This is one of the greatest business phenomenon of our times. For those "muggles" who still couldn't make meaning of the title, i am talking about Harry Potter. Consider the numbers... More than 325 million copies of the first 6 books of this series is sold world over. The seventh installment, which was released last month in more than 93 countries, sold 11 million copies within the first 24 hours of its release.The books have been translated in about 65 languages and is distributed in 200 countries. The five movies released till date have grossed more than $ 4 billion.
I read a nice article which summarized the reasons for the grand success of this series. The article traces five basic reasons for its success - 1. Its not just a children's story, it crosses several boundaries and appeals to the interests of numerous categories of people. 2. JK Rowling's exceptional writing 3. It has chosen a subject which is universally alluring 4. It brings to life all our fantasies, everything we always wanted to be, but never can be.. 5. Its social relevance..
JK Rowling's present networth is estimated to be more than $ 1 billion. Not bad for someone who was unemployed and living on State benefits, when she completed her first book.
What fascinates me the most is the way it all started. Rowling says "It all began on a train ride in which the whole idea just dropped in my head. Harry, as a character, came fully formed as did the idea for the entire plot".
I call this a gift of god...
