Fifty Shades Of Grey: E L James Named Highest-Earning Author

The old adage “sex sells” still holds true – even when it comes to books.

E L James, author of the erotic “Fifty Shades” trilogy, made an estimated $95 million from June 2012 and June 2013, earning the top spot on Forbes’ World’s Top-Earning Authors list (published on Tuesday).

In addition to her millions from book sales, the British writer also pocketed $5 million for the film rights to “Fifty Shades of Grey”; the movie is currently slated for theatrical release in August 2014.

“Hunger Games” trilogy author Suzanne Collins (whose books have been adapted for films starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth), made No. 3 on Forbes’ list, with earnings of $55 million.

Crime writer James Patterson came in second with $91 million, while romance author Nora Roberts landed at No. 8 with $23 million.

— Erin O’Sullivan