Overview

Cecily Brooke von Ziegesar (born June 27, 1970) is an American author best known for the young adult novel series Gossip Girl, which was adapted into a popular television series. Born in New York City, she attended The Nightingale-Bamford School in Manhattan, which later inspired the Constance Billard School for Girls in her books. After graduating from Colby College, she worked at a book-packaging firm, Alloy Entertainment, where she developed the concept for Gossip Girl. The series, known for its depiction of privileged teenagers and their lives, quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Von Ziegesar has also written spin-off series like ‘The It Girl’. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and children.

Alloy Entertainment

Former Editor

What Is Cecily von Ziegesar’s Net Worth?

Cecily von Ziegesar, the American author best known for the “Gossip Girl” series, has accumulated a substantial net worth. Estimates place her net worth at approximately $25 million. This financial success stems primarily from her writing career, with the “Gossip Girl” series serving as her most significant source of income.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 27, 1970, Cecily Brooke von Ziegesar’s early life provided a foundation for her future literary endeavors. While specific details regarding her childhood residence and schooling before college are not extensively publicized, it is known that she later pursued higher education. Von Ziegesar attended Colby College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Following her undergraduate studies, she briefly enrolled in an MFA program in fiction writing at the University of Arizona in Tucson. However, she opted to leave the program after a single year, choosing instead to focus on her writing career.

The Success of “Gossip Girl” and Related Ventures

Cecily von Ziegesar’s primary source of wealth can be attributed to the overwhelming success of her “Gossip Girl” series. The series initially comprised eleven books, captivating young adult readers with its portrayal of privileged teenagers navigating the complexities of life on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The books’ popularity led to the development of prequel novels, further expanding the “Gossip Girl” universe and revenue stream. However, the true catalyst for significant financial growth came with the adaptation of the series into a television show. The “Gossip Girl” television series, which premiered in 2007, ran for five seasons, achieving immense popularity among young adult audiences globally. While specific royalty rates and contract details for both the book series and the television adaptation are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that Cecily von Ziegesar received substantial royalties and licensing fees based on the series’ widespread success. The series has not only generated direct income for Ziegesar but also boosted sales of the book series, generating additional revenue.

Beyond the initial “Gossip Girl” series, Ziegesar has written other young adult novels, although none have achieved the same level of commercial success. The income generated from these works contributes to her overall net worth, but the precise figures remain undisclosed.

Real Estate and Personal Assets

Cecily von Ziegesar resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, Richard, and their two children. While the specific details of their Brooklyn residence, such as the exact address and property value, are not publicly accessible, real estate in Brooklyn is known to be valuable. Owning property in this area contributes to her overall asset portfolio. Details regarding other real estate holdings, personal investments, luxury vehicles, or private aircraft are not available in the public domain.

Personal Life and Public Appearances

While detailed information about Cecily von Ziegesar’s daily routines, personal habits, and specific financial investments is not publicly accessible, interviews and public appearances provide some insights into her life beyond her writing career. In an interview with *Seventeen* magazine, she acknowledged drawing inspiration from her own high school and college experiences in her writing, stating that she “elaborate[s] extensively on them.” She also offered advice to incoming college freshmen, encouraging them to “try something that you’ve never done before!” These snippets of information offer a glimpse into her personality and perspective. Information regarding specific income from endorsements, collaborative projects, or other ventures outside of her writing career is not publicly available.

Summary of Net Worth Factors

Cecily von Ziegesar’s $25 million net worth is primarily attributable to the success of her “Gossip Girl” series. Income streams derived from book sales, prequel novels, and the television adaptation have contributed substantially to her financial standing. While details about her other writing projects, real estate holdings, personal investments, and lifestyle are limited, the financial impact of “Gossip Girl” remains the dominant factor in determining her overall net worth.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved