American thriller writer James Patterson was the highest-earning author of the past year, according to Forbes magazine.
Patterson, 65, earned an estimated $US94 million from the 14 new titles he published in 2011 - 2012.
Stephen King was second with earnings of $US39 million.
Forbes said its list was based on figures from Nielsen BookScan, authors, agents and publishers.
Number three was Janet Evanovich with $US33 million.
John Grisham was next at four.
Children's author Jeff Kinney was fifth. However part of his earnings came from film royalties.
Other authors to feature in the top 15 include Danielle Steel at eight and Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins at nine.
