(born 31 July 1965[4]), pen name J. K. Rowling,[5] is a British novelist, best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. The Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies.[6] They have become the best-selling book series in history,[7] and been the basis for a series of films which has become the highest-grossing film series in history.[8] Rowling had overall approval on the scripts[9] as well as maintaining creative control by serving as a producer on the final instalment.[10]