Alexander McCall Smith, a Scottish writer, began his career in the legal profession, earning a doctorate in law from the University of Edinburgh. After practicing law for a time, he turned his attention to academia, becoming a professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his tenure as a professor that McCall Smith started writing, initially focusing on legal and medical texts. However, his literary career took a significant turn when he decided to explore the genre of fiction, leading to the creation of his beloved character, Precious Ramotswe, and the subsequent birth of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

Alexander McCall Smith’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Alexander McCall Smith’s estimated net worth is $16 million, according to the latest available information. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as an author.

Career

McCall Smith is a renowned Scottish author, best known for his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. He has written over 100 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. His works have been translated into 46 languages and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. He was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature.

Other Ventures

Besides writing, McCall Smith is also a professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh. He has served as the vice-chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a member of the Royal Society of Literature.

Assets

McCall Smith owns properties in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Cape Town, South Africa. He also has a collection of art, including works by Scottish artists. He is known to be a philanthropist, supporting various charities, including those focused on education and health in Africa.

Annual Income

McCall Smith’s annual income is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily from book sales and royalties. His books often top bestseller lists, and he has a substantial following worldwide. His income also comes from his academic appointments and public speaking engagements.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Alexander Mccall Smith

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Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander McCall Smith’s Net Worth

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1. What is Alexander McCall Smith’s net worth?

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Alexander McCall Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million.

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2. How did Alexander McCall Smith make his money?

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Alexander McCall Smith made his fortune primarily through his successful career as an author. He is best known for his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

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3. How many books has Alexander McCall Smith written?

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Alexander McCall Smith has written over 100 books in his career, including novels, children’s books, and academic texts.

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4. What is the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series about?

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The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, a plus-sized, middle-aged woman who runs a detective agency in Botswana. The series explores themes of morality, community, and traditional African values.

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5. How many books are in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series?

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As of now, there are 19 books in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, with the latest one being “The Joy and Light Bus Company” published in 2021.

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6. What other series has Alexander McCall Smith written?

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Besides the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith has also written the Isabel Dalhousie series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series, among others.

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7. Where does Alexander McCall Smith live?

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Alexander McCall Smith divides his time between his homes in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Botswana, Africa.

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8. What is Alexander McCall Smith’s educational background?

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Alexander McCall Smith studied law at the University of Edinburgh and later earned a Ph.D. in Medical Law from the University of Cambridge.

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9. What awards has Alexander McCall Smith won?

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Alexander McCall Smith has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Crime Writers’ Association’s Gold Dagger Award for “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” and the Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje Prize for “The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs.”

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10. What is Alexander McCall Smith’s next book?

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Alexander McCall Smith’s next book, “The Joy and Light Bus Company,” the latest installment in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, was published in 2021.