Children’s author tops list of writers receiving most library royalties

A total of 10,082 authors, translators, illustrators, and other creators have received library royalties in Denmark this year, with children’s writer Kim Fupz Aakeson claiming the top spot for the second consecutive year, according to a statement from the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces.

The 67-year-old Aakeson, who debuted as a children’s author in 1984 and is known for the Vitello book series, overtook Bjarne Reuter last year—ending Reuter’s 26-year reign as the highest-earning recipient of library royalties.

A total of 212 million Danish kroner (approximately €28.5 million) was distributed among the 10,082 recipients, with the highest individual payout reaching 778,693 kroner (€104,500) and the average payment standing at 21,035 kroner (€2,820). The funds are allocated through Denmark’s national budget.

Of the recipients, 6,585—about 65 percent—received payments for e-books and audiobooks.

Top 10 recipients of library royalties (all formats):
1. Kim Fupz Aakeson
2. Kim Langer
3. Kenneth Bøgh Andersen
4. Bjarne Reuter
5. Dennis Jürgensen
6. Josefine Ottesen
7. Bent Haller
8. Nicole Boyle Rødtnes
9. Maria Helleberg
10. Lene Kaaberbøl

For digital formats alone, the top earners differ slightly, with Maria Helleberg leading the list.

Library royalties in Denmark compensate creators whose works are available for loan in public libraries, both in physical and digital formats.