J.K. Rowling’s identity as Robert Galbraith was publicly revealed in 2013. She had published The Cuckoo’s Calling under the male pseudonym Robert Galbraith earlier that year.
The crime novel introduced private investigator Cormoran Strike and his temporary assistant, Robin Ellacott. The book received positive reviews, but its sales increased dramatically after a British newspaper identified Rowling as the author. Rowling then confirmed that the report was correct.
The pseudonym was intended to let her publish without the expectations attached to her name after the global success of Harry Potter. “Robert” was connected to a family name, while “Galbraith” was chosen as a tribute to political figure Robert Galbraith Heath, according to accounts of the pseudonym’s origin.
Rowling continued the series under the Galbraith name. Later Cormoran Strike novels include The Silkworm, Career of Evil, and Lethal White, while the author’s identity is now openly acknowledged in editions and publicity.