Brandon Sanderson-My Experience Submitting to Agents and Editors

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3 жыл бұрын

This is a segment from Live Signing Session #5. You can watch the whole clip here: • #5 - Brandon Sanderson...
The full question was: "As an aspiring author I am curious which you would submit to first, agents or publishers and how many did you send out when you were breaking in?"
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Пікірлер: 93

@jayoctopus8832 3 жыл бұрын

I was recommended your channel by a certain disheveled goblin host

@toenailairconditioner7406 3 жыл бұрын

House Green sends their regards.

@jayoctopus8832 3 жыл бұрын

Olivia Near Daniel Greene. I recommend him.

@Crafyeet 3 жыл бұрын

BAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA

@4xdblack 3 жыл бұрын

The idea of writing 12+ novels that effortlessly boggles my mind. I don't consider myself a slow writer, but I spend a lot of time outlining and trying to make the story as ironed out as possible, before I end up writing a trainwreck and having to edit it thousands of times. And that takes a good deal of time. I wish I had the ability to write that many novels in such a short amount of time. I have so many ideas already waiting for me to sit down and write it.

@sterlingmuse5808 3 жыл бұрын

To be fair, Brandon has spoken about this before. He basically had no social life AND was working a graveyard shift at a hotel where he could spend his free time writing constantly. I don't think that Brandon's work ethic comes without sacrifices; they were probably easier for him to make than they would be for some people.

@4xdblack 3 жыл бұрын

@@sterlingmuse5808 I mean, I also have no social life and I work a graveyard shift... Still can't imagine writing that much. I got burned out from the one year I did Nano and wrote 50k in one month.

@TunezCottage 3 жыл бұрын

Michael Connelly talked at a convention about like what he wished he had known earlier in his career and he said something along the lines of-I wish I had known to trust editors because they really do help, and make your job easier.- Before he had gotten an editor he did just that, rewrite a ton and obsess over details of his novels. I mean some people can be their own editors, but you gotta know your own weaknesses if you want to be an author because it's just about impossible to do everything yourself. It's a lot of work.

@gabrieldelarosacols8984 3 жыл бұрын

My god, this man is a blessing. Thank you for your advice!

@ragnarvolorus2925 3 жыл бұрын

It sounds Daunting to say the least. Ive been writing for well over a decade with the only motivation being writing worlds for me to enjoy solely. That being said, ive always wondered about possibly submitting my work properly, but this sounds soooooooo overwhelming that i think the reading world will just have to get by without my meager contributions. I suppose they will just have to make do with Writers like Brandon and others 🙄🙄 lol P.S. While im sure many of our current fantasy authors are generous and kind, but im not sure there is one out there as generous as Brandon. From the free workshops that he posts on youtube, to things like this... Hes a wonderfull human being in a time where they are in short supply. THANK YOU B.S.

@samuelhomberg9075 3 жыл бұрын

I'd say, if it isn't your goal to make a living as a writer just publish it online somewhere, I'm sure someone would like to read it.

@ragnarvolorus2925 3 жыл бұрын

@@samuelhomberg9075 i only really write the stories for me, but the fact that i have easily over a dozen completed works, some easily over 200,000 words, i figured maybe one day i should look into the possibilities of getting them published. Thank you for the positive words though

@FaithlessDwarf 3 жыл бұрын

@@ragnarvolorus2925 Samuel brings in an interesting point. But I feel you too. To be honest, I don't think it's as painful as people make it sound. Sure, it might take time to finally get to the point where you break into the industry, but the process of submission is fairly straightforward (usually a synopsis, cover letter and your work/selection of chapters, depending on each publisher/editor/agent). Don't feel discouraged by that! But if you feel like sharing part of your work online, check out Wattpad. It's a cool platform for sharing one's writing. I hope that helps :) Good luck!

@ragnarvolorus2925 3 жыл бұрын

@@FaithlessDwarf Awesome...thanks guy....See what a Brand Sanderson post inspires? other people willing to be generous...Its the circle of life simba. 😊

@FaithlessDwarf 3 жыл бұрын

@@ragnarvolorus2925 My pleasure! What sort of fiction do you write? You got me curious!

@AsiniusNaso 3 жыл бұрын

FYI, COVID-19 has had an impact on the submitting/publishing process, particularly with the lack of in-person conventions, and has generally made it tougher for people to break into the industry despite increased book sales overall. I’d recommend reading professional journalistic reports for more information rather than just trusting this KZfaq comment.

@GetWriteOnIn 3 жыл бұрын

Look at all those different language translations!! I couldn't even imagine what it's like to sit in a room surrounded by your work like that. Thanks for all the advice and everything you do for the writing and reading community

@dinoboi7984 3 жыл бұрын

these videos mean so much to us authors who aren't published yet!

