Lecture #12: Publishing Part One - Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

[@cbpd89]

Am I a writer? No. Will I ever be a writer? No. Do I still watch every one of these lectures from start to finish? Hells yeah,I do!

[@davidchs2821]

I'm sure this holds true for established writers too!

[@Giino]

Same. Haha

[@zackaryjackson4568]

Hang in there bro! You are a writer if you can write. It doesn’t matter what level of success you achieve

[@xChikyx]

but you could 😏

[@zackaryjackson4568]

Chiky Scares You Yeah yeah ya could.

[@tobslobe]

i re-watch these videos, still cant believe they are free. Perfect for the drop out who wishes to quit construction to become a fantasy writer.

[@kamuelalee]

Perfect for the college graduate who might have learned writing and English lit in school but was never taught about turning a story into a saleable book. Amazing stuff here.

[@alexanderwheeler3943]

Similar path. I don't work construction, but a similar type of grind that I don't want to be stuck in the rest of my life

[@jodieharth]

He says earlier on construction (or other tasks like housework) are great for exploring stories in your head as your mind can wander and explore. I work behind a pc and have meetings frequently so pause and play videos are better for me for now!

[@gudgud]

Good luck!

[@jerowns]

Did you just describe my live up until now? The amount of hours of audiobooks that pass my ears while in the workshop is huge. Love to have my hands working while my mind is absorbing but when I’m home my mind still goes on raging with ideas without a clear objective

[@genmaicha_]

Lecture starts at 4:48

[@forwhy8723]

THANKS

[@xChikyx]

you're the MVP unfortunately I discovered the comment just as the lecture begun

[@henbane2247]

Thanks!

[@MarcosGarcia-et1qu]

Thank you

[@morganlucchi]

Audio starts at around 3:00 Lesson starts at 4:50

[@rehanzaheer21]

Thanks man

[@nachmanfriedland509]

Thanks!

[@haidner]

Thanks!

[@Tiger47962]

thanks

[@danielb270]

NOTE TO ADAM: The title is not matching the other lecture titles, future viewers might get confused

[@Jackolantirn]

The title is not matching the other lecture titles. I, as a future viewer, was confused.

[@Mikeztarp]

I concur. If I hadn't seen the whiteboard, I would have thought this was another signing video.

[@b0hemianrage414]

@@Mikeztarp the Whiteboard was the clue for me too!

[@gabrielbassani3365]

Can confirm, was confused

[@LordXamon]

Also is not in the playlist

[@user-ke6um5to8c]

“Your mileage may value.” -Brandon Sanderson, best-selling author

[@lady_draguliana784]

😂

[@bob.justbob.3875]

sound begins 3:05

[@TheKrazyLobster]

Doing God's work.

[@Pocolas]

Thank you

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

You da real MVP

[@OfficialCarlaLorraine]

Thank you!

[@Artikhun]

We need to bump this guy up the comment section.

[@joshramirez7]

Brandon is just a good guy. Love that he teaches college and writes a couple books a year. You can tell that he is generally interested and knowledgable in the subject matter. Thanks Brandon and Adam for sharing with everyone stuck in doors at the moment.

[@alascala1544]

Genuinely?

[@c.m.9613]

Casually says, “…because my advances are so astronomically huge.” 😂 I love how down to earth he is about his success. It’s rare to see someone do free lectures while they’re currently one of the top people in their field.

[@generalbismark7163]

Did i just hear Brandon practically writes faster then his Editor edits? I wouldn't be surprised.

[@yohei72]

As an aspiring author, I find this the most useful general introduction to the publishing world I've ever come across. Also, it's terrifying.

[@zeonthedigger6851]

As someone in the same place - yup. Useful and terrifying at the same time. It's a hard and terrible fact that as an introverted writer it involves so much socialization.

[@PMLectures888]

Also in the same boat. Also spooked. :O

[@odotawaissaku3755]

@@zeonthedigger6851 Dont forget, this is books. The editors and all are probably introverts too hahaha

[@zeonthedigger6851]

@@odotawaissaku3755 Great point honestly

[@TheMightofDab]

Necroing this to ask the guys who'll get a notification for this; how's your journey into authorship going? Any progress to report?

