Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brandon Sanderson’s Net Worth?
Brandon Sanderson, a prolific American fantasy and science fiction writer, has amassed a considerable fortune through his successful writing career. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. This figure is primarily derived from royalties from book sales, advances on new book deals, income from his creative writing lectures, and revenue generated through his involvement in the Writing Excuses podcast. Sanderson’s dedicated fan base and consistent output of high-quality novels contribute significantly to his financial success. It’s important to note that net worth figures are often estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect a person’s exact financial situation.
Breakdown of Brandon Sanderson’s Income Streams
While specific details regarding Brandon Sanderson’s book contracts and advances are not publicly disclosed, we can analyze the various income streams that contribute to his $6 million net worth. A primary source of income is book royalties. Sanderson’s books, including the Mistborn series, The Stormlight Archive, and his completion of The Wheel of Time series, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Royalties are typically calculated as a percentage of the book’s sale price, and the exact percentage varies depending on the contract. Assuming an average royalty rate of 10% per book (this is a general assumption, and his actual rate may be higher), and considering the millions of copies sold across his various series, book royalties alone represent a substantial portion of his net worth. For instance, if Sanderson has sold 10 million copies of his books at an average price of $20 per book, the total revenue would be $200 million. A 10% royalty on this amount would be $20 million, but this is before accounting for publisher’s cut, agent fees, and taxes. A more conservative estimate, taking these factors into account, would still put book royalties in the millions of dollars over his career. Exact information here is not public.
Another significant income stream is advances on book deals. Authors often receive an advance payment from publishers when they sign a contract for a new book. This advance is essentially a loan against future royalties. Successful authors like Sanderson can command substantial advances based on their track record and anticipated book sales. For example, a highly anticipated series or standalone novel could garner an advance of several hundred thousand dollars, or even a million dollars or more. These advances provide a significant upfront payment and contribute to the overall net worth. Details of Sanderson’s advances are not public information, however.
Sanderson also earns income through his involvement in teaching creative writing at Brigham Young University. While the exact salary is not publicly known, university professor positions typically offer a stable income and benefits package. Additionally, his participation in the Writing Excuses podcast generates revenue through advertising, sponsorships, and potentially merchandise sales. The podcast, which focuses on writing advice and techniques, has a large and dedicated audience, making it a valuable income stream. The amount here is unlikely to be a major contributing factor to his overall net worth, however.
Further contributing to Sanderson’s financial standing is the intellectual property he owns. Sanderson controls the rights to the Cosmere universe and other series he has created. These intellectual property rights allow him to license his works for adaptations into other media, such as film, television, or video games. Licensing agreements can generate substantial income in the form of royalties and upfront payments. He has also self-published books on Kickstarter to great success, retaining greater control of his works.
Career Milestones and Sanderson’s Net Worth
Brandon Sanderson’s career has been marked by several key milestones that have significantly contributed to his $6 million net worth. One of the most crucial moments was his selection to complete Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series after Jordan’s death in 2007. This opportunity catapulted Sanderson into the spotlight and introduced him to a massive pre-existing fanbase. The successful completion of the series, culminating in the release of “A Memory of Light” in 2013, solidified his reputation as a skilled and reliable fantasy author. The sales from The Wheel of Time books contributed significantly to his income during that period.
The publication and ongoing success of his own original series, particularly the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive, have been equally important. The Mistborn series, beginning with “Mistborn: The Final Empire” in 2006, established Sanderson as a major voice in the fantasy genre. The Stormlight Archive, a planned ten-book epic fantasy series, further cemented his status as a bestselling author. Each new installment in these series drives book sales and increases his overall earnings. The first book in The Stormlight Archive, “The Way of Kings,” was published in 2010 and became a huge success. Each subsequent volume has been similarly successful, further boosting his net worth.
Another pivotal milestone was Sanderson’s innovative use of Kickstarter for self-publishing projects. In March 2022, he launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the publication of four secret novels he had written during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign shattered Kickstarter records, raising over $41 million from more than 185,000 backers. This crowdfunding success allowed him to retain greater control over his publishing process and earn a larger share of the revenue compared to traditional publishing deals. The specific breakdown of revenue after fulfillment of rewards and associated costs is not publicly available, but the magnitude of the campaign highlights his ability to directly engage with his fanbase and generate substantial income outside of traditional publishing avenues.
His frequent appearances at conventions, book signings, and other events further contribute to his financial success. He has a very loyal fanbase and his commitment to engaging with them is well known. While appearance fees are not publicly disclosed, successful authors can command fees for speaking engagements and signings. Sanderson’s presence at these events not only promotes his books but also provides an additional source of income. The exact figure is not publicly known, but the frequency with which he attends such events suggests this is likely a solid stream of revenue.
Other Ventures and Investments
Beyond his core writing and publishing activities, Brandon Sanderson may have other ventures and investments that contribute to his $6 million net worth. Authors often invest their earnings in various assets, such as stocks, real estate, or other businesses. It is also possible that Sanderson has invested in other creative projects or startups. However, specific details about these potential investments are not publicly available. The degree to which investments contribute to his total net worth is unknown.
He also owns Dragonsteel Entertainment, a company that helps to manage his intellectual property and publishing enterprises. The financial details of Dragonsteel Entertainment are not public, but this company is likely a factor in his overall earnings. Revenue is generated through sales of merchandise, licensed content, and other intellectual property-related activities.
In summary, Brandon Sanderson’s $6 million net worth is primarily a reflection of his success as a fantasy and science fiction author. Book royalties, advances on book deals, income from teaching and podcasting, and potential investments all contribute to his financial standing. His career milestones, including completing The Wheel of Time series and publishing his own successful series, have played a crucial role in building his net worth. While specific details regarding contracts, advances, and investments remain private, the available information provides a general overview of his financial situation.