@grendelentertainment9642 3 жыл бұрын

The world would be a sadder place if Brandon didn’t continue writing.

@princessthyemis 3 жыл бұрын

and less inspiring!

@rattled1557 3 жыл бұрын

attunes Rhytm of Mourning

@popemaster24 3 жыл бұрын

I see Mr. Sanderson is a man of Island culture as well.

@danagray9709 3 жыл бұрын

The low number of likes on this comment tells me that this went over most people's heads. I see what you're doing though. I see it and it's like magic it's so spot on!

@ogionify 3 жыл бұрын

@@danagray9709 what does it mean?

@SemanticV0id 3 жыл бұрын

@@ogionify His shirt is a reference to Magic: The Gathering.

@jayw900 3 жыл бұрын

I see you like unoriginal comments.

@TimRG 3 жыл бұрын

I think you know you found a good agent when they willingly take a 5% cut on a contract because you did half their job for them.

@TheMaidenOnes 3 жыл бұрын

hey, do the math, 5 out of 15 is not 5% its 33%

@JohnSmith-uo8fg 3 жыл бұрын

Well, the agent's now gotten 15% on all 6 mistborn, 4 stormlight, warbreaker, the short stories and maybe other non-cosmere stuff. I'd say its worked out well for him.

@varun8184 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your awesome guides.. i can't express in words ❤️

@TheBrainFart2000 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice as always. 💯

@RecklessOboe 3 жыл бұрын

You are the best Brandon

@mandu9520 3 жыл бұрын

Agents and editors will read the first paragraph of my book, maybe even just the first word, and be completely amazed. Watch out Sandy Branders, the chosen one has arisen.

@jakehopkins6989 3 жыл бұрын

Ooh, you're arrogant.

@mandu9520 3 жыл бұрын

@@jakehopkins6989 Please do not be jealous Jake.

@eliteknightV 3 жыл бұрын

Nobody in the industry will want to work with someone who has that attitude. Just a little warning

@sangamithranataraj531 3 жыл бұрын

I like that confidence

@lifenote1943 2 жыл бұрын

@@eliteknightV it's obviously a joke bro

@TheKrazyLobster 3 жыл бұрын

HELLO THERE! Love the Magic t-shirt

@robinsprung207 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very informative!

@RADimation 3 жыл бұрын

Your shirts are always awesome. XD

@jazzyaz8634 3 жыл бұрын

This is so generous

@emmanuelboakye1124 3 жыл бұрын

Thx for the advice👍👍

@Maidaseu 3 жыл бұрын

By the survivor's scars! He is the best writing teacher

@MClaudeW 3 жыл бұрын

I was watching your lectures on this a few hours ago. Its nice that you support the mtg community.

@sterlingmuse5808 3 жыл бұрын

Did you know he wrote a Magic the Gathering novella? I haven't read it yet, but I heard good things.

@MClaudeW 3 жыл бұрын

@@sterlingmuse5808 i didn't. I have only ever read three of the magic books. (Ive read like 6k books total) i wonder if one of them was his. All three were excellent.

@gregcampwriter 3 жыл бұрын

At this point, we need a lot fewer agents and editors--the latter meaning the those employed by magazines or traditional book publishers--and a lot more marketing experts willing to work with authors for a commission on sales.

@Lott.Z 3 жыл бұрын

Sweet MTG shirt

@haydongonzalez-dyer2727 3 ай бұрын

Nice

@yvettemoreel4237 2 жыл бұрын

Any suggestions with query writing for children’s books.

@gagglereese9770 3 жыл бұрын

I've submitted to agents for my Fantasy novella and received replies to resubmit if it were a novel as they stated the word count was too low to sell... is there even a market for debut Fantasy novellas in traditional publishing? I'm working on meeting the specific word count they requested for a revised manuscript but it is a bit disheartening that my queries were rejected solely on word count...

@robertparker_art1558 2 жыл бұрын

Hi I was curious how did you find agents?. ive been having a hard time wrapping my head around it.

@thomasjackson2996 3 жыл бұрын

I love you

@knightonart8886 3 жыл бұрын

You and every other fantasy nerd with good taste

@kronksstronkstonks6360 3 жыл бұрын

Oh no.... *He's a blue mage*

@nox9856 3 жыл бұрын

Also an Esper Mage, I like that style!

@kronksstronkstonks6360 3 жыл бұрын

Lord Bolas is displeased by the overall lack of Grixis Devotion.

@thesamuraiman 3 жыл бұрын

My mad is an MTG fan

@WasatchWind 3 жыл бұрын

Something I'm wondering - do I need to have tons of manuscripts finished before I start trying to submit stuff?

