Those who like knowing how much their favorite writers earn from their publications had their curiosity satisfied on August 19, 2010 when Forbes issued its list of the ten highest paid authors. To establish its rankings, Forbes compared earnings by these writers during the twelve months preceding June 1, 2010.
Not surprisingly, one of the most prolific of mystery series writers, James Patterson (Alex Cross series, Women's Murder Club series, Michael Bennett series), tops the list. According to Forbes, James Patterson earned $70 million in the twelve months studied. In the video embedded below Patterson discusses his writing practices, which often include preparing outlines for other authors to write from.
Twilight series author Stephenie Meyer comes in second on Forbes’ list, having earned $40 million. Her books have provided the basis for a series of popular films.
Horror novelist Stephen King, with $34 million earned, gains third place. King’s most recent full-length work was the 2009 bestseller, Under the Dome.
The romance writer Danielle Steel, who earned $32 million, appears fourth. Steel released three new titles in 2010.
In fifth place, based on his $20 million in earnings, is British author Ken Follett. Follett is the creator of the Apples Carstairs series, the Piers Roper series, the Pillars of the Earth series and the new Century series.
Dean Koontz, who earned $18 million for his suspense novels, ranks sixth. Koontz has written the Tucker series, the Moonlight Bay series and the Odd Thomas series.
Janet Evanovich, with $16 million in earnings, takes seventh place. Lionsgate will release a film version of Evanovich’s first Stephanie Plum series release, One for the Money, on July 3, 2011 that will star Katherine Heigl. Evanovich also has switched to a graphic novel format for her Alexandra Barnaby seres with the July 2010 title, Troublemaker.
In eighth position with $15 million earned is John Grisham, who recently took his popular legal thrillers in a new direction. Grisham began a young adult mystery series with the May 2010 release of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer.
Nicholas Sparks’ $14 million in earnings entitle him to ninth place. Many of Spark’s romance novels have been adapted for films.
Harry Potter’s creator, J. K. Rowling is the last entry on Forbes’ list. Rowling’s sales have slowed since her popular series made her, according to Forbes, “the world's first author-billionaire.” This year Rowling’s earnings were only $10 million.
Sad news indeed. One wonders if, like the admittedly tearful Liberace, Rowling cried all the way to the bank.
For More Information:
ALA conference speaker John Grisham to be 2011 Honorary Chair of National Library Week
John Grisham and Dennis Lehane to speak at 2010 American Library Association Conference
James Patterson’s ReadKiddoRead encourages librarians to promote reading with $2500 award
New Facebook game debuts featuring James Patterson’s Alex Cross
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