Patterson, Meyer are highest-paid authors

Thriller writer James Patterson and Twilight author Stephenie Meyer top Forbes Magazine's list of the world's highest-paid authors. Released on August 19, the list also includes Stephen King, Ken Follett, and JK Rowling.

The financial magazine's ranking is based on earnings from books, film rights, television, gaming deals and other income from June 1, 2009, through June 1, 2010.

James Patterson comes in first with an income of $70 million over the course of the year. The prolific thriller writer's success is most prominent in the US, where, says Forbes, one out of every 17 novels purchased is by Patterson.

Stephenie Meyer's wildly successful Twilight series has sold 100 million copies worldwide. The release in June of the third Twilight film contributed to the estimated $40 million Meyer earned, landing her in second place.

Full report here Hindustan Times