The Harry Potter series is one of the most beloved and successful book series of all time. Written by J.K. Rowling, the series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into eight feature films. But how long did it take to write all seven books in the series?
The first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. Rowling had begun writing the book in 1990, while she was living in Edinburgh, Scotland. It took her seven years to complete the first book.
The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published in 1998. Rowling had begun writing the book in 1993, and it took her four years to complete.
The third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, was published in 1999. Rowling had begun writing the book in 1995, and it took her four years to complete.
The fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was published in 2000. Rowling had begun writing the book in 1997, and it took her three years to complete.
The fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was published in 2003. Rowling had begun writing the book in 2000, and it took her three years to complete.
The sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was published in 2005. Rowling had begun writing the book in 2002, and it took her three years to complete.
The seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was published in 2007. Rowling had begun writing the book in 2003, and it took her four years to complete.
In total, it took J.K. Rowling 17 years to write all seven books in the Harry Potter series. On 11 January 2007, the author stepped out of Edinburgh’s Balmoral hotel having completed the last novel in the series. It was a momentous occasion for Rowling and for the millions of fans around the world who had followed Harry Potter’s journey since 1997.