[@miketacos9034]

I personally think these lectures are fantastic, but your mileage may value.

[@I_Cant_Hear_You_]

I love the Elantris publishing story near the end. Shows Joshua’s talents if he was being able to go from 5k for 1 book to 20k for 2 books. He sounds like an exceptional agent.

[@carolclement8322]

Brandon Sanderson is such a good storyteller, even this lecture on publishing is riveting, lol

[@UkuleleProductions]

I'm totaly fine, with hearing, its hard to sell your book. Cause I belive in my work, and will do everything I can, to archive my goal. The real soulcrushing thing, is to realise, that I write in German, and its so much harder, to be successful as an artist, if you do not speak english nativly. To all you english speakers out there: Be thankful for this gift! It makes a lot of things so much easier for you!

[@MRJTD99]

Best of luck to you, buddy. Your English looks great to me, polish it up a bit and you should be ready to go!!!!

[@sisselalmgren4396]

Just publish it in Germany! I’m writing in Swedish, for the Swedish market, and see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t trade my mother tongue for anything in the world.

[@Ch-thalassa]

Hearing you write it in German makes me interested. Maybe just me.

[@jameskilgour387]

Definitely harder, but not impossible. Andrzrej Sapkowski is one of the most successful fantasy authors and he wrote in a much smaller language.

[@SirThomasJames]

Same but worse. I’m Dutch.

[@brettd2308]

29:30 Just as a little addition to this, as someone who as queried recently, most agents & editors these days ask for a sample to be included with the initial query. Usually the first 5 pages, sometimes more. So things have definitely shifted more towards "let me have a look at the writing right away" instead of just "good business letter".

[@AndrewJSimpson]

You’re a good dude and I’m happy of all the good things that have and will come your way.

[@Huhgundai399]

He could charge so much money for this - and people would pay it. Props to Brandon for giving everyone access to it.

[@evanmhardin]

Went from having no idea about how to go about publishing my novel to feeling like I’m ready to start the process. Thank you Brandon.

[@FatCandyProduction]

Daniel Greene offered, in the chat of your last signing stream, to drive up to your location to purpose build you a streaming setup. You might want to take him up on that and make a video out of this collab aswel (;

[@asteroidmonger]

Written more since I found this playlist about three weeks ago than in the last couple of years. You are so awesome for offering this content. Thank you!

[@ipodjockey2432]

Thank you that was incredibly informative. Now to finish a book...

[@rebeccawilliams8439]

It's so amazing that he shares all this for non-students. It helps SO much!

[@nicolag5254]

Impressively well done video: - extremely well organized, - deeply explained, - very time effective for the amount of information shared. Thanks a lot for sharing it!

[@Rockblue01]

Hehe--I'm a teacher and I can see Brandon getting info from the team at 20:00 :D balancing three thoughts in his head at the same time--keep going, Brandon!!!

[@travelien9238]

Brandon's books are the first that I could not put down in a while. I devoured Skyward and Starsight in a matter of a week and have since fallen in love with his other books. His lectures have been a joy and never fail to point out something new I had yet to consider in my own writing.

[@MaxCadyS]

Skyward/Starsight are great, but feel as if they're sorta in young adult territory. The Stormlight Archive and the Mistborn series are the gold standard of modern fantasy.

[@isabellacangemi5329]

So glad I found this author. If anyone would like to know more about Publishing from the POV of someone who is recently breaking in check Alexa Donne

[@boringstorythings7855]

I have waited a long time for this class. Stoked to finally watch it 😁 Not a student officially, but I am a student unofficially

[@Zachsharp]

Great video. Never stop teaching, I love every lesson.

[@arjunkramadhati8910]

I have reached the end of the course and I don't want it to end! The most interesting class ever! I cannot thank you enough for sharing this with the world (that too for free!). You are the best Brandon Sanderson!!!

[@MDMarc777]

yesterday i saw a dude call you BrandoSando on instagram, now , i love it and i love you more

[@vic2rvic]

I love Brandon. He's just a genuinely nice guy who is incredibly talented.

