I must start with a disclosure: I am an avid fan of Brandon Sanderson’s work. While this may make me a little biased in his favor, I’m sure that every other member of his veritable army of fans would agree Sanderson has absolutely earned a right to this bias.
Sanderson is one of the most prolific fiction authors of our time and has released at least one, and often more than one, full length novel every year since he was first published in 2005. Sanderson has written in every genre from science fiction to superheroes to middle grade fiction to classical fantasy, but the crown jewel of Sanderson’s resume is his ongoing galactic fantasy universe. Known as the Cosmere, this universe spans a host of planets and centuries of history on a literary scale akin to that of film’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Cosmere revolves around the death of a god-like being whose power is divided amongst its 16 killers. The killers then disperse, taking their newfound power and unique intentions with them, to sow the seeds of creation, chaos and magic across the galaxy. Hallmarked by expansive worldbuilding, detailed magic, diverse characters, curious cameos and snowballing Sanderlanche finales, the Cosmere has already defined Sanderson’s style and literary legacy even as it continues to grow.
However, in his yearly update this past December, Sanderson released the disappointing news that he would be reeling back the rate of his releases; in particular, the highly anticipated eighth installment in his breakthrough series, Mistborn, would be delayed until 2028. Like many artists who achieve ever-elusive stardom, Sanderson acknowledged that his success has created the opportunity for him to step back, ensure the quality of his work and to give himself a little more space to breathe. Yet somehow, this cliché explanation manages to soothe the anticipation of the masses into acceptance, however reluctant that acceptance may be.
It can certainly be argued that there are no higher priorities for an artist, or for any person, than good work and self-care. It is also fair to say that Sanderson’s fans really have no other choice but to wait; the books will come out whenever they do, and when they do, the fans can read them. But, in this case, there is more than simple pragmatism. Just as the Cosmere defines the hallmarks of Sanderson's writing, the very report that delivered the disappointing news to fans exemplifies the hallmark of Sanderson’s stardom: progress over product.
Sanderson is extremely active on social media; he posts regularly on Instagram, runs a Youtube channel where he records weekly updates and at the end of every year since 2010, he has written up a lengthy webpage detailing the progress of his stories and his company. This keeps his process transparent and his fans informed, so that they know when to expect the release of his content, and can understand why the content is released when it is. Beyond his fictional worlds, Sanderson builds an intimate trust with his readership that brings them through the fold of his community and into his work itself.
It is in no small part because of this philosophy that Sanderson has financed a handful of original books and special editions entirely through crowdfunding and hosts his own special Sanderson-themed convention. Sanderson wants his readers to have a hand in the realization of his stories, and without a doubt, his fans love him for it. The Kickstarter campaign in which Sanderson released his first four Secret Project novels holds the record for the most successful Kickstarter of all time. Meanwhile, since it premiered in 2022, Sanderson’s convention has received similarly overwhelming support with tickets that never fail to quickly sell out.
Another prime example of this was the immediate information outbreak when, on Jan. 28, 2026, the Hollywood Reporter announced that the film and television rights to Sanderson’s Cosmere had been sold to Apple TV. In his yearly recaps, Sanderson has included information regarding the possible screen adaptations of his novels which has given his fans a fair idea of when to go on the alert. So, even before other news stations spread the story, Sanderson fans with a careful ear to the ground had already released a whole host of ecstatic posts to celebrate the deal. Later that very day, Sanderson sent his own announcement as a compilation of fan posts that captured the community’s enthusiasm.
While Sanderson’s books and stories may be what draw people in, it's his consistent choice to include his fans in the art of creation that earns his fans’ dedication for life. By allowing every reader to be a part of not only his worlds, but his process as well, Sanderson invites his fans to join him along the journey before they meet him at the destination. And, because of the trust and community that Sanderson has built, I know I am only one of many who will accept this invitation, however long (or slow) the journey will be.
Wyatt Tamamoto is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at wkt22@cornell.edu.
