Portrait of American fantasy author Brandon Sanderson taken on June 3, 2011.
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Prolific fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson's publishing campaign is now the most funded project in Kickstarter's history.
Sanderson, who initially sought $1 million to self-publish four novels he wrote during the pandemic, has secured more than $20.8 million from 84,600 backers in just three days. The previous record holder was a smartwatch that generated $20.3 million in funds back in 2015.
There are 27 more days to go until Sanderson's campaign ends.
"Everyone, I'm supposed to write fantasy worlds — not live in them," Sanderson wrote to backers in a Kickstarter updated Friday.
Sanderson is best known for creating the Cosmere fictional universe, in which most of his novels are set. This includes the "Mistborn" series and "The Stormlight Archive." He also helped finish the final three novels in Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" book series, which was recently turned into television series byAmazon.
The Kickstarter offers backers four new novels, three of which are set in Cosmere, as digital e-books, audio books or physical copies based on their donation level. People who spend over a certain threshold will also receive eight monthly subscription boxes of items related to Sanderson's work.
As the owner of a small book company named Dragonsteel Entertainment, Sanderson used the crowdfunding site as a way to drum up enough funds to meet demand and so that he could offer a yearlong subscription box service.
Part of the intrigue of this Kickstarter campaign is that Sanderson has revealed very little about the plot of the four novels. He has managed to foster enough clout in the industry from his previous works that backers don't seem worried about the quality of the products they will receive. In fact, this secrecy seems to be part of the appeal.
"Who would have thought that a group of quirky stories could rival — then topple — technological innovations and beloved game projects," Sanderson wrote. "I'm floored. And you did this all without even knowing what you were getting, save that I promised you it was awesome."
Correction: Brandon Sanderson's book company is Dragonsteel Entertainment. A previous version of this story misspelled the name.
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Greetings! My friends, when it comes to the realm of fantasy literature, few can rival the mastery of Brandon Sanderson. I've been immersed in his works, traversing the intricate landscapes of the Cosmere universe and witnessing the magic woven into the "Mistborn" series and "The Stormlight Archive." But let me not merely proclaim my enthusiasm; let's delve into the evidence.
Brandon Sanderson's recent Kickstarter triumph is a testament to his unparalleled connection with his audience. Seeking a humble $1 million to self-publish four novels crafted during the pandemic, he has not only met but exceeded expectations, amassing a staggering $20.8 million from a devoted legion of 84,600 backers in just three days. This isn't a mere achievement; it's a record-breaking feat, surpassing the previous Kickstarter high set by a smartwatch in 2015.
Now, let's talk about the heart of Sanderson's literary domain—the Cosmere. This expansive fictional universe serves as the backdrop for most of his novels, including the aforementioned "Mistborn" series and "The Stormlight Archive." Not to mention, Sanderson played a pivotal role in completing Robert Jordan's magnum opus, "The Wheel of Time," recently adapted into an Amazon television series.
As the maestro behind Dragonsteel Entertainment, Sanderson utilized Kickstarter not just to publish his works but to meet the overwhelming demand and introduce a yearlong subscription box service. Backers can immerse themselves in four new novels, shrouded in mystery, offered in various formats based on their support level—digital e-books, audio books, or cherished physical copies. And for those who go above and beyond, a treasure trove awaits in the form of eight monthly subscription boxes filled with items inspired by Sanderson's captivating worlds.
What's truly fascinating is the aura of secrecy surrounding the plot of these novels. Despite revealing little, Sanderson's established reputation in the industry has cultivated a level of trust among backers. It's a testament to his storytelling prowess that supporters are not only untroubled by the lack of details but find it intriguing—a testament to the enigmatic allure of Sanderson's creations.
In closing, who could have predicted that in a world dominated by technological marvels and beloved gaming projects, a humble group of stories could rise, surpass, and triumph? Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter saga is a testament to the power of storytelling, trust, and the enchantment that comes from venturing into the unknown, armed only with the promise that it is, indeed, awesome.
