These are the most popular authors in 2024.
It’s crazy to think that we are in 2024! According to Friday The 13th Part X, this is the year hockey was banned.
And according to Terminator, this is the year that we can’t tell robots from humans.
(I would say this might actually be accurate!)
As for books…
Last year, was a wild ride, with the world facing challenges and weird stuff – yet here we are!
And amidst all the chaos, one thing remains constant: people’s love of literature.
Deciding on the Most Popular Authors Right Now Deciding the most popular authors isn’t just about looking at sales figures or bestseller lists, though those are certainly part of the equation.
It’s also important to consider factors like critical acclaim, cultural impact, and reader sentiment.
Consider the awards and recognitions an author has received, as these often reflect a high level of respect among peers and critics in the literary world.
Exploring book reviews and social media discussions can provide insight into how readers perceive an author’s work.
Cultural impact is a little trickier to quantify, but consider if the author’s work has sparked broader conversations, been adapted into other media like film or television, or appeared on school reading lists.
Finally, longevity and consistency of success are key factors.
An author who consistently produces high-quality, popular work over time is likely more influential than an author with a single popular book.
It’s an inexact science, but taking a comprehensive, multifaceted approach will help you determine who the most popular authors are at any given time.
It’s August, which is just about the right time to see the who’s who of the literary world. Here are fifteen authors who are killing it in 2023:
The Best Young Novelists
What we mean by “young novelists” is that they were relatively unknown in the past decade.
These authors burst onto the scene with their first major publication, captivating the industry with fiction that resonates with critics and readers.
1 – Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover epitomizes how a self-publishing author can make it big in the literary world with two bestsellers, “It Ends With Us” and “It Starts With Us.” Published in 2016, “It Ends With Us” showcases love and resilience, which is why it immediately fancied young readers worldwide.
The novel’s depiction of complex relationships and raw emotions has kept it in the public eye, guaranteeing its popularity continues to soar even years after its release.
Her 2022 novel, “It Starts With Us,” carries the same exceptional acclaim.
This sequel offers a fresh perspective on the characters and relationships established in the first novel, deepening our understanding of their struggles and triumphs. The book’s temporal relevance and poignant narratives have effectively kept its momentum in 2023.
Hoover’s ability to write relatable characters and situations, coupled with her knack for tackling heavy subjects with sensitivity, has secured her place among the best novelists of the year.
2 – Vi Keeland
A couple of her books are translated into several languages and linger on the New York Times bestselling list.
In that case, it only means that this American author’s career trajectory is upwards, and her ceiling is high.
In 2023, Vi Keeland’s books established her as a powerhouse in contemporary romance fiction. Her most notable works that had the most impact this year include “The Naked Truth” and “Worth the Fight.”
“The Naked Truth” is a riveting love, betrayal, and redemption narrative.
Featuring flawed yet relatable characters, Keeland intricately weaves a heart-wrenching and hopeful tale.
“Worth the Fight” is her first of the MMA series – another gem from her versatile repertoire. It’s a story about overcoming past traumas and the power of love in healing.
The book’s raw emotional depth and realistic portrayal of mental health issues have resonated with readers, contributing to its listing on the New York Times bestseller list.
3 – Lana Grace Riva
2023 has seen the rise of another extraordinary talent, Lana Grace Riva.
Having spent years honing her craft and developing her unique voice, Riva has emerged as a thought-provoking and compelling author in the realm of psychological thrillers.
Her book, “The Existence of Amy,” published in 2019, catapulted her into the spotlight.
It tells the tale of Amy, a woman living an ordinary life while silently battling severe mental health issues. With its nuanced depiction of mental health struggles, this book has created a wave of conversation and awareness, making it a must-read.
Authors Here to Stay
And then there are those authors we’ve grown accustomed to seeing on the bestseller lists.
These literary giants have proven time and time again that a knack for storytelling doesn’t go out with age.
4 – Stephen King
The king of horror, Stephen King, has been enchanting readers for decades with his spine-chilling narratives.
