Every year, Forbes release the rich list, showing us the highest paid individuals of the year and this week they have released their highest paid authors list, telling us who the ten biggest earners of the year were! The top 10 is full of big names, and unsurprisingly many of the books have had, or have planned movie adaptations.
Maybe also unsurprisingly is the news that J. K Rowling tops the list, although it is the first time she has done so for almost ten years, delivering the Cursed Child as an instant success this year.
Here’s the top ten in full, as decided by Forbes.
J. K Rowling
It’s said thanks to the success of Fantastic Beasts and the Cursed Child, Rowling’s earnings have topped £72 million ($95m) this year.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child US
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child UK
James Patterson
The Women’s Murder Club author has always been big news and Forbes puts his earnings at $87 million this year.
The Trial (Women’s Murder Club) US
The Trial (Women’s Murder Club UK
Jeff Kinney
Jeff Kinney of Diary of a Wimpy Kid game earned $21 million this year according to the Forbes list.
Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) US
Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) UK
Dan Brown
The Da Vinci code author is an international bestseller, earning $20 million according to the Forbes list.
Stephen King
The upcoming Dark Tower and IT adaptations have made Stephen King big news this year with Forbes putting his earnings at $15 million.
John Grisham
John Grisham is one of the most prolific authors of our day with Forbes putting him at number 6 on the author rich list at $14 million.
Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts is a writing phenomena and one of the best known American authors currently writing. Forbes puts her worth at over $14 million.
Paula Hawkins
The first newbie to the list is Paula Hawkins, whose debut novel Girl on the Train was adapted for movie last year, Forbes has the author listed at £9 million ($13m)
E. L James
While James hasn’t released much since 50 Shades, the movies are still in production, raking in cash for the author who stacks £8 million ($11.5m) according to Forbes.
Danielle Steel
A favourite on our page, Danielle Steel has quite the back catalogue and Forbes put her at $11 million and in joint tenth place with.
Rick Riordan
It’s thought that Rick Riordan, who writes fantasy for children based on real mythical characters shares tenth place with Danielle Steel at $11 million.
Birmingham Poet, Benjamin Zephaniah dies, aged 65
Top Authors Join Legal Battle Against OpenAI for Mass Copyright Infringement
Literary Icon, Cormac McCarthy has died
The Literary World Mourns Martin Amis
Anne Perry, Murderer turned Crime Writer dies, aged 84