Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is a bestselling American novelist whose work spans epic fantasy, science fiction, and books for younger readers. His stories are known for detailed worlds, clear magic systems, and connected plots. Publishers report that his books have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.
Who Is Brandon Sanderson?
Brandon Sanderson is a bestselling American novelist whose work spans epic fantasy, science fiction, and books for younger readers. His stories are known for detailed worlds, clear magic systems, and connected plots. Publishers report that his books have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.
| Full name | Brandon Sanderson |
| Date of birth | December 19, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years old as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Lincoln, Nebraska, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Author and creative writing teacher |
| Education | Master’s degree in creative writing, Brigham Young University |
| Wife | Emily Bushman |
| Children | Three sons |
| Residence | Utah, United States |
| Known for | Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, the Cosmere, and The Wheel of Time |
| Debut novel | Elantris, published in May 2005 |
How Old Is Brandon Sanderson?
Brandon Sanderson is 50 years old as of 2026. He was born on December 19, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska. His birthday falls late in the year, so he will turn 51 on December 19, 2026.
What Was Brandon Sanderson’s Early Life Like?
Sanderson grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, with one brother and two sisters. He lost interest in many books adults recommended until an eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. Reeder, gave him Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly.
The novel changed his view of reading and led him to fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, Melanie Rawn, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, and Orson Scott Card.
He began writing fantasy stories while still in school. Although his first attempts did not satisfy him, he kept writing and learned by reading widely and finishing projects.
What Did Brandon Sanderson Study at Brigham Young University?
Sanderson entered Brigham Young University in 1994 as a biochemistry major. From 1995 to 1997, he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seoul, South Korea. He returned to BYU, changed his major to English, and later earned a master’s degree in creative writing in 2004.
While studying, he worked nights as a hotel desk clerk so he could write between shifts. He completed seven novels during his undergraduate years and served as editor in chief of BYU’s science fiction and fantasy magazine, The Leading Edge, during his senior year.
Who Is Brandon Sanderson’s Wife?
Brandon Sanderson is married to Emily Bushman, whom he met through a mutual friend after their time at BYU. Emily was a teacher before joining the family business. Sanderson’s official biography says she later worked as his business manager, and a recent company update identifies her as Dragonsteel’s chief operating officer.
The couple have three sons and live in Utah. Sanderson keeps his children largely out of public view, so detailed information about them is limited.
What Is Brandon Sanderson’s Religion, and Does It Shape His Books?
Sanderson is a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has said his faith shapes his interests and sense of right and wrong, but he does not write fiction to preach a religious message.
Instead, he uses characters with different beliefs to explore how faith, doubt, and moral choices affect people.
What Are Brandon Sanderson’s Most Famous Books?
Sanderson is best known for the Mistborn saga and The Stormlight Archive, two major fantasy series that show different sides of his writing. His first published novel, Elantris, appeared in May 2005. Other popular titles include Warbreaker, Tress of the Emerald Sea, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, The Rithmatist, Steelheart, and the Skyward series.
He also writes for younger readers. The Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians books target middle-grade readers, while the Reckoners and Skyward series mix science fiction with superhero and adventure themes.
What Is the Cosmere in Brandon Sanderson’s Books?
The Cosmere is a shared fictional universe that connects many of Sanderson’s fantasy novels. Elantris, Warbreaker, Mistborn, and The Stormlight Archive take place on different worlds but share a larger history and set of rules. Characters and ideas sometimes cross between stories, rewarding readers who follow the connections.
Not every Sanderson book belongs to the Cosmere. Skyward, The Reckoners, Alcatraz, and his work on The Wheel of Time are separate projects. Most Cosmere novels can still be read on their own because their connections are often background details.
In What Order Should You Read Brandon Sanderson’s Books?
There is no required order for all of Sanderson’s books. His official reading guide suggests choosing a starting point based on the kind of story you enjoy, since most series can be read independently.
- For a strong first series, begin with Mistborn: The Final Empire, then read The Well of Ascension and The Hero of Ages.
- For epic fantasy, start The Stormlight Archive with The Way of Kings, followed by Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, and Wind and Truth.
- For a shorter introduction, try The Emperor’s Soul, the novella that won Sanderson a Hugo Award.
- For a standalone Cosmere story, consider Elantris, Warbreaker, or Tress of the Emerald Sea.
