JK Rowling tops Forbes' with $238m

JK Rowling earns $5 million a week. The "Harry Potter" author's incredible earnings - equivalent to $8 a second - are from the 375 million sales of the seven books in the popular children's series, a percentage of revenue from the movie adaptations and spin-off merchandise, including toys and video games, according to financial bible Forbes.

JK - real first name Joanne - is believed to be worth around $1 billion and is expected to see her earnings soar even further, with three more "Harry Potter" movies scheduled for release.

Forbes spokesperson Lacey Rose said: ""It was wizardry that transformed JK Rowling from a destitute single mother on welfare into a super-rich success.

"On the big screen, her 'Potter' franchise has already generated $4 billion at the worldwide box office - and she still has three flicks to go."

After completing the "Harry Potter" series, the author - who earned more than the other writers in the top 10 put together - devotes most of her time to charity work, including the Children's High Level Group, which she founded.

Last month, she donated L1 million [approximately $1.8 million] to the Labor Party, the ruling political party of the U.K.

- EXPO