EL James tops Forbes' top-earning author list

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- EL James, the British scribe who wrote "50 Shades of Grey" and its two sequels, topped Forbes magazine's list of the highest-earning authors.

James earned $95 million last year, based on sales of her three erotic novels, as well as the film rights to the trilogy.

Coming in at No. 2 is mystery writer James Patterson with $91 million, followed by Suzanne Collins at No. 3 with $55 million, Bill O'Reilly at No. 4 with $28 million and Danielle Steel at No. 5 with $26 million.

Rounding out the top tier are Jeff Kinney and Janet Evanovich with $24 million apiece, Nora Roberts with $23 million, Dan Brown with $22 million and Stephen King with $20 million.