Michael J. Sullivan

Full Name: Michael J. Sullivan

Date of Birth: September 17, 1961

Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Nationality: American

Profession: Author

Early Life and Education

Michael J. Sullivan was born in Detroit, Michigan, and developed a passion for storytelling at a young age. He began writing to entertain himself and honed his craft over the years. Despite facing numerous rejections early in his career, Sullivan persevered, eventually finding success in the literary world.

Career

Sullivan is best known for his epic fantasy series, The Riyria Revelations, which has been translated into fourteen languages. He initially self-published the series, gaining significant acclaim and readership, leading to traditional publishing deals. Following the success of The Riyria Revelations, he authored The Riyria Chronicles, a prequel series exploring the early adventures of his main characters. Expanding his literary universe, Sullivan wrote The Legends of the First Empire, a six-book series set in the same world but in a distant past, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his richly crafted settings. Demonstrating versatility, he ventured into science fiction with the novel Hollow World, released in 2014. His most recent project, The Rise and Fall, is a trilogy set in the world of Elan, chronologically positioned between Legends of the First Empire and The Riyria Chronicles.

Achievements and Recognition

Sullivan's works have achieved significant commercial success, with over 1.4 million books sold and translations into fourteen languages, including German, Russian, French, and Japanese. In 2012, he was named one of the "Most Successful Self-Published Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors" by io9. His novels have appeared on more than 250 best-of or most-anticipated lists, reflecting his widespread acclaim in the literary community.

Personal Life

Michael J. Sullivan is married to Robin Sullivan, who has been instrumental in his publishing journey, serving as his business manager and advocate. Together, they have navigated the evolving landscape of publishing, embracing both self-publishing and traditional routes to bring his stories to a global audience.