Forbes.com has released a ranking of the world's top ten highest-paid authors based on their earnings from books, film rights, television, gaming deals and other income from June 1, 2009, through June 1, 2010.

James Patterson tops the list with 70 million U.S. dollars, while the "Twilight Saga" author Stephenie Meyer follows at the second place with 40 million dollars in earning.

1. James Petterson: $70 million
2. Stephenie Meyer: $40 million.
3. Stephen King: $34 million
4.Danielle Steel: $32 million.
5. Ken Follet: $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.