Forbes is out with its annual "guesses" on the earnings of the world's most successful (i.e. RICH) authors.

No surprise that J.K. Rowling is on top earning an estimated $300 Million. The magazine estimates the top 10 authors pulled in a combined $563 million.

Here is the list (two writers "tie" for 6th):

1. J.K. Rowling: $300 million

2. James Patterson: $50 million

3. Stephen King: $45 million

4. Tom Clancy: $35 million

5. Danielle Steel: $30 million

6. John Grisham: $25 million

6. Dean Koontz: $25 million

8. Ken Follett: $20 million

9. Janet Evanovich: $17 million

10. Nicholas Sparks: $16 million