Zelazny originally wrote this book hastily to fulfill a contract when he became a full-time writer in May 1969, and the publisher declined to publish it then. He revisited the manuscript in 1972 and added about 25% new material, including the cameo of Sandow to "jazz up" the novel.
Zelazny initially wrote the book quickly to fulfill a contract when he became a full-time writer in May 1969; however, the publisher rejected it at that time. He revisited the manuscript in 1972 and added approximately 25% new material, including Sandow's appearance, to improve the novel.