How Did Brandon Sanderson Finish The Wheel of Time?
Sanderson completed the final three novels of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time after Jordan died in 2007. Jordan left notes and material for the ending, while his widow and editor, Harriet McDougal, helped guide the project. Sanderson treated the books as a continuation of Jordan’s story, not as his own series.
The books were The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (January 2013). The assignment introduced Sanderson to a much wider fantasy readership and became a defining step in his career.
What Did Brandon Sanderson’s Kickstarter Campaign Achieve?
Sanderson’s 2022 Kickstarter campaign for four surprise novels raised $41,754,153 from 185,341 backers, setting a Guinness World Records mark for the most money pledged to a Kickstarter project. It reached its $1 million goal in less than 35 minutes. The four novels were later released as the Secret Projects.
His later crowdfunding campaigns used BackerKit, not Kickstarter. The 2024 Words of Radiance leatherbound campaign raised more than $23.7 million, and the 2026 Hoid’s Storybook Collection raised about $11.96 million. These are project pledges, not figures for Sanderson’s personal income.
Which Brandon Sanderson Books Are New in 2026?
Blightfall, written with Janci Patterson, was published on September 1, 2026. It begins Riftwake, a new series in the wider Cytoverse and a follow-up to the Skyward setting.
The Fires of December is a new standalone Cosmere novel told in Hoid’s voice. Sanderson announced it as his sixth Secret Project, and his 2025 annual update scheduled its commercial edition for December 2026. It was also part of the March 2026 Hoid’s Storybook Collection campaign.
When Will The Stormlight Archive Book 6 Be Released?
Sanderson plans The Stormlight Archive as a ten-book series split into two five-book arcs. Wind and Truth, published in December 2024, closed the first arc. The next five books are expected to focus on other characters after a break in the series.
As of October 30, 2026, he has not announced a confirmed release date for book six. In his December 2025 update, he said early work on the book could happen in the next few years. Older projected dates should not be treated as a firm schedule.
Are Brandon Sanderson’s Books Becoming Movies or TV Shows?
Yes. In 2026, Apple TV secured adaptation rights connected to the Cosmere. Mistborn is being developed as a feature film, while The Stormlight Archive is being considered for television. Sanderson has said he wants to remain closely involved in the screen versions of his work.
On July 28, 2026, he announced that the first draft of the Mistborn screenplay was complete. This is an important step, but filming has not been announced. No release date or completed cast announcement had been confirmed by the article date.
What Awards Has Brandon Sanderson Won?
Sanderson won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novella for The Emperor’s Soul. Writing Excuses, the writing podcast he co-hosts, also won the 2013 Hugo for Best Related Work for its seventh season. He received the David Gemmell Legend Award in 2011 for The Way of Kings.
His books have also earned major bestseller placements. Publishers report that his work has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.
What Is Brandon Sanderson’s Net Worth?
Sanderson’s exact net worth has not been confirmed in a reliable public financial record. Online estimates vary and should not be treated as verified figures. His book sales, publishing company, and crowdfunding campaigns show a successful business, but they do not reveal his personal assets, costs, taxes, or ownership arrangements.
The distinction matters because the $41.75 million raised by his 2022 Kickstarter was pledged to a project with production and fulfillment costs. It was not the same as personal profit or net worth.
How Does Brandon Sanderson Teach Writing?
Sanderson teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University and shares recorded lectures on science fiction and fantasy. His lessons cover character, plot, worldbuilding, and the business of publishing. He also hosts Writing Excuses, a short-form podcast with fellow writers Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells.
His teaching explains the craft behind his novels, including how story rules shape conflict and how writers can plan a clear structure before drafting.
For more from this author cluster, read the biographies of Stephen King, Colleen Hoover, Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, John Green, Anne Rice, Danielle Steel and Steve Hamilton.
Brandon Sanderson’s Influence and Legacy
Sanderson has expanded modern fantasy through long-form storytelling, connected fictional worlds, and direct reader support. His work on The Wheel of Time introduced him to a wider audience, while the Cosmere gives readers a larger story to explore across separate novels.
His career also shows how an author can combine traditional publishing with independent projects, teaching, podcasts, and fan events. With new books and screen adaptations in development, Sanderson remains an active voice in fantasy and science fiction.
