By connecting with readers across the globe, many authors have become worldwide sensations. While countless authors have found success through translation, some have exceeded even their own expectations. Here are the top 10 most translated authors, as compiled by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

  • Agatha Christie

As a world-famous mystery writer, Agatha Christie has experienced tremendous achievements with her works, including translations of And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express. With 7,236 translations from English, her works became an international phenomenon. Writing her first book on a dare, Christie has more than 2 billion copies of her books in print.

  • Jules Verne

Finding success as a science fiction writer, Jules Verne is most known for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days. With 4,751 translations originating from French, Verne’s books have influenced both scientific and literary works.

  • William Shakespeare

With 4,296 translations from English, William Shakespeare is known worldwide for numerous plays, poems, and sonnets. Some of his most notable translated works are Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and The Tempest. Regarded as the world’s greatest English writer, Shakespeare has left an indelible impression on literature and theater.

  • Enid Blyton

Having sold more than 600 million books, children’s author Enid Blyton has experienced tremendous accomplishments as a writer. Two of her most recognizable works, Noddy and The Famous Five, are part of Blyton’s 3,924 translations that originated in English.

  • Barbara Cartland

Romance writer Barbara Cartland has connected with readers worldwide with her 723 novels, including A Sword to the Heart and Fascination in France. Originating in English, her works have 3,652 translations. Focusing on romance in the Victorian era, Cartland reached a milestone in the Guinness World Records by writing the most books in one year.

  • Danielle Steel

Right behind Barbara Cartland is another romance writer, Danielle Steel, with 3,628 translations from English. Search online for her name, and you will come across a number of her international bestsellers, including Dangerous Games and The Award.

  • Vladimir Lenin

As the leader of the Communist Party and the Bolshevik Revolution, Vladimir Lenin wrote numerous works that had tremendous political influence. With 3,593 translations originating from Russian, some of his writings include Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism and State and Revolution.

  • Hans Christian Andersen

As a children’s writer, Hans Christian Andersen has had success with 3,520 translations from Danish. He is widely recognized for his Andersen’s Fairy Tales, which includes stories such as “The Little Mermaid” “The Snow Queen,” “The Ugly Duckling,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

  • Stephen King

It will come as no surprise to find Stephen King, with 3,357 translations from English, on the top 10 list. As one of the most recognized suspense writers of all time, King has sold more than 350 million copies of his books, many of which were developed into movies. Some of his famous works include The Shining, Carrie, and Misery.

  • Jacob Grimm

With 2,977 translations from German, writer Jacob Grimm has numerous notable translated books, some of which he wrote with his brother, Wilhelm Grimm. Together, the two made up the writing team known as the Brothers Grimm, who penned several famous stories, including “Snow White,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Hansel and Gretel.”

Along with these UNESCO-ranked authors, countless other writers have many more readers as a result of translations. One example is J.K. Rowling, who has enjoyed great success with her Harry Potter book series, particularly because it is one of the most translated series across the globe. Translated from English into 74 languages, the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has particularly been a huge hit with readers.

Consider broadening your readership base by working with a book translation service to translate your works. By taking this step, your book could reach readers that you never thought could be possible.

Summary

By connecting with readers across the globe, the 10 most translated authors of all time have experienced incredible success.