In compiling the list of Top 100 Romances, I noticed an interesting wrinkle. Some authors’ names were mentioned again and again, but because so many different books were nominated, none of the author’s works appear on the Top 100. So I decided to create a list of the Top 50 Favorite Authors.

Obviously, there is a lot of overlap between the two lists, but there are some differences as well. For example, Nora Roberts was far and away the most popular author (surprise!), but her first book on the Top 100 list was in 11th place. Georgette Heyer’s first entry on the book list was found at number 39, but her books were so often listed that she is the fifth most popular author. Even more striking is Jayne Anne Krentz. One of her novels did not make the list until the 51st place, yet she is the sixth most popular author. And Mary Balogh, who is found at number 14 on the author list has no books at all on the book list.

So here is a way of gauging the popularity of all of an author’s books.