Unveiling the Cosmere: Brandon Sanderson's Strategic Publishing Approach
Celebrated fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson strategically kept the extensive connections within his sprawling Cosmere universe under wraps during the nascent stages of his career. This deliberate choice enabled him to secure publishing deals more readily, as each work could be presented as a self-contained story, even as he meticulously constructed a vast, interconnected narrative behind the scenes. This approach was crucial in navigating the publishing landscape before he achieved widespread recognition.
Sanderson disclosed on April 16th, via his YouTube channel, that his early literary efforts involved submitting individual novels rather than immediately revealing the overarching Cosmere framework. He emphasized the challenge aspiring authors face: a publisher’s rejection of a first book often makes it difficult to present subsequent installments from the same series. By crafting distinct, yet secretly linked, narratives, he could offer publishers fresh, standalone concepts, increasing his chances of acceptance, even if a previous work hadn't fully resonated with them.
Before his breakthrough with "Elantris" in 2005, Sanderson had penned 13 novels, most of which were presented as standalone works. However, influenced by expansive series like Robert Jordan’s "The Wheel of Time" and Anne McCaffrey’s "Dragonriders of Pern," he harbored ambitions to create his own monumental, interwoven saga. He began subtly integrating elements across his various manuscripts, envisioning them as components of a colossal mega-series, a strategy that would later become the foundation of the Cosmere.
The full scope of the Cosmere was not entirely solidified when "Elantris" was published, though the character Hoid, a recurrent figure in the universe, was already conceived. Following the success of "Elantris," Sanderson embarked on his first trilogy, "Mistborn," meticulously planning not only its narrative but also how it would seamlessly integrate with "Elantris" into a broader continuity. Initially, the Cosmere's lore is largely understated in the first "Mistborn" book, but its influence gradually becomes apparent as the trilogy progresses, culminating in the revelation that the planetary conflicts on Scadrial are rooted in a clash between the divine entities Ruin and Preservation.
Sanderson often likens his shared fictional universe to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some devoted readers feel compelled to consume every Cosmere-related text to fully track the interwoven plots and character arcs. Conversely, others prefer to focus on their favorite series, unconcerned with the myriad Easter eggs and deeper connections they might overlook. However, he does advise that to fully appreciate his most ambitious series, "The Stormlight Archive," readers would ideally benefit from prior engagement with "Mistborn" and "Warbreaker," given their intimate narrative ties.
Each individual series within the Cosmere is designed to be accessible and enjoyable on its own merits, without requiring prior knowledge of the larger universe. Readers can immerse themselves in a specific story, connect with its characters, and appreciate the narrative without delving into the broader interconnectedness. Yet, for those who seek a deeper engagement, the subtle links become increasingly significant and relevant as they explore more of the Cosmere, offering a richer, more complex experience for dedicated fans.