Sarah J. Maas Net Worth and Author Income

Sara Smith

August 7, 2025

Sarah J. Maas

Few names have shaken up the world of fantasy literature quite like Sarah J. Maas. With her mesmerizing storytelling, emotionally rich characters, and intricate world-building, she’s become one of the most successful contemporary fantasy authors of our time. But beyond the epic battles, court intrigue, and romantasy elements lies a burning question:

What is Sarah J. Maas’ net worth in 2025, and how did she build such a literary empire?

This deep dive explores the life, wealth, family, career, and influence of this bestselling fantasy author, unraveling how she turned dreams into dollars and stories into a phenomenon.

Sarah J. Maas Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Sarah J. Maas’ net worth is estimated to be between $15 million to $20 million.

That number isn’t just plucked from thin air. It reflects a combination of consistent book royalties, TV deals, merchandising, and international rights sales. Here’s a breakdown of her income sources:

Income SourceEstimated Contribution
Book sales & royalties$10–12 million
TV & streaming adaptations$3–5 million
Foreign rights & translations$1–2 million
Merchandise & special editions$500,000+
Speaking engagements & appearances$100,000–$250,000 annually

Her fantasy novels have sold over 14 million copies worldwide, and the sales keep climbing with every new release and reprint.

Earnings from Bestselling Books

Sarah J. Maas’ fortune didn’t appear overnight. Her rise is the result of a passionate commitment to storytelling, and it all began with a teenage dream.

The Throne of Glass series, first published in 2012, became a runaway success. But her career soared to new heights with the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (ACOTAR), a romantic fantasy that captivated older young adult readers and adult fantasy fans alike.

Top-Selling Sarah J. Maas Books:

  • Throne of Glass series (8 books)
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses series (ACOTAR) – 5 books (and counting)
  • Crescent City series – Urban fantasy meets high stakes

Her books regularly dominate The New York Times Best Seller list, and special editions by publishers like Bloomsbury and FairyLoot boost both her reach and earnings.

“Her books don’t just sell they inspire obsession.”
Publisher’s Weekly

she is holding book " Kingdom of Ash " in her hand.

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Book-to-Screen Adaptations and Deals

This is where the big money flows in.

In 2021, Hulu announced development of a TV adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses, spearheaded by Ronald D. Moore (Outlander) with Maas herself as co-writer and executive producer.

While exact figures are under wraps, top fantasy adaptation deals can bring in millions in upfront payments and backend royalties. Netflix and Amazon have also expressed interest in Maas’s other properties, especially the Crescent City series.

Expect her net worth to keep rising as these adaptations go global.

Early Life and Education

Sarah Janet Maas was born on March 5, 1986, in New York City. Her creative spark ignited early. She began writing what would become Throne of Glass when she was just 16.

She studied Creative Writing and Religious Studies at Hamilton College, where she graduated magna cum laude. During her college years, she uploaded early versions of her work to FictionPress.com, gaining a loyal following long before traditional publishers took notice.

Family Life and Relationships

Sarah is famously private but has shared key moments of her personal life with her fans.

  • Married to Josh Wasserstein, a former literary agent
  • They have two children, born in recent years
  • The family resides in Pennsylvania

Her husband has played a crucial role behind the scenes, helping guide her literary career from both a personal and professional perspective.

Writing Career and Breakthrough

The journey from fanfiction phenom to best-selling author was anything but ordinary.

What started as a Cinderella-inspired fantasy tale on FictionPress soon became a literary sensation. After years of rejection, Maas signed with Bloomsbury Publishing in 2010.

The release of Throne of Glass in 2012 was just the beginning. With every release, her reputation grew.

Key moments in her rise:

  • 2012: Throne of Glass published
  • 2015: ACOTAR launches with rave reviews
  • 2020: Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood debuts at #1 on the NYT Best Seller list

List of Major Works and Series

SeriesFirst BookTotal BooksGenre
Throne of GlassThrone of Glass (2012)8YA Fantasy
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)ACOTAR (2015)5+New Adult Romantic Fantasy
Crescent CityHouse of Earth and Blood (2020)3+Urban Fantasy

These works have cemented Sarah J. Maas’ place in the pantheon of greats in the fantasy genre.

Awards and Critical Acclaim

She might not be a frequent literary award-winner, but her fan acclaim and sales figures speak volumes.

  • Goodreads Choice Awards Winner – Best Fantasy (multiple years)
  • 14+ million books sold worldwide
  • Translated into 35+ languages

Maas has earned recognition not just from readers but from fellow authors and editors who praise her immersive writing style and powerful female characters.

Social Media Presence and Influence

Sarah J. Maas isn’t a constant online presence, but when she posts, readers listen.

PlatformFollowers (2025 est.)
Instagram850,000+
Twitter/X400,000+
TikTok (#ACOTAR)Over 500 million views

Her social channels often include exclusive reveals, book news, and snippets from her daily life and writing routine.

Fan Base, Fandom Culture, and BookTok Popularity

The Sarah J. Maas fanbase is among the most dedicated in all of fiction.

On BookTok, her name is virtually everywhere. From ACOTAR-inspired fashion to Throne of Glass theories, fans dissect and celebrate every line of her work.

Popular hashtags include:

  • #ACOTAR
  • #FeyreandRhysand
  • #SarahJMaasUniverse

“Reading ACOTAR made me fall in love with books again.”
BookTok user @FantasyFeels

Collaborations and Publishing Deals

Her long-standing partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing has been fruitful for both parties. In fact, Maas’ success helped Bloomsbury report a 25% increase in annual earnings in 2022 alone.

Exclusive editions, international launches, and book club deals have all added to her author income.

She’s also collaborated with:

  • FairyLoot
  • Bookish Box
  • LitJoy Crate
A smiling Sarah J. Maas, the author of fantasy novels, is seen in a head-and-shoulders portrait. She has long, wavy blonde hair and is wearing a light-colored sweater and scarf.

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Merchandising and Branding Ventures

Fans love more than just the books they love the world. And Sarah Maas has leaned into that demand.

Branded items include:

  • Character art prints
  • Jewelry inspired by the Night Court
  • Collector’s editions with sprayed edges and bonus content

Licensed merchandise and partnerships with indie sellers further expand her brand.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Though she doesn’t boast about it, Maas supports several literacy and women’s education initiatives.

She has also spoken out about:

  • Creative burnout
  • Mental health challenges
  • Work-life balance as a writer and mother

These real moments have only strengthened her bond with fans who admire both her storytelling and authenticity.

Final Thoughts on Her Legacy and Wealth Growth

Sarah J. Maas is more than just an author she’s a movement within fantasy literature. Her ability to blend high fantasy with emotional intimacy has reshaped what young adult and romantasy fiction can be.

And while her stories may feature magical lands, her success is anything but fiction. With millions of books sold, blockbuster adaptations in motion, and a devoted global fanbase, Sarah J. Maas’ net worth in 2025 is a reflection of hard-earned creative power.

As more projects unfold and new books release, her influence and earnings are only expected to grow.

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