Interview with Brandon Sanderson

Elantris is the living proof that the internet can provide a lot of exposure for a book. Do you feel that most publishers don't yet understand the full potential of this tool, in terms of exploiting the wealth of fantasy-related websites, message boards, and blogs?

Brandon: Oh, I'm sure of it. That's not surprising, though. You see, publishers have generally been a bit behind when it comes to marketing and the like. It's just a factor of the business. The Tor publicity department is actually rather small.

The problem is that spending lots on promoting a book--especially a genre book--has proven to provide few returns. However, I think that a little could go a long way in the internet area. The big problem, I guess, is that the editors and publicists are already swamped!

Since you already have a vast number of books already written, are you shopping those manuscripts around as we speak?

Brandon: Well, here's the thing on that. I always want to be publishing my most current, and therefore best, work. So, I kind of look at those old books as places from which to mine ideas (I stole the magic for MISTBORN, for instance, from one of those books.) However, I think that if I published them, people would notice the decrease in quality, and that would be bad for my career.

I've toyed with posting them on my website. That may still happen. However, for right now, I'm only shopping manuscripts I wrote in the last few years.

What current fantasy authors do you read and enjoy?

Brandon: Robin Hobb, L.E. Modesitt Jr., David Farland, George R. R. Martin, and Orson Scott Card are just a few. Recently, I've been reading in young adult, since I feel I don't know enough about that genre. I recently read and enjoyed The Golden Compass and Howl's Moving Castle.

Are there any lesser known or new writers you'd like to tell us more about?

Brandon: Sure. Check out Tobias Buckell if you want another good, original new fantasy author. Also, someone to watch for is Eric James Stone. He's primarily a short story writer, but each story I've read by him has been excellent.

Many thanks again for doing this. I wish you continued success with your career, and may the paperback release of Elantris bring you even more readers!

Brandon: Thanks for asking me! This was a great interview.

Brandon

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Interview by Patrick
fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com