[@themindstream]

Re: Absolute Write - It's still going! There were a lot of serious technical issues around December/January (3 months prior to this recording) and the site was suffering prolonged downtime, which might explain Brandon's uncertainty.

[@VickGaza]

It blows my mind this is up for free, man I could never afford going to US to learn from Brandon, thank you so much for posting this online, unbelievable !

[@htasul]

These lectures have been so incredibly helpful to us all. Thank you for making them publicly available!

[@lauracollis7439]

This is the most comprehensive video I’ve seen on the publishing process. Extremely helpful! Thank you so much for posting!

[@johnw.nicholswithgodandyou4035]

I was hoping you’d be able to continue teaching. Thanks for this, Brandon!

[@Chaos.Collector]

Brandon and team, thank you very much for being such an outstanding resource to the sci-fi/fantasy community. As someone who wants to get a book published one day, this is very helpful to me. Your work is appreciated.

[@Dragonfu666]

Me: I guess I'll watch the first 5 minutes before bed **1 hour and 7 minutes later**

[@yonatanyonatano1192]

Dragonfu666 especially since most of the first 5 minutes is either nothing or silence

[@Dragonfu666]

@@yonatanyonatano1192 It was the silence before the firehose!

[@Madlymarmalade]

I'm so glad I found your channel. You've been the most helpful resource. I write, and I'm published, but only as an undergrad scientist. Scientific writing & creative writing... Two very different beasts.

[@StefanEnslin]

I loved this firehose format. Also great job on sorting out the technical issues Adam, you are the MVP of the stream. I can't wait for the next one.

[@acastsaca]

Much thanks and much respect to Brandon & all those who help him to keep these going!

[@camdonkus]

These videos are so so helpful. I’ve watched and rewatched this series so many times, I can’t get enough!

[@hollyseymour2029]

Thank you so much for your videos. Having listened to your lectures has given me better understanding of where I had been going wrong with my writings and a much better view of how to make them better

[@bryceensminger9475]

Mr, Sanderson breaking it down, love it

[@beast6213]

not a student, but thoroughly enjoying and learning from all your lectures! Thank you so much for posting!

[@wofmanpt18]

Thank you so much for this! I am a huge fan of yours, your voice is so awesome. Again, thank you so much for spreading knowledge!

[@bowmanmccullough3759]

So helpful, love this. Thank you, Brandon!

[@aboutbooks1843]

Brandon, thank you so much for this information! It's so valuable and it's great to compare myself with you and understand how far I am on this journey. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Brandylazalde]

Thanks, Brandon 💙

[@Lorecastapendragon]

thank you Mr Sanderson as a new fantasy author, I needed the advice.

[@SarahJaneWeldon]

Thank you so much for sharing these classes, really helpful and inspiring for all authors.

[@penkaur]

such a clear mind, I admire that

[@Ariakiri_]

Brandon, if you ever read these comments, thank you so much for putting this literal treasure trove of information on KZbin. It's helping me so much with navigating this industry, with understanding what to expect, all the hoops and hurdles; and most importantly, it's helping us all towards the goal of becoming better writers. It's giving me so much hope and inspiration to keep going, and hopefully someday you'll be able to read some of my work as well (And it's going to be on the longer side, a fun sci-fi/fantasy epic ;) ). You're doing the good work, man. Thank you!

[@atticusrex2691]

This was more uplifting than soul crushing. Glad I made myself watch it and get the dose of reality

[@BBL_NL]

Brandon, thanks! It's not so much what you say, although that's valuable as well. It's he way you talk that gets me writing and be exiting about writing. Super!

[@shawncalderon4950]

I am not a student but think you are one of the greatest writers of all time! Just finish storm light archive for the second time and love love love it!

[@levikemper9158]

Thanks brandon! Feed us with the fire hose man, dont apologise! More is better, we can always rewatch!

[@jojolloyd3975]

Amazing Brandon

[@reelscreenwriting8940]

Keep up the content, this stuff is great.

