Becoming a Novelist Ain't Bad If You're a Top 10 Earner

The power of words can enthrall, inspire and for those lucky few, make them richer than their wildest dreams.

Forbes, well-known for its list of millionaires and billionaires of business and entertainment, keeps an eye on all those who make the big bucks - including authors.

It's no small feat to make this list - the writers have figured out the way to get readers to buy their tomes - whether it's in the old-fashioned book form or to download onto their e-reader.

So who's on this list? Which authors are in high demand the minute the book is available?

For this year's top 10, Forbes focused on the women - who are slowly encroaching on the men. Novelist J.K. Rowling hit the number 11 spot with US$17 million thanks to her advance for her first adult book and next year's list will be interesting with the inclusion of E.L James Fifty Shades of Grey series. But for now, the 10 top earning writers from May 2011-2012 were:

SLIDESHOW: TOP EARNING AUTHORS