J.K. Rowling will donate the predicted substantial royalties from her latest novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, to ABF the Soldier’s Charity.
All global net royalties from the book, which was initially published under the pen name Robert Galbraith, will be given to the Soldier's Charity for a three year period, dating from when the Harry Potter author's identity as the author of the book was first revealed.
Rowling, a known philanthropist, said she had always intended to make a donation to the charity from the royalties of the book. The book had sold only 1,500 copies at the time Galbraith's true identity was revealed, but following the revelation sales - and royalties - have soared.
“This donation is being made to the Soldier’s Charity partly as a thank you to the army people who helped me with research, but also because writing about a hero who is a veteran has given me an even greater appreciation and understanding of exactly how much this charity does for ex-servicemen and their families, and how much support is needed,” said Rowling.
Russells, the law firm which inadvertently revealed Rowling as the author of the book, has also agreed to pay a donation to the charity by way of damages.
Major general Martin Rutledge, chief executive of the Soldier's Charity, said: “This donation will make a huge difference to the lives for thousands of soldiers and their families who are in real need.”
When Rowling was unmasked as the author of the Cuckoo’s Calling the book shot up the bestseller’s lists.
Earlier this year the Scottish author was honoured as a Beacon fellow for her commitment to philanthropy.