[@Nic0maK]

I'm a French guy watching these lectures on how to write a book ... And I just had that "nightmarish" thought crossing my mind about me, having written zip so far, writing the whole damn thing in English as Brandon mentioned the English-speaking market. I ask myself could I do that ?? Would I be insane enough ?? And you know what? I'm a computer programmer, writing code all day for a living. Remember what was said about the compatibility of this with writing ?! The thing is it feels like it's kinda doable in a way; that's probably where I forget all the "globerish&Frenglish" I'd have to unlearn, plus all the rest I still have to learn, and all the other steps ... Well that was a nice thought.

[@karissahammond4587]

I mean, your English seems pretty good to me. I think you should definitely give novel writing a shot!

[@Nic0maK]

@karissahammond4587 well thank you, I sure will give it a shot. But i'll start by publishing something in my own language. Which is hard enough. Then, who knows ? I just read a story from a French author trying to publish a book In the US. A book that was very successful in France. The publishers wanted to make the translation themselves. But obviously to get there, they need to read the book first, and they don't read French... so he published it in the UK, then in the US. But the text had been heavily modified, poorly translated.

[@karissahammond4587]

@Nic0maK Starting by publishing in your own language sounds like a good plan to me. I really hope that the eventual translation process goes more smoothly for you than those examples. As an English speaker in the US, I'd love to read translations of foreign books. I know that faithful translations of foreign books have flavors and perspectives I just don't get anywhere else. They're enriching. I hope to see yours at the bookstore someday!

[@TheKrazyLobster]

GOSH DARN IT! I MISSED THE LIVE CLASS!

[@joseyerayalmeidaalmeida]

I LOVE changing paradigm person!!

[@adolin.kholin]

maybe I’ll have to readjust my entire sleeping schedule so i can catch the next livestream 🤔 would 100% be worth it.

[@Crowka274]

FANTASTIC, I SALUTE YOU SIR.

[@billyalarie929]

30:57 i KNOW he said "and then you can pitch to them" but that's NOT what it sounded like....

[@reagame8700]

I heard it to, but just because I read this comment right before!

[@howardkoor9365]

He knows so much

[@nikkiguerlain]

Thank you so much!

[@rustamov6097]

Брендон Спасибо вам за замечательные произведения, недавно прочёл Рожденые туманом, и начал читать двурожденных, это одно из самых интересных произведений что я читал 👍🏻спасибо Брандон

[@pootie3181]

true

[@zeewann]

Great info!

[@nicklang6798]

I used Absolute write around 08. Very good source and forms

[@zacharythorp6095]

Huh, now that one episode of The Owl House (2021-2023) where King becomes a bestselling author now makes *so* much sense. Also, great information, even 3 years later!

[@EBgCampos]

Mechanical Engineer here. I love firehose lectures, keep them comming. Joke aside, the denser the better.

[@Obyvvatel]

The title format should be the same as the rest.

[@MetalGildarts]

Im not even at BYU(used to though), but I’m here!

[@connerpeterson1119]

25:40 I appreciate how he dances around it, then just vaguely says "Scott Lynch's series."

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@AcidicDelusion]

Brandon you beautiful beast

[@LockNLoadStudios]

Brandy Sandy is the highest quality for uploading these.

[@bryceharriet9209]

I have stared into the abyss and didn’t blink. I am ready.

[@jerowns]

After all these lectures my mind sees a story in everything. Watching a fly flying through my house and suddenly disappearing from my vision “flies have portals, like spiders. You see them, keep them in your sight. *blink* they’re gone! Where have they gone? Something’s crawling down my neck? AAH! *passes out*”

[@Darren-rd6if]

A question coming from a newbie. What about novel competitions e.g. Bath novel award or bookpipeline? Given it wasn’t mentioned I expect it is not the right way, but most competitions promise exposure to publishers. Just thought I would ask. I loved watching this series, by the way. Fantastic access to 20+ years of expertise. Thanks Brandon.

[@BlakeStackman]

Hi there. Looking forward.

[@jkoiranen]

Speech starts around 3:12 in case you're wondering.

[@FrankD90210]

My first advance was for a novel 13 years ago from a major publisher. I got a $5k advance and the "marketing push" was a cd-rom with tips on doing the marketing myself. Such is life... Lol.

