Forbes keeps on releasing top paid personalities. This time around it issued the top ten highest paid authors for the year.

On the top of the list is James Patterson, the thriller novel writer is runaway winner earning 70 million dollars. Nine out of his many works have already been adapted either in television or film.

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.

Vampire romance author Stephenie Meyer ranks second this year. Her Twilight series has become such a juggernaut that despite not releasing a new title in 2009, she earned $40 million over the year.

Stephen King placed third on the list with $34 million, while Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling languishes in last place with a measly $10 million.

Forbes based the rankings on profits from books, TV and film rights between June, 2009 and June, 2010.

The Top Ten Highest Paid Authors

1. James Patterson ($70M)
2. Stephenie Meyer ($40M)
3. Stephen King ($34M)
4. Danielle Steel ($32M)
5. Ken Follett ($20M)
6. Dean Koontz ($18M)
7. Janet Evanovich ($16M)
8. John Grisham ($15M)
9. Nicholas Sparks ($14M)
10. J. K. Rowling ($10M)