Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephenie Meyer Net Worth?
Stephenie Meyer, the American author celebrated for her immensely popular “Twilight” series, has amassed a substantial Stephenie Meyer net worth estimated at $120 million. This impressive figure reflects her success as one of the highest-selling fiction authors of all time, with the “Twilight” books selling over 100 million copies worldwide. The adaptation of her books into a highly successful film series further bolstered her financial standing. In 2010 and 2011 alone, Meyer’s earnings from book and movie royalties exceeded $40 million, highlighting the peak of her earning power during the height of the “Twilight” phenomenon.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Stephenie Morgan on December 24, 1973, in Hartford, Connecticut, Meyer’s formative years were spent in Phoenix, Arizona, where she grew up with her parents, Candy and Stephen Morgan, and five siblings. Her father, Stephen, worked as a financial officer, providing a stable background for the family. Stephenie’s academic journey led her through Chaparral High School, where she distinguished herself as a National Merit Scholar in 1992. She then pursued higher education at Brigham Young University in Utah, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1997. Prior to her literary success, Meyer’s work experience was limited to a receptionist position, a stark contrast to the global fame she would later achieve.
Meyer’s foray into writing began with a vivid dream in June 2003, where she envisioned an “average girl” (Bella Swan) and a “fantastically beautiful, sparkly” vampire (Edward Cullen) engaged in a conversation that would form the core of “Twilight.” This dream sparked a creative fire, leading her to pen a first draft of what would become the 13th chapter of the novel. She then proceeded to write the conclusion before circling back to complete the initial 12 chapters. During this period, she joined the American Night Writers Association, a group for aspiring female writers who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing her with support and encouragement. Meyer completed her first novel in a remarkable three months, setting the stage for her future success.
The “Twilight” Saga: A Literary and Cinematic Phenomenon
Encouraged by her sister, Meyer submitted her manuscript to literary agencies, contacting 15 in total. While nine agencies sent rejections and five remained unresponsive, one positive response came from an assistant at Writers House named Genevieve, who requested the first three chapters of “Twilight” before asking for the entire manuscript. A month later, Jodi Reamer, a literary agent at Writers House, contacted Meyer to offer representation. Reamer sent the manuscript to nine publishers, ultimately leading to a three-book deal with Little, Brown and Company for $750,000. This marked a pivotal moment in Meyer’s career, transforming her from an aspiring author into a published novelist.
The publication of “Twilight” on October 5, 2005, marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. Within a month, the novel reached #5 on “The New York Times” Children’s Chapter Books best seller list, eventually claiming the #1 spot. “Publishers Weekly” recognized “Twilight” as the Best Book of the Year, further solidifying its success. Meyer followed up with “New Moon” in 2006, which spent nearly a year on “The New York Times” Children’s Chapter Books list. “Eclipse” was published in 2007, followed by “Breaking Dawn” in 2008, which sold an astonishing 1.3 million copies on its release day. The “Twilight” series has been translated into 37 languages, and in 2008 and 2009, the novels took the top four spots on the “USA Today” list of the year’s best-selling books, demonstrating their widespread appeal and commercial success.
The “Twilight” series was adapted into a series of five films, which collectively grossed over $3.3 billion at the box office. This cinematic success significantly contributed to Stephenie Meyer net worth through royalties and production ventures. In 2020, Meyer released “Midnight Sun,” the first “Twilight” novel told from Edward’s perspective, selling over one million copies within its first week of release, proving the enduring popularity of the series.
Beyond “Twilight”: Other Literary Works and Film Production
While the “Twilight” series remains her most recognizable work, Meyer has also ventured into adult novels, releasing “The Host” in 2008 and “The Chemist” in 2016. Additionally, she published a novella, “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner,” in 2010, expanding her literary portfolio beyond the “Twilight” universe.
Meyer’s involvement in the film industry extends beyond writing. In 2011, she established the production company Fickle Fish Films, taking on the role of producer for several projects. Her production credits include both “Breaking Dawn” movies (2011 and 2012), “The Host” (2013), “Austenland” (2013), and “Down a Dark Hall” (2018). She is also slated to produce a television adaptation of “The Chemist,” further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry. These production ventures contribute to her overall income and Stephenie Meyer net worth.
Recognition and Accolades
Stephenie Meyer’s influence extends beyond her commercial success. In 2008, “Time” magazine recognized her as one of the world’s 100 most influential people, highlighting her impact on popular culture. The following year, “Forbes” named her one of the 100 most powerful celebrities in the world, solidifying her status as a major figure in the entertainment industry. In 2006, Meyer received the Best Fiction for Young Adults award from the Young Adult Library Services Association for “Twilight,” and in 2009, the British Book Awards honored “Breaking Dawn” with the Children’s Book of the Year award. “USA Today” named Stephenie Author of the Year in 2008. These accolades acknowledge her literary achievements and her impact on readers worldwide.
Personal Life
In 1994, at the age of 21, Stephenie married Christiaan Meyer, whom she had known since childhood through their church. The couple has three sons: Gabe, Seth, and Eli. As Stephenie’s career gained momentum, Christiaan retired from his position as an auditor to focus on raising their children. Raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Meyer adheres to a lifestyle that abstains from alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and R-rated movies. This upbringing has influenced the themes and values present in her “Twilight” novels, where characters refrain from drinking, smoking, and pre-marital sex.
Real Estate Investments
In 2007, Stephenie and Christiaan Meyer purchased a 3,316 square foot home in Cave Creek, Arizona, for $819,000. The property, situated on an acre of land, features five bedrooms, a fireplace, a swimming pool, and scenic mountain views. This real estate investment contributes to her overall asset portfolio and reflects her financial success.
