I’ve mentioned before that to be a writer is to be rejected, but how have famous authors really been treated by the publishing industry? I’ve tracked down several excerpts from rejection letters to well-known authors and shared them below. Some of them are hysterical. Others are horrifying. But all of them offer a brief peek into the realm of publishing.
Rejection Letter Excerpts
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1. “You’d have a decent book if you’d get rid of that Gatsby Character.” – to F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
2. “Stick to teaching.” – to Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
3. “We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.” -to Stephen King, Carrie
4. “I rack my brains why a chap should need thirty pages to describe how he turns over in bed before going to sleep.” – to Marcel Proust, Remembrance of Things Past
5. “He hasn’t got any future.” – about John le Carré, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
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6. “My dear sir, I have read your manuscript. Oh, my dear sir.” – to Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan
7. “This author is beyond psychiatric help. Do not publish.”– about J.G. Ballard, Crash.
8. “…for your own sake do not publish this book.” – to D.H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterly’s Lover
9. “If I may be frank — you certainly are in your prose — I found your efforts to be both tedious and offensive. You really are a man’s man, aren’t you? I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that you had penned this entire story locked up at the club, ink in one hand, brandy in the other.” – to Ernest Hemmingway, The Sun also Rises
10. “Frenetic and scrambled prose.” – to Jack Kerouac, On the Road
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11. “It is so badly written.” – about Dan Brown, The DaVinci Code
12. “I haven’t the foggiest idea about what the man is trying to say. Apparently the author intends it to be funny.” – about Joseph Heller, Catch-22
13. “Our united opinion is entirely against the book. It is very long, and rather old-fashioned… First, we must ask, does it have to be a whale? While this is a rather delightful, if somewhat esoteric, plot device, we recommend an antagonist with a more popular visage among the younger readers. For instance, could not the Captain be struggling with a depravity towards young, perhaps voluptuous, maidens?” – to Hermann Melville, Moby Dick
14. “We feel that we don’t know the central character well enough.” – to J.D. Salinger, The Catcher In The Rye
15. “I recommend that it be buried under a stone for a thousand years.” – about Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita
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16. “Unsaleable and unpublishable.” – to Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead
17. “Undisciplined, rambling and thoroughly amateurish writer.” – about Jacqueline Susann, Valley of the Dolls
18. “Too radical of a departure from traditional juvenile literature.” – about L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
19. “An endless nightmare. I think the verdict would be ‘Oh don’t read that horrid book.’” about H.G. Wells, The War Of The Worlds
20. “It is not interesting enough for the general reader and not thorough enough for the scientific reader.” – to H.G. Wells, The Time Machine
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21. “The girl doesn’t, it seems to me, have a special perception or feeling which would lift that book above the ‘curiosity’ level.” – about Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank
22. “I am only one, only one, only one. Only one being, one at the same time. Not two, not three, only one. Only one life to live, only sixty minutes in one hour. Only one pair of eyes. Only one brain. Only one being. Being only one, having only one pair of eyes, having only one time, having only one life, I cannot read your M.S. three or four times. Not even one time. Only one look, only one look is enough. Hardly one copy would sell here. Hardly one. Hardly one.” – to Gertrude Stein
23. “An irresponsible holiday story that will never sell.” to Kenneth Grahame, The Wind In The Willows
24. “An absurd and uninteresting fantasy which was rubbish and dull.” – to William Golding, The Lord of the Flies
25. “Good God, I can’t publish this.” – about William Faulkner, Sanctuary
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Hopefully reading about how authors have struggled and survived the rejection process will make you feel a bit better about your own path to publishing. If you know of any other interesting rejection letters or feel brave enough to describe rejections of your own, feel free to share them here. Seeing a spectrum of rejections helps us all be a better writing community, and frankly, I doubt any of us will receive rejections as vehement as the ones above. (Though I may start saying, “My dear sir. Oh, my dear sir,” to people who bother me.)
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Attributions:
(I must admit that I don’t have perfect provenance for each of the above excerpts, so if you spot anything egregiously inaccurate, please let me know.)
