Meg Cabot Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

From Bloomington Dreamer to Global Storyteller: The Journey of Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot — born Meggin Patricia Cabot on February 1, 1967 — has built a literary empire that resonates with millions worldwide. With her unique blend of youthful charm, witty dialogue, and knack for capturing adolescent anxieties, she transformed from an Indiana-born art student into one of the most beloved authors of young-adult and adult fiction.

A Heart That Loved Stories Long Before the Lights

Cabot grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, surrounded by books and a longing for escape. As a child, long stretches of hot summers led her to the nearby public library — a haven where she devoured works by authors such as Harper Lee and Charlotte Brontë.

She went on to study Fine Arts at Indiana University, initially envisioning a career in illustration rather than writing. After graduating, she moved to New York City and spent years working as a residence-hall assistant manager at New York University — a job that she later credited for giving her insight into young-adult life, the kind she would later render with such authenticity in her novels.

Yet beneath the surface of her dorm-hall days and initial artistic ambitions, Cabot quietly penned stories — manuscripts born out of teenage diaries, high-school insecurities, and a vivid imagination longing to take flight.

When “The Princess Diaries” Turned a Writer into a Phenomenon

In 2000, Cabot released the first book of what would become the iconic The Princess Diaries. The novel struck a chord: adolescent awkwardness, family drama, and teenage crushes — all told with humor and heart. The success was instant.

By 2001, the story had been adapted into a film by Walt Disney Pictures, propelling Cabot from author to cultural name. Its sequel followed in 2004.

Beyond that milestone, Cabot’s versatility showed: she had already written under pen names like Jenny Carroll and Patricia Cabot, explored historical romance, contemporary adult fiction, paranormal teen stories — all before abandoning the pseudonyms and embracing her identity as Meg Cabot.

Over the decades, she has published over 80 novels, covering a wide spectrum of genres — young adult, romance, mystery, paranormal. Her works include beloved series like The Mediator and Avalon High — the latter also adapted into a Disney Channel film.

Pages and Numbers: A Financial Milestone

Thanks to phenomenal book sales, film adaptations, and global reach, Cabot has not only secured a place in hearts — but also built substantial financial success. Public estimates peg her net worth at around US $80 million.

Part of this success stems from the sheer breadth and appeal of her work: more than 25 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide.

Her novels have repeatedly topped bestseller lists, including multiple #1 entries on The New York Times — a testament to her enduring popularity among readers of all ages.

A Life Beyond the Books: Marriage, Home & Cats

Away from the pages, Cabot’s personal story is equally grounded and relatable. On April 1, 1993 — yes, April Fool’s Day — she married financial writer and poet Benjamin D. Egnatz. The choice of date was a playful nod to her husband’s belief that “only fools get married.” Their wedding was an elopement in Italy.

Their marriage found fictional echo in her adult novel Every Boy's Got One — loosely based on their own elopement.

Cabot now resides in Key West, Florida with her husband and her beloved cats, including one-eyed Henrietta and Gem — companions she often mentions on her blog.

Why Her Birthday Matters — And What It Means for Fans

Cabot’s birthdate, February 1, 1967, is more than a trivia footnote. It connects deeply to how she sees herself and her craft. She’s often spoken about being born in the Chinese astrological “Fire Horse” year — a sign many consider ill-fated. For Cabot, however, that sense of being an outsider only fueled her drive to write stories that give people hope, escape, and happy endings — even if real life isn’t always neat.

Her birthday remains a quiet celebration among fans — a reminder that every “ordinary” person writing in a small town can one day create worlds that resonate globally.

The Legacy She’s Still Writing

Meg Cabot’s story is one of persistence, transformation, and connection. From reading library books in hot Indiana summers to penning global bestsellers; from dorm-life observations to princesses, mediators, and teenage heartbreaks — she reshaped the landscape of young-adult fiction.

She proved that teenage voices deserved to be heard. She showed that romance, magic, identity, and self-discovery — when written with authenticity — can transcend age and geography.

And with more stories on the way, Cabot continues to remind us all: whether born on February 1 or any other day, it’s never too late to write your own fairy tale.