They're the authors whose work millions of us devour before going to sleep, on holiday or on the daily commute.
From romance to horror, they are the writers that dominate the bestseller charts week after week over decades.
Add in lucrative television and film adaptations and authors can become exceedingly wealthy.
We've taken a look at those who have banked the most bucks out of the publishing industry.
For the purposes of this list we've chosen people who are predominantly known for being authors, rather than those who happen to write books alongside other successful careers - meaning the likes of Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott ($36 billion) and entrepreneur Grant Cardone ($600 million) do not appear.
With that being said, here are the top 11 richest authors in the world in 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth.
9. Dean Koontz
Spanning the genres of horror, fantasty, science fiction and mystery, American author Dean Koontz has published over 105 novels, selling in excess of 450 million copies and earning himself around $200 million. | Getty Images
10. Jeffrey Archer
Former Conservative MP Jeffrey Archer may have come close to bankcrupcy following a financial scandal - and served time behind bars for perjury and perverting the course of justice - but his string of bestselling books have proved hugely profitable. Kane and Abel alone has sold over 34 million copies. He's thought to be worth around $200 million. | Getty Images
11. R.L. Stine
Known as 'the Stephen King of children's literature' R.L. Stine has authored hundreds of scary novels for kids - including the hugely successful Goosebumps series. It's seen him become rich to the tune of around $200 million. | Getty Images