Anna Todd author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0.

Anna Todd

Born: March 20, 1989 – Dayton, Ohio, United States

Anna Todd is an American author and producer focused on contemporary romance and new adult fiction. She is best known for the After series, which began as fan fiction on Wattpad and became an international bestseller and film franchise. Her work has drawn more than a billion reads online.

Biography & Author's Journey

Anna Todd emerged from circumstances far removed from the conventional literary path. An Ohio native, she married shortly after high school, moved to Texas with her husband during his Army service, attended community college in Killeen, and worked a string of jobs, including at a makeup counter and an IRS processing center. What remained constant was reading. By her own account and later publisher biographies, she was an avid reader before she was a professional writer, and the sense of isolation she felt in military-town life pushed her toward online communities where books, music fandom, and conversation were always available. ((https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/books/a32330/after-author-anna-todd-interview/))

Show More

Quotes

quote
The idea of being published was such an abstract thing in the beginning. It wasn't even an option in my mind
-This 25-Year-Old Turned Her One Direction Obsession Into a Six-Figure Paycheck
quote
I used to tell my husband if I could get paid to read, I would be set
-Young Author Becomes Hollywood's New Fan Fiction Darling After Online Series Gets 1 Billion Views
quote
I'm not writing books to be a good example
-Anna Todd: My After Books Aren't Supposed To Be An Example
quote
Don't be afraid and if you feel like you have to tell a story, tell it!
-Author Anna Todd Discusses 'After' Becoming A Book And Now A Huge Movie
quote
I've always been a reader, but I didn't come from a place where we could buy books and stuff
-Anna Todd On 'After' & Adapting Books Into Movies
quote
Thank you for being with me from my first sentence to now. Cheers to the future *hug*
-Frayed Pages x Wattpad Books
quote
I am beyond excited to begin the sequel to After!
-Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin Return for the Sequel to Box Office Phenomenon 'After'

Discover more

Adult fiction with intimacy

Adult fiction with intimacy

LEARNING PLAN

Adult fiction with intimacy

This learning plan is designed for adult readers seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of intimate fiction beyond surface-level entertainment. Whether you're a romance enthusiast wanting to explore more complex narratives, a book club member seeking thoughtful discussion material, or simply curious about why passionate fiction has become a dominant literary force, this structured approach guides you through the genre's most influential works and themes.

2 h 3 m3 Sections
to read dark romance book

to read dark romance book

LEARNING PLAN

to read dark romance book

Dark romance has exploded in popularity as readers seek emotionally intense stories that explore the complexities of desire, power dynamics, and unconventional relationships. This learning plan is perfect for romance readers ready to venture beyond traditional happily-ever-afters into grittier territory, as well as thriller or fantasy fans curious about character-driven stories with high emotional stakes and morally ambiguous protagonists.

1 h 50 m4 Sections
Become a romance writer

Become a romance writer

LEARNING PLAN

Become a romance writer

Romance is one of the most popular and commercially successful fiction genres, with a devoted readership and consistent market demand. This learning plan is ideal for aspiring novelists who want to write emotionally compelling love stories, established writers looking to transition into romance, or anyone passionate about exploring human connection through fiction while building a viable writing career.

2 h 21 m4 Sections
Just to read fictional and romance novels

Just to read fictional and romance novels

LEARNING PLAN

Just to read fictional and romance novels

Romance fiction remains one of the most popular and diverse literary genres, offering readers emotional journeys through relationships, desires, and human connections. This learning plan introduces readers to various romance subgenres, from timeless classics to fantasy worlds, providing entertainment while exploring the many ways love stories can be told.

2 h 3 m4 Sections
Read books trending on TikTok

Read books trending on TikTok

LEARNING PLAN

Read books trending on TikTok

BookTok has revolutionized reading culture, turning niche genres into mainstream phenomena and launching books to bestseller status through viral recommendations. This learning plan is perfect for readers who want to understand current literary trends, participate in the largest online reading community, or simply discover the addictive books that millions are talking about. Whether you're a romance enthusiast, fantasy lover, or simply curious about the cultural impact of social media on publishing, these trending reads offer both entertainment and insight into modern storytelling.

2 h 13 m4 Sections
learning novel writing and storytelling

learning novel writing and storytelling

LEARNING PLAN

learning novel writing and storytelling

This plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring authors to move from initial concept to a published career. It is ideal for creative writers who want to bridge the gap between amateur storytelling and professional-grade craft.

3 h 46 m5 Sections
Teenage love

Teenage love

LEARNING PLAN

Teenage love

Teenage romance is a formative experience that shapes relationship patterns for life, yet most teens navigate it without guidance or understanding of healthy dynamics. This learning plan is essential for any teenager entering or currently in romantic relationships, as well as those preparing to understand love, helping them build the emotional intelligence and self-worth needed to create authentic, respectful connections while avoiding common pitfalls.

3 h 20 m4 Sections
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
BOOKS

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Explore Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's books on feminism, identity, and race, including We Should All Be Feminists and Americanah.

BeFreed team

Community Voices

"Anna Todd is the original author-as-influencer"

Aron Levitz

"Anna Todd’s legion of loyal fans ... will be thrilled"

Booklist

"Anna Todd beautifully captures the magic of first love, summer nights, and moments that change us forever"

Brittainy Cherry

"Anna Todd is one of Wattpad’s first breakout stars"

Publishers Weekly

"I have to give all the credit to Anna Todd"

Josephine Langford

"Anna Todd manages to make you scream, cry, laugh, fall in love, and sit in the fetal position"

Fangirlish

"Anna Todd is the biggest literary phenom of her generation"

Cosmopolitan

"No one delivers an emotionally satisfying read filled with vulnerability, desire, and dreams quite like Anna Todd"

Colleen Hoover

FAQs about this page

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
Start your learning journey, now