9 famous authors rejected by publishers (comfort for emerging writers)
I enjoyed reading the article published by The Writers Circle website about famous authors who were not only rejected (in one case 800 times), but also had to suffer crushing criticism and they don’t even mention J.K.Rowling’s numerous rejections. I wonder if there are publishers who still wake up in the middle of the night remembering that they once held the manuscript of Harry Potter in their hands.
How well would you have coped if you were told:
“…an absurd and uninteresting fantasy which was rubbish and dull.” (It has since sold more than 14.5 million copies and helped the author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.)
“There certainly isn’t enough genuine talent for us to take notice.” (One of the most celebrated and admired writers of her generation)
“Stick to teaching.” (The publisher who offered that advice has been out of business a long time: she hasn’t been out of print for 150 years.)
Read the article in full HERE. Might be worth printing it out and sticking it on the wall somewhere so you can see it when you look up from the keyboard.
Have faith, keep going and never forget why you want to write: because you love it.
photo credit: 120/365. A Light Shines In My Heart. via photopin (license)
10 comments on “9 famous authors rejected by publishers (comfort for emerging writers)”
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Thank you for sharing !
You’re very welcome – hope it gave a warm feeling inside!
Reblogged this on mira prabhu and commented:
How well would YOU have coped if you were told your precious novel was: “…an absurd and uninteresting fantasy which was rubbish and dull.” (It has since sold more than 14.5 million copies and helped the author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.) Thank you Bridget Whelan for your encouragement to all scribes…and readers of this post, don’t forget to go into The Writers Circle website if you want to read the whole article. Greetings from Arunachala.
Thank you so much for reblogging Mira – spread the word!
Love posts like this… they are so inspiring! Thank goodness these authors had the determination and vision to keep going. The world would be a poorer place without the legacy they left us. Makes me feel sad though that some of them never got to see how much their work is adored before they died.
Glad you enjoyed it, Ali. Sometimes thing the defining quality of a writer is not giving up…
HI Bridget – I’m going to reblog this one on July 13Th. Hope that’s ok – with full credits obviously – but it struck a chord as I’m in submission mode at the moment!!
Of course, Kate, especially if it helps you to submit. One quality all writers share is courage, but sometimes it needs a little boost and the story of these nine authors does it for me. Gosh, you do plan your blog well in advance – I’m a seat of the pants attitude towards blogging with little bits of planning thrown in…. Good luck with your submissions.
When I receive my first rejection letter (because let’s face it, you’re not a real writer unless you’ve had at least one), I will do my best to remind myself of this wise post. Thank you.
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