Publishers and Their Missed Chances

Let’s take a moment to consider the plight of publishers who have let potential stars slip through their fingers. It's surprisingly common for publishers to reject soon-to-be-celebrated authors, often delivering harsh critiques that serve no purpose other than to discourage budding writers.

This serves as a reminder for publishers: there’s little to gain from disparaging an unknown author. What you might think is clever wit may instead foster lifelong resentment.

Well-Known Examples of Rejection

James Patterson famously recounted that his first mystery was turned down 31 times. “I maintain a list of all the editors who rejected my initial novel,” he shared. “Occasionally, they send me their books and request endorsements. Mostly, however, they’re no longer around.”

Stephen King faced hundreds of rejections; his debut novel, Carrie, was rejected 30 times before it was finally published.

Tim Ferriss, known for The Four-Hour Workweek, also encountered 25 publishers before achieving his breakthrough.

Lesser-Known Yet Inspiring Stories

In addition to the well-documented tales of rejected literary giants, there are lesser-known examples worth mentioning.

Harper Lee, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning To Kill a Mockingbird, largely avoided public attention and published nothing until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015. While she is remembered for her reclusive nature, few know that she was a prolific writer whose subsequent works faced dismissal from numerous publishers, many of whom labeled her as a “one-hit wonder.”

This trend of rejection isn't a modern phenomenon. Martin Luther, frustrated by repeated refusals from publishers, famously nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. Even the Bible, with its significant backing, faced countless rejections before becoming the first international bestseller, still in print after two millennia.

One early rejection remarked, “Too preachy,” while another dismissed it with, “What’s with all the fire and brimstone?” The eventual publisher even deemed the manuscript too lengthy, leading to substantial cuts and the division into two volumes. The genius behind naming them the Old Testament and New Testament later garnered fame as the editor of the acclaimed series Stories, More Stories, and Yet More Stories.

What’s the Takeaway, You Ask?

The point is this: if publishers can overlook the brilliance of even the most celebrated authors throughout history, what are the odds they get every decision right today? The answer is simple—you might just be an undiscovered literary genius!

Next time you submit your manuscript, consider adding a note like this:

Dear Esteemed Editor,

I was reflecting on Tom Blooey recently and thought of you. “Who’s Tom Blooey?” you may ask. Ironically, he’s the editor who first reviewed an unknown writer’s tale about a boy with a scar and some wizardry. Tom believed it was juvenile and advised J.K. Rowling that she wouldn’t profit from writing children’s literature.

Just something to ponder.

I trust you’ll enjoy my novel about a race of extraterrestrial cows uncovering a conspiracy to oppress the world’s bovine population under the guise of methane emission restrictions.

Warm regards,

Be well.