[@eileenfarao8457]

Not a student. Happy to be here. I really appreciate all the fantastic tips from Brandon and watching these videos. Question to all of you aspiring writer-viewers: is there a community of us that can come together and share tips in navigating next steps in the process? Because of COVID-19, I would assume there is a virtual space where people gather...? I am 200+ pages into writing my Fantasy genre book. Looking for my community. BTW, I am a big WoT nerd.

[@PiratePrinceEdward]

I'm going to say exact what I say with Indy Game Publishing - that has several thousand releases per day - a statistic is not a probability. Success depends on hard work and dedication, and priming yourself over and over and over again.

[@ysgramornorris2452]

Dragon-headed Hokusai wave FTW!

[@matthumphreys5175]

Thank you for making these public. Has the lecture on Indie Publishing come out yet? I couldn't find it but might be missing it.

[@Dracsius]

Is there any book about how mid-list entertainment has been wiped out in the last 20-30 years? This is so true for books and movies. For the latter you only have the tentpole blockbusters and the indie films, no mid-budgets anymore. The same reasoning could be applied to all sections of contemporary life, think of restaurants (luxury or streetfood) and clothes (cheap sales or high fashion) for instance. All of which kind of reflects the decadence of the middle class and the transformation of the world in a small island for the lucky few, the rest being adrift in the ruthless tide. Any suggestions?

[@danielb270]

Any chance to see your short story from the previous lecture?

[@AkashSingh-jv5im]

Would definitely want to see it.

[@aaroncompton9283]

it's currently with an editor and map maker and will be published as a 5-part saga in the fall

[@AkashSingh-jv5im]

@@aaroncompton9283 Damn. Nice!

[@Trisjack20]

@@aaroncompton9283 Best answer ever!

[@Greendalewitch]

@@aaroncompton9283 Only 5 part saga?

[@ggscv]

Sound comes in at 3:00

[@CasualCreed]

When does Way of Kings come out in Leatherbound? (heard some stuff about Kickstarter this summer?)

[@UkuleleProductions]

Realy sorry, that the girls weren't able to hold their lecture. I think its always awesome to give someone the chance to speak in front of such a big audience!

[@01FNG]

god bless

[@samuels.g.8777]

Is it different if you live in a non english speaking country and are trying to sell to say the American market in English? Does living far away from the possible editor or agent affect the process?

[@Wordhaven]

Can't remember which video it was in this series; does anyone know the book he mentions where there isn't really rules to the magic but it's just really charming anyway because of the whimsy of it? It was called like enchantment or something or rather, but i didn't think it was the Scott Card book.

[@MajorJack92]

He talked about Hard Magic and Soft Magic in one of the worldbuilding lectures, I'm 99% sure

[@valeriejackson5997]

Is there anywhere you could announce where these livestreams are going to happen so people who want to watch them live won’t miss them? For once the time lined up with when I was able to, but I had no idea it was happening.

[@Grondhammar]

Was about to ask this, but it seemed like such basic info -- especially these days. Can't find a schedule anywhere though.

[@readerturnedwriter]

I didn't see an announcement for this one (maybe because it's his class and they're still figuring it out), but I follow him in Facebook and he has announced livestreams there in the past.

[@mandygibson5601]

Hey, question for Brandon or anyone else who's willing to answer. I don't know if it will be answered somewhere, but in case it isn't here it is. For sending out sample chapters, do you send ones near the beginning or ones with more action from randomly in the book? I ask because my best writing is in the action scenes that have spoilers to the story. And I was unsure what would be the best sample to send when I get there.

[@KennethTopp]

Hi Brandon, been watching your lectures and love Them however how do I as a danish guy writing in English go about getting an agent for the English speaking market?

[@r.brooks5287]

Look up UK agents (they all have websites) and follow their specific instructions carefully. Get your manuscript Beta read by some English (as first language) speakers beforehand preferably UK Beta readers. I'm assuming your book is set in Denmark. If it's set in The US or has an American protagonist then you might be better beginning with US agents (and American Beta readers). Don't worry, the English speaking market all links up well in this. Hope this helps; I'm not in the industry (fellow writer) but I've watched a lot of youtube on this subject.

[@KennethTopp]

@@r.brooks5287 oh it takes place in a Fantasy world. No real world stuff here.