In January 2026, the literary world remains fixed on one of the most prolific and debated authors of our time. Whether you know her as the creator of the Wizarding World or as the gritty crime novelist Robert Galbraith, the question remains: Is J.K. Rowling writing a new book?
The short answer is a resounding yes. Rowling is currently juggling multiple literary projects, ranging from her acclaimed detective series to high-profile television adaptations and new standalone works.
This article explores every detail regarding J.K. Rowling’s upcoming titles, her writing progress in 2026, and what fans can expect to see on bookshelves in the coming months.
1. The Robert Galbraith Front: Cormoran Strike Book 9
For many modern readers, Rowling’s most exciting work is happening under her pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. In September 2025, she released the eighth installment of the Cormoran Strike series, titled The Hallmarked Man.
As of January 2026, Rowling has confirmed she is officially writing Strike Book 9. While the title has not yet been revealed, the author has shared that she typically begins the next book immediately after finishing the previous one.
- Expected Release: Based on her usual two-year publication cycle, fans are anticipating a late 2026 or early 2027 release for Book 9.
- The Plot Cues: Rowling has hinted that the series will likely conclude around Book 10, meaning the stakes in this upcoming ninth volume will be higher than ever for detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott.
2. The “Six Books” Reveal
In a landmark interview with The Times, Rowling shared a rare glimpse into her long-term writing desk. She revealed that she currently has six different books in various stages of development.
These are not just ideas; they are active projects. Her current lineup includes:
- The remaining installments of the Cormoran Strike series.
- A new “futuristic” novel that departs from her previous genres.
- Other standalone stories for both children and adults.
This level of productivity suggests that even as she manages her existing franchises, Rowling is aggressively expanding her bibliography into new territories.
3. The Harry Potter TV Series (2026 Debut)
While not a “new book” in the traditional sense, 2026 marks the biggest year for the Harry Potter franchise since the original films ended. The HBO/Max Harry Potter TV series is slated for a late 2026 premiere.
J.K. Rowling is serving as an Executive Producer on the show.5 While she isn’t writing the scripts herself—that task has fallen to lead writers like Francesca Gardiner (Succession)—Rowling is heavily involved in the creative process. She has been reviewing scripts to ensure the “decade-long” adaptation remains strictly faithful to her original seven books.
4. New Companion Books: “Pocket Potters”
For younger readers, 2026 sees the continuation of a new series of official companion books titled Pocket Potters. Published by Bloomsbury, these are small, highly illustrated guides to the characters and magic of the wizarding world.
The series launched in late 2025 with guides for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. In 2026, further titles are being released, including a dedicated guide to Albus Dumbledore. While these are “companion” books rather than new novels, Rowling provides the core information and oversight for these official additions to the lore.
5. The Mystery “Futuristic” Project
One of the most talked-about rumors in the 2026 literary circle is Rowling’s mentioned futuristic novel. She has briefly alluded to working on a story that is vastly different from the magic of Harry Potter or the contemporary grit of Cormoran Strike.
Details remain incredibly scarce, but industry insiders suggest this could be her next major move into the “adult fiction” space, similar to how The Casual Vacancy surprised readers in 2012.
6. Current Writing Status and Habits
Rowling remains one of the few “celebrity” authors who still writes every day. In 2026, she continues to use her signature method: writing the first drafts in longhand before moving to a computer.
She often shares “workspace” photos on social media, showing her memory sticks or stacks of notebooks. For fans, these are the best “bread crumbs” to follow to track her real-time progress.
Summary of J.K. Rowling’s 2026 Calendar
| Project | Type | Status |
| Cormoran Strike 9 | Mystery Novel | In Progress (Writing) |
| The Hallmarked Man | Mystery Novel | Out Now (Released Sept 2025) |
| Pocket Potters: Dumbledore | Companion Book | Releasing 2026 |
| Harry Potter Max Series | Television | Premiering Late 2026 |
| Unnamed Futuristic Novel | Sci-Fi/Adult Fiction | In Development |
Conclusion: A Year of New Beginnings
Is J.K. Rowling writing a new book? She is writing several. Whether you are waiting for the next twist in a London murder mystery or the futuristic leap into a new genre, 2026 is a year of intense output for the author. While her public presence remains controversial, her literary momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
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