@SourceNinjaOne 3 жыл бұрын

I'd say you only need one, from all the advice i've seen online, but it's a very long process so you might as well start your next project while you submit your manuscript to agents/editors, the multiple manuscripts tend to occur thanks to the time it can take for things to move

@WasatchWind 3 жыл бұрын

@@SourceNinjaOne Where should I start with submitting exactly? I've heard Brandon talk about stuff like going to conventions and to certain sites online, but what specifically should I do? And he also says that things have changed anyway.

@elith6930 3 жыл бұрын

@@WasatchWind the query letter?

@WasatchWind 3 жыл бұрын

@@elith6930 I'm not sure I understand what you're referring to.

@NataliaNewZealand 3 жыл бұрын

Waker of Winds do research online, there are plenty on articles on how to submit a book to publishers and agents with all necessary steps. I spent hours reading online, you can find it all.

@xxFR12 3 жыл бұрын

someone tell me what is he signing??????

@Luka1180 3 жыл бұрын

I don't understand how anyone can write a story knowing it won't be published. Not that I want to be published. Somehow it just feels strange anyway! Or that you gotta write that many books before... just.... scary and intimidating!!! And how you can write so many so fast. Damnit.

@sterlingmuse5808 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah. For the majority, you have to want to write and improve your writing before you can think of selling anything.

@lifenote1943 2 жыл бұрын

U gotta make a ton of bad books before you make good ones lol.

@Luka1180 2 жыл бұрын

@@lifenote1943 Oh, I'm well aware. It's just disheartening. Many stop because they can't take hardships, especially people who had an upbringing with ambivalent or negligent parenting in which they never actually felt they had any sort of successes. Psychology 101 says that people like those are more susceptible to give up at the first mistake as if it is hard-wired in their brain to do so.

@lifenote1943 2 жыл бұрын

@@Luka1180 yeah I mean that is true, and is hard for anyone not to give up. I feel you man I had a "situation" like that for a big part of my childhood. Look at the end of the day do it for your own fulfilment, and don't feel to disheartened, it's really just a part of the process that everyone great has gone through. I don't want to overstep but this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h6qAoc-kr5fed2g.html helped me a lot with my confidence in art. It's more about drawing but the advice applies.

@N0noy1989 Жыл бұрын

@@Luka1180 People usually go to college, so that's about 4 years. Maybe they'll take higher education or internships or something for better prospects. Let's say another 2 years. 6 years fully dedicated to writing, a person can write tons of books, starting from crappy ones. By the end of 6 years, it's very, very likely that they're publishable. BUT, it's very hard for people to view it that way.

@mondvor5145 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Mr. Sanderson, my name is Max and i am from Ukraine, i want ask is there are any way to buy a book Rhythm of War from event on 17th November? I just see notes that can send only if you are live in USA :(

@Coophack6584 3 жыл бұрын

Authortubers TAKE NOTES

@Blake4625kHz 3 жыл бұрын

I SUBMIT TO NO ONE. or something like that..

@evieni1465 2 жыл бұрын

15% for what?

@daviddecouto4011 3 жыл бұрын

Good info. Annoying signing.

@emilianonava3349 3 жыл бұрын

You can say me hi?

@masonwheeler6536 3 жыл бұрын

Hi!

@factitiously 3 жыл бұрын

Really good advice! Does anyone else think it always comes across as so rude when he's doing a video but can't even stop signing stuff for a half second. Like we're not even important enough for him to give us his full attention for five minutes 😟

@NataliaNewZealand 3 жыл бұрын

Um no? I think it’s awfully nice of him to spare five minutes from his busy schedule and manage to cram in a video with valuable advice for free. I don’t care if he is eating or taking a bath, as long as he keeps doing this and sharing secrets with us.

@nachikahn4923 3 жыл бұрын

The whole reason he does these videos is that he enjoys doing something while he's signing and he just likes this. It'd be pretty pointless if he wasn't signing while he's answering.

@pinianna 3 жыл бұрын

I mean, he is a writer not a KZfaqr. Writing books (and signing them, and promoting them) is literally his job. The fact that he talks to us and answers questions while he does it is a bonus. And when he gets a question that he hasn't answered a million times (or like this, when it is literally a part of the college course he teaches) he does stops for a while to think through his answer. If he did that for every question he wouldn't get anything done, and then he wouldn't have the time to do these videos.

@sterlingmuse5808 3 жыл бұрын

If you want a more direct line of advice, he has a podcast with several other published authors called Writing Excuses where they aren't generally multitasking. No video, but it might be helpful for you anyway.