bring personal tastes and preferences to the forefront of cultural zeitgeist. Every vote here matters, contributing to a dynamic list that highlights trending authors and timeless talents alike. Your participation not only influences current standings but also helps fellow enthusiasts discover compelling narratives and exceptional storytelling.
Who Is the Most Popular Author in America?
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157votesKnown for his horror and thriller novels, Stephen King is one of the most popular authors in America. He has sold over 350 million copies of his books worldwide, and many of his works have been adapted into movies and TV shows.Stephen King in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous living author
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Stephen
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Virgo
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242votes
J.K. Rowling
J.K. RowlingAs the author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling is a household name in America. Her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into movies, theme parks, and more.J.K. Rowling is a highly successful British author best known for creating the Harry Potter franchise. Her books have gained worldwide popularity, selling more than 500 million copies and being translated into multiple languages. The Harry Potter series has been adapted into a highly successful film franchise, with a total gross of over $7 billion. Rowling's writing has captivated audiences of all ages and continues to have a significant cultural impact.- Books Sold: Over 500 million
- Languages Translated: Multiple
- Film Adaptations: 8 movies in the Harry Potter series
- Total Film Gross: Over $7 billion
- Cultural Impact: Significant
J.K. Rowling in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous victim of cancel culture
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous children's author
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Scottish celebrities
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful celebrities of all time
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Brit
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous mother
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316votesKnown for his crime and thriller novels, James Patterson is one of the most popular authors in America. He has sold over 300 million copies of his books worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time.James Patterson in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous ghostwriter
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423votes
Scott Brenner · CC BY 2.0As a best-selling author of legal thrillers, John Grisham is a household name in America. He has sold over 300 million copies of his books worldwide and many of his works have been adapted into movies.John Grisham in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person from Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous living author
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Arkansas
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512votesKnown for his religious and conspiracy thrillers, Dan Brown is one of the most popular authors in America. He has sold over 200 million copies of his books worldwide, and many of his works have been adapted into movies.Dan Brown in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person named Dan
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous living author
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person from New Hampshire
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Templar
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611votesAs a best-selling author of romance novels, Nora Roberts is a popular author in America. She has sold over 500 million copies of her books worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors of all time.Nora Roberts in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Mills & Boon author
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710votesKnown for his military and espionage thrillers, Tom Clancy is a popular author in America. He has sold over 100 million copies of his books worldwide, and many of his works have been adapted into movies and video games.Tom Clancy in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ghostwriter
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Tom
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818votesAs the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martin is a popular author in America. His books have sold over 90 million copies worldwide, and the TV adaptation of his series, Game of Thrones, was a cultural phenomenon.George R.R. Martin in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous fantasy author
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous George
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93votesAs the author of The Hunger Games series, Suzanne Collins is a popular author in America. Her books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and the movie adaptations of her series were box office hits.Suzanne Collins in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous YA author
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108votes
Eric Draper · Public domainAs the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee is a beloved author in America. Her book has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into movies and plays.Harper Lee in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Alabama
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous American author
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Recluse
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular author
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Book salesOne of the primary indicators of an author's popularity is the number of book sales they have achieved. This can be measured by looking at both the overall sales figures and the success of individual books.
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Bestseller listsConsideration should be given to the frequency with which an author's books appear on widely recognized bestseller lists, such as The New York Times Best Sellers or USA Today Best-Selling Books.
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Awards and recognitionPay attention to the awards and recognition an author has received, including prestigious literary prizes like the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction or National Book Awards.
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Popularity across different genresAssess an author's popularity across different genres, including fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children's literature. A widely loved author who appeals to diverse audiences may be considered more popular.
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Cultural impactConsider the author's influence on popular culture, including adaptations of their work into movies, TV series, or other media. The impact an author has on shaping social and literary conversations also matters.
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Critical acclaimReview the critical reception of an author's work, including reviews from literary critics and scholars. Positive reviews and critical acclaim can further indicate an author's popularity.
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Reader engagement and fan baseEvaluate the size and engagement of an author's fan base, including the interactions they have with readers through social media, events, or book signings.
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Longevity and consistency of successAssess an author's track record over time to determine their staying power and consistency in remaining popular. Consistent success and longevity can be important factors in determining an author's overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular author in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or writer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1782 views
- 197 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each writer once every 24 hours. The rank of each writer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular author in america
When it comes to literature, America has produced some of the greatest writers of all time. From Ernest Hemingway to Harper Lee, American authors have made significant contributions to the world of literature. But who among them is the most popular author in America?
There are several ways to measure popularity, including book sales, critical acclaim, and social media following. However, one of the most reliable ways to determine popularity is through public opinion polls. StrawPoll, a website dedicated to polls and rankings, has conducted numerous surveys on the topic of popular authors in America.
Some of the most frequently mentioned names include Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, and Dan Brown. These authors have sold millions of copies of their books and have a dedicated fan base. However, popularity can also be subjective, and some readers may prefer lesser-known authors or those who have made a significant impact on their personal lives.
Regardless of individual opinions, one thing is certain: American literature is rich and diverse, and there is no shortage of talented authors to choose from.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
