Just for fun here’s the Forbes? The Highest-Paid Authors, 2009-2010
They write
Publishers are feeling the heat, with hardcover sales weak and the rise of e-books promising to upend their business models. But the world?s 10 top-earning authors are making out just fine, earning a combined $270 million over the 12 months to June 1.
James Patterson?s $70 million in earnings vaults him to No. 1 on our list, up from second place two years ago. The prolific thriller writer?s latest deal, signed last fall, involves penning a carpal tunnel-risking 17 books by the end of 2012 for an estimated $100 million?Our rankings of the top-earning authors are based on earnings from books, film rights, television, gaming deals and other income from June 1, 2009, through June 1, 2010.
Top 10 (In a Slideshow Format)
1. James Patterson, $70 million
2. Stephanie Meyer, $40 million
3. Stephen King, $34 Million
4. Danielle Steel, $32 million
5. Ken Follett, $20 million
6. Dean Koontz, $18 million
7. Janet Evanovich, $16 million
8. John Grisham, $15 million
9. Nicholas Sparks, $14 million
10. J.K. Rowling, $10 million
Read more at Resourceshelf http://www.resourceshelf.com/2010/08/19/lists-rankings-the-highest-paid-authors-2009-2010/
