Sally Rooney Net Worth 2024: Total Book Sales, New Novel & Personal Life

Sally Rooney is an Irish author and screenwriter famous for her novels such as “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends,” that focus on relationships, class dynamics, and the complexities of modern life.

Her works have been adapted into popular TV shows, which have enhanced her literary reputation.

Along with Sara J. Mass, Sally Rooney is among the top-selling authors of the 21st century with millions of books sold so far.

Now, in this blog post, we’ll learn about Sally Rooney net worth in 2024, her sources of income, her total book sales, and her early and personal life.

Sally Rooney Net Worth 2024

Sally Rooney’s net worth is to be $8M or £6M as of 2024. 

Her net worth has grown dramatically since she released Conversations with Friends in 2017 thanks to millions of book sales. 

According to Nielsen Bookscan figures, Rooney’s novel Normal People has sold over 1M copies in the UK & over 250k copies in the USA alone.

Now, her other 3 novels have also been massively popular among her readers so the total number of her books sales stands at several million as of 2024.

Here’s a table summarizing Sally Rooney’s books, their total copies sold, and estimated earnings worldwide as of 2024:

Sally Rooney’s Sources of Income

The success of Rooney’s books is the result of multiple sources of revenue:

1. Book Sales

The main source of Rooney’s income is undoubtedly her book sales. 

Her novels Conversations with Friends, Normal People, and Beautiful World, Where Are You? have all been commercial successes.

Her debut novel, Conversations with Friends, and her second book, Normal People, have both been bestsellers.

Normal People alone has sold millions of copies worldwide, contributing around $16M or £12M to her earnings. 

Rooney’s books have been translated into more than 40 languages and these sales also give her a large number of royalties. 

2. TV Adaptations

Sally Rooney’s TV adaptations, particularly “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends,” have significantly contributed to her income.

The adaptation of “Normal People” was a major success, both critically and commercially, boosting her net worth book sales and generating substantial revenue.

However, Rooney has decided to take a break from TV adaptations, feeling that the world of television is not where she belongs.

This decision came after the intense media attention and discourse generated by the adaptations.

3. Speaking Engagements and Literary Events 

As a famous author, Rooney likely earns fees for appearances at literary festivals, book signings, and other events..

Sally Rooney’s New Book ‘Intermezzo’

Sally Rooney’s latest novel, Intermezzo, was released on September 24, 2024.

This book delves into themes of grief, love, and family, centering around two brothers, Peter and Ivan, who navigate their lives after the death of their father.

The novel maintains Rooney’s signature style, with intimate character studies and nuanced emotional landscapes.

“Intermezzo” has already garnered significant attention and praise, becoming a favorite among literary circles and on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram.

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Sally Rooney Early & Personal Life   

Born in 1991 in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, Sally Rooney’s upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her literary voice. 

Her father worked as a technician for the national telecoms company, while her mother worked at a local arts center after training as a teacher. 

Rooney has described her background as “not a very wealthy” one, with left-wing politics often discussed at the dinner table.

This early exposure to political discourse and her experiences growing up in a small Irish town has clearly influenced her writing. 

Rooney’s characters often grapple with issues of class, politics, and identity – themes that resonate strongly with her millennial readership.

Rooney’s academic journey took her to Trinity College Dublin, where she studied English. 

It was during this time that she honed her skills in competitive debating, becoming the top-ranked competitive debater in Europe. 

This experience undoubtedly contributed to her ability to craft sharp, incisive dialogue in her novels.

Despite her public profile, Rooney maintains a level of privacy regarding her personal life. 

She has been open about her socialist beliefs and has used her platform to speak out on political issues, including the conflict in Gaza and abortion rights in Ireland.

How Did Sally Rooney Become Famous?

Here’s a look at the key milestones in her journey to fame:

1. Early Writing 

Rooney began writing stories as a teenager, joining a local writing group at 16. 

This early commitment to her craft laid the foundation for her future success.

2. College Years

At Trinity College Dublin, Rooney excelled in competitive debating, which helped sharpen her rhetorical skills and ability to craft compelling arguments.

3. Literary Magazines

Rooney started sending her work to small literary magazines, gaining recognition and building her confidence as a writer.

Sally Rooney Books In Order & Their Themes

Sally Rooney’s novels are known for their deep psychological insights, engaging dialogues, and thoughtful explorations of contemporary relationships.

3 Lessons from Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney’s success offers valuable lessons for aspiring writers and creatives:

1. Stay True to Your Voice

Rooney’s writing is distinctively her own, tackling themes and perspectives that resonate with her generation. 

Her success demonstrates the importance of developing and maintaining an authentic voice.

2. Embrace Intellectual Curiosity

Rooney’s work is infused with philosophical and political discussions, reflecting her own interests and engagement with the world. 

This depth adds richness to her narratives and sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.

3. Persistence Pays Off

Before her breakout success, Rooney faced rejections and setbacks. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance in pursuing creative goals.

FAQs About Sally Rooney

1. How old is Sally Rooney?

Sally Rooney was born in 1991, making her 33 years old in 2024.

2. What is Sally Rooney’s most famous book?

While all of her books have been successful, “Normal People” is arguably her most famous work, especially following its television adaptation.

3. Has Sally Rooney won any literary awards?

Yes, Rooney has won several awards, including the Costa Novel Award and the Irish Novel of the Year.

4. What themes does Sally Rooney explore in her writing?

Rooney’s work often explores themes of love, class, communication, and the complexities of modern relationships.

5. Is Sally Rooney involved in political activism?

Yes, Rooney has been vocal about her political views and has engaged in discussions on various social and political issues.

6. How many books has Sally Rooney published?

As of 2024, Sally Rooney has published three novels, with her fourth, “Intermezzo,” has just released in September 2024.

7. Has Sally Rooney’s work been adapted for television?

Yes, her novel “Normal People” was adapted into a highly acclaimed television series, and “Conversations with Friends” has also been adapted for TV.

8. What is the net worth of Sally Rooney?

As of 20254, Sally Rooney’s net worth is estimated to be $8M or £6M as of 2024.