Classic Books that Were Rejected by Publishers

I've been writing for Associated Content for a few years now, but this isn't the only writing I do. For some time, I've been trying to get either a book or a comic book published but so far I've had no luck. I'm sure some of you out there are the same. At first this can be very discouraging but did you know that some of the most successful books of all-time were turned down at first? Some of them were turned down numerous times. So here's a little inspiration for all you authors out there. If your book has been turned down by a publisher, then maybe it's just because it's as good as these books that have also been turned down by publishers.

Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis
Patrick's Auntie Mame was turned down by 15 publishers before Vanguard Press finally picked it up. Auntie Mame went on to be a successful book, Broadway play and film. Even Patrick Dennis, who had three New York Times best-seller simultaneously, had books rejected.

Carrie by Stephen King
After Stephen King had Carrie rejected by 30 different publishers he dumped pig's blood all over the publishers. No, I'm just kidding. Stephen King did throw Carrie in the trash though. Fortunately, his wife took it out of the trash and convinced King to try again.

Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Before Chicken Soup for the Soul was finally picked up it got 140 rejections. Since then Chicken Soup for the soul has turned into a series of books. The 65 book series has now sold over 80 million copies.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn if Gone With the Wind was rejected by 38 publishers. The book was finally published and not only did it get a movie adaptation that won 8 Academy Award but the book also won the Pulitzer Prize.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
A book about a seagull? How dumb. That's what 18 publishers thought before Richard Bach got Macmillan Publishers to pick it up. The book went on to sell over a million copies.

M*A*S*H* by Richard Hooker
I'm not sure how well known the book is but the book did inspire the film, which inspired the television show M*A*S*H*. Twenty-one publishers rejected M*A*S*H* and tried to deny us of one of the greatest television shows of all-time.