5 Famous Books That Were Rejected Before Becoming Classics

Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone

Around 12 publishers rejected Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling before Bloomsbury finally took a chance on it. Today, the Harry Potter series is one of the best-selling book franchises in history and has inspired movies, theme parks, and an entire global fandom.

Carrie

Carrie by Stephen King was rejected about 30 times. King reportedly threw the manuscript in the trash before his wife convinced him to keep trying. The novel later became a massive success, launching his legendary horror-writing career.

The Diary Of A Young Girl

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank initially struggled to find publishers because some believed readers would not connect with the story. It eventually became one of the most widely read books in the world.

Dune

Dune by Frank Herbert was rejected more than 20 times before publication because many publishers considered it too long, too complicated, and difficult for mainstream readers to understand. One editor even reportedly called it impossible to sell. However, after finally getting published, Dune became a groundbreaking science fiction masterpiece.

Chicken Soup For The Soul

Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen was rejected by more than 100 publishers before finally being accepted. Many believed collections of inspirational stories would not sell well. Surprisingly, the book became a publishing sensation, inspiring an entire series that sold millions of copies worldwide.