Stephen King’s “The Shining” remains his best-rated work, even after more than four decades of his prolific career. First published in 1977, “The Shining” has stood the test of time, appealing to multiple generations of readers.
The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its masterful blending of psychological horror with a profound exploration of human nature and family dynamics. King’s depiction of the slowly unhinging protagonist, Jack Torrance, and his tortured family remains as haunting today as it was upon release. This chilling tale’s timeless themes, King’s signature narrative style, and character development ensure “The Shining” continues to shine brightly in his vast repertoire.
Its adaptations, including the iconic Stanley Kubrick film, accentuate its success.
5 – J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling, the acclaimed author of the Harry Potter series, continues to collect fans with her magical storytelling.
She’s one of those authors who will never go out of business merely because of having established a universe that has mesmerized readers of all ages.
Rowling’s Harry Potter series, filled with enchanting tales of friendship, bravery, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, has become a beloved fixture in children’s literature and popular culture.
Her works have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into blockbuster films, attesting to their universal appeal.
Even after the conclusion of the Harry Potter series, Rowling has kept the magic alive with spin-offs and screenplays, such as “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” demonstrating her endless creativity and her commitment to her readership.
6 – Margaret Atwood
This Canadian author’s achievements go beyond awards and recognition.
Margaret Atwood’s work has always been about the themes of gender, power dynamics, and human rights – all of which make her a steady figure in literature.
Atwood’s dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” explores oppression and women’s rights.
While it’s a fictional setting, its impact on modern society can’t be understated. This work remains Atwood’s most profound contribution to literature as it has been adapted into a film, opera, TV series, and most recently, an eBook published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Atwood also published a series of poems called “Dearly” – touching on subjects like aging, the passing of time, grief, and the complexities of love.
This series is universally acclaimed, further cementing Atwood’s place as one of the most impactful authors in 2023.
7 – Haruki Murakami
Japanese author and literary giant Haruki Murakami is a master storyteller who carved out a niche over the years with his surrealistic and often hopelessly romantic tales.
He seamlessly blends the fantastic with reality, creating dream-like worlds inhabited by bizarre characters with complex psychological backstories.
In 2023, Murakami’s books will remain a staple in many libraries worldwide.
His book “Kafka on the Shore” is an acclaimed work of magical realism that explores themes of identity, solitude, and the search for meaning. This story of a 15-year-old boy who runs away from home to escape his Oedipal curse has enthralled readers with its mysterious plot and enigmatic characters.
Murakami’s works have been translated into several languages, demonstrating his global appeal and influence, even with a genre seemingly restricted to Japanese culture. His books remain a testament to his talent and influence in literature.
The Best Young Titans
2023 is the year of the young Titans – a group of young, daring authors with a grand entrance to the literary scene.
They bring an invigorating freshness to the world of literature and challenge us to think differently.
8 – John Green
John Green is one such author. He’s best known for his critically-acclaimed young adult fiction novels, often focused on teenage protagonists from broken families and troubled backgrounds.
Green is praised for his ability to create real and relatable characters despite their unique circumstances.
His book “The Fault in Our Stars” was an instant hit, with its honest portrayal of two teenagers battling cancer and their search for meaning in life. The novel eventually became of the bestselling titles in history.
At 45, Green is one of the youngest authors on this list, and there’s no stopping him from hitting the bestseller lists in the years to come.
9 – Angie Thomas
34-year-old Angie Thomas made it big with her 2017 young adult novel “The Hate U Give.”
This story follows 16-year-old Starr Carter as she navigates the complexities of being a black teenager in a predominantly white world.
Thomas’ touch on lingering issues of racism and police brutality could’ve been poorly received because it’s all too often that these topics are mishandled in literature.
Nonetheless, Thomas’ novel was warmly received and recognized for its honest yet powerful portrayal of modern-day issues.
Like many other works in this list, “The Hate U Give” was adapted into a successful film, further emphasizing its impact.
The timely subject of Thomas’ book placed her among the top authors of 2023, with many more books to come from her pen – some of which are likely to emphasize Black Lives Matter and related topics.
10 – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie represents a portion of society that usually doesn’t get recognition for literature.
