Highest paid writers according to Forbes

American magazine Forbes has published its annual list of the top-earning book authors.

American writer James Patterson has won first place, and his company at the top consists of those who have made millions from their work: J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and John Grisham.

James Brendan Patterson, a master of crime novels, who has sold 300 million copies of his books throughout the world, is the highest earning author in 2016 with USD 95 million.

The second on the Forbes list is the author of the popular series of children's books Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney, with USD 19.5 million, whereas J.K. Rowling is third with USD 19 million.

Fourth place belongs to thriller author John Grisham with USD 18 million, followed by master of horror Stephen King with USD 15 million. Queens of romance novels Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel have earned the identical amount, followed by E.L. James, the author of the best-selling novel Fifty Shades of Grey.

Ninth place, with USD 10 million each, is shared by Veronica Roth and John Green, masters of teen literature, and the debutante on the list, Paula Hawkins, whose debut novel, The Girl on the Train became a worldwide bestseller in 2015 and continues to sell well. As the movie adaptation of the novel is expected soon, there's no doubt that she will continue to earn well from her work.

George R.R. Martin, Dan Brown and Rick Riordan have earned USD 9.5 million.

Forbes Magazine New York

Forbes

James Patterson

James Brendan Patterson

Stephen King

John Grisham

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney

Nora Roberts

Danielle Steel

EL James

Fifty Shades of Grey

Veronica Roth

John Green

George Martin

Dan Brown

Rick Riordan