Summary:
The publishing industry is a competitive and tough market, with countless aspiring authors vying for a spot on the best-seller list. However, even the most successful and renowned books have faced rejection from publishers before becoming best-sellers. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best-selling books that were initially rejected by publishers and the fascinating stories behind them.
The first book on our list is “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. The manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before finally being picked up by Bloomsbury. The series went on to become a global phenomenon, selling over 500 million copies and being translated into 80 languages. Another beloved series, “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis, was rejected by multiple publishers before being published by Geoffrey Bles. The series has since sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
One of the most famous rejections in publishing history is “The Diary of Anne Frank.” The manuscript was rejected by multiple publishers before being published by Otto Frank, Anne’s father. The diary has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into more than 70 languages.
The Best-Selling Books That Were Rejected by Publishers
In the thriller genre, we have “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, which was rejected by several publishers before being picked up by Doubleday. The book has sold over 80 million copies and sparked controversy and debate around its portrayal of religious history. Another thriller, “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, faced 60 rejections before being published by Penguin Books. The book went on to sell over 10 million copies and was adapted into a successful film.
In the literary fiction category, we have “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger, which was rejected by 25 publishers before being published by MacAdam/Cage. The book has sold over 7 million copies and was adapted into a film. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho also faced multiple rejections before being published by a small Brazilian publishing house. The book has sold over 65 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 80 languages.
Non-fiction books have also faced rejection, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul” by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The book was rejected by over 140 publishers before being published by Health Communications, Inc. It has since sold over 500 million copies and spawned a successful franchise. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle, a classic children’s book, was rejected by numerous publishers before being published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book has sold over 10 million copies and has been adapted into a film and stage play.
There are also cases where publishers have missed out on potential best-sellers due to their own mistakes. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien was rejected by several publishers before being published by Allen & Unwin. The book has sold over 150 million copies and has been adapted into a successful film franchise. “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell was initially rejected by 38 publishers before being published by Macmillan. The book has sold over 30 million copies and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
In conclusion, these best-selling books that were initially rejected by publishers serve as a reminder that success can come from perseverance and determination. These authors refused to give up on their dreams and their books have gone on to inspire and entertain millions of readers worldwide. It also highlights the subjectivity of the publishing industry and the importance of taking a chance on new and unique voices.