This Nigerian author impresses on themes of identity, culture, classism, and feminism.
Adichie’s novel “Americanah” details the story of two young Nigerians in their search for identity, love and success in an unfamiliar world. It’s her most critically acclaimed work thus far.
She’s also the author of “We Should All Be Feminists,” a collection of essays advocating for gender equality – a sensitive topic even today.
Adichie has received several prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the PEN Pinter Prize, and her works have been translated into various languages. She’s one of the most popular authors in 2023, and her groundbreaking insights carry a unique impact as she comes from an underprivileged background.
Most Influential Authors
Some authors (mostly novelists) go beyond their books and become influential figures in their own right.
Through public speaking and activism, they reach a wider audience and make an impact on society by focusing on social issues that matter to them.
11 – Ta-Nehisi Coates
American author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates is an influential literary genius.
His books often tackle themes of race, social justice, and political issues, bringing critical attention to the experiences of African Americans.
And while at it, Coates works as an outspoken figure on societal issues.
Coates’ “Between the World and Me,” structured as a letter to his son, provides a deeply personal account of his experiences of racial injustice.
The book is one of the best depictions of American racial tragedies.
Coates also has a lasting imprint in the world of comics, writing for both Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “Captain America.”
This unique blend of literature and pop culture allows Coates to reach a wider audience and bring his social commentaries to different platforms.
12 – George R. R. Martin
This one needs no introduction. To exclude George R. R. Martin from this list is a travesty.
He is best known for his series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” adapted into the wildly successful TV series “Game of Thrones.” His books are in a league on their own, characterized by intricate plotting, complex character development, and richly detailed world-building.
Despite the conclusion of the critically acclaimed TV series, Martin attracts eager anticipation for the release of the next books in his series.
His influential work has impacted popular culture, which is why he remains a key figure in literature in 2023.
13 – Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman knows a thing or two about science fiction. But his work differs in a way that it effectively blends horror, fantasy while injecting mythology. Gaiman’s incredible imagination is epitomized in “American Gods,” a fantasy novel that brought him to stardom.
The book was later adapted into a TV series. Gaiman’s ability to seamlessly blend the fantastical with the ordinary gives him a distinctive appeal to readers of different ages.
Gaiman’s “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” is another example of his gift for creating vivid, dream-like stories.
This book has been praised for its thoughtful exploration of childhood and loss. The book was so influential that it was transformed into a play by London’s Royal National Theatre.
The Up-and-Coming Authors
What about the up-and-coming authors? There’s no shortage of authors who have created a name for themselves despite their young careers.
14 – Marlon James
To say that Jamaican novelist Marlon James is a good prospect is quite an understatement. This author became popular because of “A Brief History of Seven Killings,” which happens to be his most compelling work so far.
James brilliantly takes advantage of multiple characters and timelines while showcasing Jamaica’s political history.
The novel’s perfect combo of realism and dark humour, particularly corruption and violence, makes his book a must-read for readers interested in this genre.
James also works as a literature professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He wrote HBO’s “Get Millie Back” in 2021.
15 – Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng is on a coming-out party with critically acclaimed titles, “Everything I Never Told You” And “Little Fires Everywhere.”
The first is a highly emotional account of a family’s burden of dealing with their daughter’s death.
The second novel represents a classic tale of identity and motherhood, focusing on race and class.
“Everything I Never Told You” grabbed Amazon’s Book of the Year award in 2014.
These prolific authors are a testament to the vast literary diversity.
They’re the pillars of the enduring power of storytelling; some even go beyond their works to become extremely influential public figures.
Last Thoughts On the Most Popular Authors in 2023
The literary world remains ever dynamic, but the endurance and resonance of these authors mark them popular in 2023.
Their works continue to captivate and challenge readers, crossing cultural boundaries and transcending time.
Their popularity is a testament to the power of literature to spark imagination, invoke deep emotions, and change perspectives.
As we close this journey through the world of literature, it’s exciting to think of the authors who may, in the future, join this list, carving their own unique narratives and sparking new fires in the minds of readers globally.
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Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
