Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold 45 million copies worldwide, establishing him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary fantasy literature. Born in December 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sanderson discovered his passion for epic fantasy in eighth grade and transformed from a reluctant reader into a master storyteller.

Sanderson wrote 13 novels before selling his debut, Elantris, in 2005, demonstrating the dedication that would define his career. He is best known for the Cosmere fictional universe, an interconnected multiverse in which most of his fantasy novels are set, including the acclaimed Mistborn saga and The Stormlight Archive series. His innovative approach to magic systems—popularizing the concepts of "hard magic" and "soft magic" through Sanderson's Laws of Magic - has revolutionized how fantasy authors approach worldbuilding.

In 2013, Sanderson won a Hugo Award for Best Novella for The Emperor's Soul, cementing his reputation for excellence. He was chosen by Harriet McDougal Rigney to complete Robert Jordan's beloved Wheel of Time series, delivering three volumes that honored Jordan's vision while showcasing Sanderson's own talents. His 2022 Kickstarter campaign became the most successful of all time, raising over $41 million from 185,341 backers for four secret novels written during the pandemic.

Beyond epic fantasy, Sanderson has created multiple bestselling series including The Reckoners, Skyward, and Alcatraz, demonstrating his versatility across young adult and middle-grade fiction. He teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University and co-hosts the acclaimed Writing Excuses podcast, mentoring the next generation of fantasy authors.

Sanderson describes himself as a "master worldbuilder, able to construct intricate fantastical landscapes and characters on the page while bringing that same flair to his business strategy and fandom." Through his company Dragonsteel Entertainment, he creates immersive fan experiences while maintaining partnerships with traditional publishers Tor and Gollancz, bridging indie and mainstream publishing in unprecedented ways.