Letter from Farnsworth Wright, editor of Weird Tales, to Robert E. Howard rejecting the first three Conan the Barbarian stories, 1932, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Conan_Rejection_Letter.PNG
http://www.litrejections.com/best-sellers-initially-rejected/
http://mentalfloss.com/uk/books/can-you-identify-these-17-famous-authors-from-their-rejections
I’m not sure whether this post was meant to be funny, uplifting, or depressing and tragic. After all, these authors all made it (I’m guessing. I don’t know many of them,) but it also shows how the agents are very crass and judgmental. It’s such a shame that, while we slave over books, one person can toss it away and say ‘no. not good enough. just stop.’ Though, I do believe agents have gotten a little better with their crass responses, they still have the ability to crush someone.
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Definitely. I take comfort in the fact that most of these letters were from an earlier era, and the editors that I know today all write very professional, mundane letters. I think it takes a very specific personality to feel good about sending a response like some of the ones posted above. I like to think most people are kinder than that.
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I think that judging writings, both at school or at publishing, is one of the most subjective things, as everyone perceives and interprets these things so differently. It is a pure coincidence if it ends in a story of success or the loss of all self-esteem.
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It definitely depends on the reader. I do think that one of the best things writers can do is learn to be a like a duck and let truly harsh critiques role off of their feathers. But that is easier said than done.
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This is what drives Indie publishing. I sincerely hope these letters were placed in files and not actually sent to authors. I really don’t understand what drives commercial publishing beyond money. To that end I’m going to a workshop tomorrow called “Inside the Mind of a Publisher” at http://www.siwc.ca. I will let you know what I find out.
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I think that with a few exceptions, many of these only went to editorial offices and not to the writers themselves, which is for the best. I’ll be interested to hear about your workshop experience; it sounds like it will be informative, and hopefully you’ll take away a lot from it.
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Hah! I actually changed my mind and went to Dark Fiction with Michael Slade. I needed some wicked fun! I also went to an Indie Publishing talk with Bob Mayer which was informative. Conferences are great!
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Those both sound wonderful! I’m glad you had such a good time.
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What did you find out Blue Haven Press?
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Reblogged this on and commented:
This is what drives Indie publishing. I sincerely hope these letters were placed in files and not actually sent to authors. I really don’t understand what drives commercial publishing beyond money. To that end I’m going to a workshop tomorrow called “Inside the Mind of a Publisher” at http://www.siwc.ca. I will let you know what I find out.
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Reblogged this on The Vanishing Writer.
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Some of those comments made me laugh 🙂
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Some of them were pretty funny, especially when we know that the books were a success despite some grumpy editors/readers.
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All of these shock me! You think they could just say sorry I’m not interested. I’ve received serval rejection letters and they were all nice and complimentary, so I’m always surprised by how mean some of these agents can be. But of all them to say that they couldn’t get a sense of Holden Caulfield is crazy to me. I loved him from the opening paragraph. And I bet the person who turned down Stephen King regrets that one.
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I think most rejections these days are more diplomatic. I still find some of these comments perversely satisfying though. Like you said, there is an agent/publisher out there who deeply regrets refusing to work with King.
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I knew some of them! It’s tragic that such fine books (I enjoyed most of them) had been thought of so poorly. Still, I find this post somewhat uplifting – all these persons made it through! They stayed true to their passion and it payed off. There is hope for all of us. Thank you for motivating other writers and opening the eyes of the readers.
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That is a comfort, I think. It is good to know that even if one set of readers loathes a book, another group could love it and transform it into a success.
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“Too radical of a departure from traditional juvenile literature.” – about L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
It’s really weird (and difficult) to think of a world without The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
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Some of the comments are stunning in retrospect. (Getting rid of Gatsby! Fighting against the Wizard of Oz!) But I suppose it shows how tenuous the publication of books can be.
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I never knew until about 4 years ago that there was an entire series of Oz books. I found them on gutenberg.org and read the entire series. Delightful. I can’t imagine why, even back then, a publisher would think it “too radical a departure from traditional juvenile literature.” The person who read it much not have liked a rich imagination to inspire children.
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It is very odd, isn’t it? Maybe you’ve hit the crux of the issue: rich imagination too much for some. Threatening, perhaps? Or so far out of that reader’s world view? I’m just glad those books made it out into the world because, as you noted, “Delightful.”
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Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
This is a wonderful post about some of the…interesting…rejection letters writers have received.
