Nora Roberts, born Eleanor Marie Robertson, began her literary journey in 1981, fueled by a challenge from her sister to write a romance novel. She completed her first manuscript, “Irish Thoroughbred,” in just six weeks, setting the pace for her prolific career. Roberts, a stay-at-home mother at the time, found writing to be an engaging way to keep her mind active while caring for her children.

Her big break came in 1983 when “Irish Thoroughbred” was accepted for publication by Silhouette Books. This marked the beginning of her successful romance novel career, with her books often topping bestseller lists. Roberts’ ability to create compelling characters and intricate storylines quickly gained her a loyal readership. By the late 1980s, she had become a household name in the romance genre, with her books being translated into numerous languages and sold worldwide.

Nora Roberts’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Nora Roberts’ net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. This significant figure is a testament to her prolific career and widespread success in the publishing industry.

Career

Nora Roberts, born Eleanor Marie Robertson, is an American author of romantic novels. She has written over 200 books, including 160 New York Times bestsellers. Roberts is known for her ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots, with her works spanning various genres, including romance, mystery, and science fiction. She has won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other Ventures

In addition to her writing career, Roberts has ventured into other business endeavors. She co-founded the bookstore Turn the Page in Boonsboro, Maryland, with her husband, Bruce Wilder. She also owns a publishing company, Tryst Books, which focuses on publishing erotic romance novels.

Assets

Roberts’ assets include her extensive real estate portfolio, which includes properties in Boonsboro, Maryland, and Key West, Florida. She also owns a significant collection of art, much of which is displayed in her homes. Her publishing rights and royalties from her extensive backlist of books are also considerable assets.

Annual Income

Roberts’ annual income is primarily derived from her book sales and royalties. Her novels consistently top bestseller lists, with her 2020 novel “The Awakening” selling over 500,000 copies in its first year. Additionally, her works are often adapted into television movies and series, providing her with additional income. Her estimated annual income is around $50 million.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts Net Worth

Nora Roberts, born Eleanor Marie Robertson, is an American author of contemporary and paranormal romance novels. She is one of the best-selling authors of all time, with over 500 million copies of her books in print worldwide. Her net worth is estimated to be around $400 million.

When was Nora Roberts born?

Nora Roberts was born on October 10, 1950, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

How many books has Nora Roberts written?

As of 2021, Nora Roberts has written over 225 books, including novels, novellas, and short stories, under her own name and several pseudonyms, including J.D. Robb and J.D. Carr.

What are some of Nora Roberts’ most popular books?

Some of Nora Roberts’ most popular books include “The Liar,” “The Witness,” “The Search,” “The Vows,” “The Reckoning,” and the “In Death” series written under her J.D. Robb pseudonym.

What awards has Nora Roberts won?

Nora Roberts has won numerous awards for her work, including the Romance Writers of America’s “Lifetime Achievement Award,” the “Romance Writers of America’s ‘RITA Award’ for Best Novel,” and the “Quill Award for Romance.”

Where does Nora Roberts live?

Nora Roberts resides in Boonsboro, Maryland, with her husband, Bruce Wilder, and their dogs.

Does Nora Roberts have any children?

Yes, Nora Roberts has two children, Dan and Eleanora, from her first marriage to Ronald Aufmuth.

What is Nora Roberts’ writing process like?

Nora Roberts typically writes seven days a week, aiming for around 10 pages a day. She outlines her books before she starts writing and often writes in longhand before typing up her work.

What inspired Nora Roberts to start writing?

Nora Roberts started writing in the late 1970s when she was a stay-at-home mom, looking for a way to keep herself occupied. She started writing romantic suspense novels and sold her first book, “Irish Thoroughbred,” in 1981.

What are some of Nora Roberts’ upcoming books?

Nora Roberts has several upcoming books scheduled for release, including “The Awakening” (May 2022) and “The Heart of It All” (August 2022).