8 Famous Books Rejected by Publishers That Became Massive Bestsellers

1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Price: .99 at amazon.com
This is actually a great book – and it was rejected 26 times before Farrar, Straus, and Giroux snatched it up, having recognized it for the gem it is. Publishers initially thought it was too complex for young readers and too unusual for adults. This is no longer just a book, but one which readers of all ages find magical as well. You can learn more about her literary legacy on the official Madeleine L'Engle website. I can't imagine it not existing in the literary world, really.

2. Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis

Price: .20 at amazon.com
I was stunned to discover that this was initially rejected. I mean, not only is it a fantastic story, but it became one of the best musicals ever to hit Broadway. It was rejected 15 times before being published by Vanguard Press, and now it's also a fantastic classic movie. Unlike the initial struggles of Stephen King's debut novel, this comedic gem took a while to find a publisher that appreciated its eccentric humor. I guess you really do just have to take every rejection in stride.

3. Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Price: .99 at amazon.com
Like I said, I didn't say these were all highbrow literary masterpieces. But to be fair, I know the Chicken Soup books help a lot of people find encouragement during tough times. All the same, the authors were told their compilation was completely unpublishable – and since it got 140 rejections, evidence pointed to the truth of that statement. Thanks to Health Communications, however, the book itself became a massive bestseller, spawning over 65 other titles and millions of readers worldwide. For more inspirational stories, check their official Chicken Soup site.

4. Dubliners by James Joyce

Price: .99 at amazon.com
I really cannot imagine anyone rejecting anything by James Joyce, but it happened repeatedly. Dubliners was rejected 22 times over nearly a decade, and when it was finally published, there were a mere 1,250 copies printed because no one really wanted to take a financial chance on it. After a slow start, however, this collection of short stories ranks right up there with Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, which is my personal favorite. Readers who enjoy rich character studies alongside Madeleine L'Engle's classic work will appreciate Joyce's sharp observation of human nature.

5. Carrie by Stephen King

Price: .99 at amazon.com
Carrie is Stephen King's very first novel, but it nearly wasn't published at all. He was ready to give up after 30 rejections and even threw the manuscript in the trash, but his wife Tabitha retrieved it and wouldn't let him quit. It turns out she was the smarter one there, since King's little novel on telekinesis went on to become a huge best seller, in addition to spawning a famous movie adaptation. You can browse his complete bibliography on the official Stephen King website.

6. Lorna Doone by Richard Doddridge Blackmore

Price: .16 at amazon.com
Just think, those iconic shortbread cookies might never have shared a name with a famous book if this story hadn't gotten published. It very nearly didn't, with 18 rejections to its name before a publisher took a risk on it. And look at it now! Lorna Doone, in addition to inspiring a popular brand of dessert treats, has spawned dozens of movies, stage plays, and mini series over the decades. Much like James Joyce's early stories, it proved that initial reader apathy doesn't determine long-term literary influence.

7. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Price: .24 at amazon.com
Margaret Mitchell never published another novel, and since 38 publishers passed on her manuscript before Macmillan gave it its first printing, it's easy to understand her exhaustion with the process. However, there's no denying that it went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, the film remains an unprecedented box office record holder.

8. Dune by Frank Herbert

Price: .56 at amazon.com
The original film adaptation of Dune may not have pleased everyone compared to the book, but Frank Herbert's world-building in the original novel is fabulous. It almost never reached bookstore shelves, though, thanks to 23 rejections from mainstream publishers who thought it was too long and complex. Chilton, an automotive repair manual publisher, finally took a chance on it. Once published, it went on to win the Hugo and Nebula awards, spawning multiple sequels and blockbusters. Explore the universe further on the official Dune novels site.

This kind of historical perspective is encouraging for any writer facing criticism. You have to remember that all the rejections in the world don't mean anything next to that one crucial acceptance. If you are working on a manuscript or interested in famous books rejected by publishers, persistence is often the key difference between an abandoned draft and a bestseller.

Here are a few quick takeaways for aspiring authors and avid readers alike:

Do you know of any other famous books rejected by publishers that almost didn't make the cut? Share your favorite publishing turnaround stories in the comments below!