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Only reminds me of how much I’ve enjoyed reading few of the books that were originally rejected. Who would think! This post was uplifting. Thank you, Kristen.
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There is something nice about knowing that editors and agents don’t always know what books will succeed. Retrospect is a wonderful thing.
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These are hilarious – but I will add that all the rejection letters I have received have been unfailingly polite and professional. And one outstanding rejection went to extraordinary lengths to point out where I could improve my work. So the era where such crushing opinions were order of the day are, thankfully, a thing of the past!
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That is good to hear! It’s fabulous that one of your letters gave you in depth feedback. Those kinds of responses can be the most rewarding.
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Thank you Kristen:). I was delighted with that response, too.
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It doesn’t say much for the writers of the rejection letters but it gives hope to all authors.
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I agree! It’s comforting to know that even some very successful people were told terrible things about their writing.
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I’ve had agents and editors make some really stupid comments before rejecting work. That’s not to say they are all incompetent but you remember the ones that are.
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Simply astounding. Number 22 must’ve been a real nutcase! 🙂
–Michael
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Some of them certainly are…interesting.
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More certain than ever that I am a misunderstood genius. Thanks, Charles! ;>)
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Reblogged this on A Little Bit of Life and Thought and commented:
Wonderful insight on the constant criticism authors must face.
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What a great post! Every writer needs to smile, and this one is perfect to do just that.
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I’m glad! I know that some people find reading letters like this to be more stressful than anything.
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I think it was wonderful! Of course if that was my letter… That’s why we need to read and see these posts. I’m your newest fan.
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I wonder if any of the publishers actually learnt from this when the books went on to be successful. I fear not. I assume they continued to reject potentially popular books by continuing to choose only those fitting their own narrow taste, rather than choosing for a wider readership.
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I like to think that some of them learned from it, but honestly I suspect that many of them were embarrassed more than anything. None of us like being wrong.
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Yes, just goes to show how subjective it all is, and money must be their driving force. I’ve had some nicely worded rejections, I think they have to be more PC today, as they might end up being shamed in such a list as this!
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I do find it fascinating how the spirit behind rejections has changed over the years. (And I’m sure some editors cringe at the rejections that they’ve written in the past.)
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Rejection is awful and these are certainly harsh critiques, but I can’t help think that some of the works we read are great because they had been judged so harshly. Perhaps such astringent rejection fuels writers to sharpen their work. Are rejections too polite these days? Too professional? I can’t say for sure. I’m certain there are greats toiling away as we speak, but I sometimes wonder if the fires these days are hot enough to forge masters of the craft as we’ve seen in the past. The interest in creative output is all relative and I find the best way to view any rejection letter is as a receipt for dues paid. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m sure that for some writers, rejection does act as a fuel. That may be why it is so important for writers to work with the right editors and agents. Finding that fit of someone who can push you just enough is vital.
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Yes, to be pushed in a constrctive way is key, but I see no need for stringent rejections. There’s nothing wrong with caring about feelings.
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There is definitely a line where the rejections simply are cruel, and I don’t think there is any need for those. Writers and editors are both human, and I think it is important for them to recognize the humanity in each other.
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Who has the last laugh now? Great post
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Thank you! I enjoyed tracking these down.
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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I couldn’t have read this at a better time, Kristen. Thanks so much for posting 🙂
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I’m glad it was helpful! I find that commiseration can help me move forward in the writing/editing process.
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As a reader and a writer I do hope each writer of the above rejection letters lived to see the authors works become best sellers.
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Luckily I think that most if not all of the authors did. There is something tragic about writers and artists who only are appreciated after their deaths.
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Yes that is true
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What a refreshing view on the world of writing and publishing!
It reminds me that, once again, opinions are like, well, you know.
It also makes me wonder how many times I have had a negative response to someone else’s efforts, only to be terribly and ridiculously wrong.
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It does make you think about your own responses to different works, doesn’t it? I love being reminded that people can view things in drastically different ways.
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Oh wow. This certainly makes me feel better about attempting writing!
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It’s good (and a little horrifying) to know that none of us are alone in receiving rejections.
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True. I can’t imagine half these people getting rejected. Haha
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I know! It is so strange to think that editors and readers once reacted so badly to their works.
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Reblogged this on Lorraine Ambers and commented:
Rejection is part of being an author but you are not alone. 25 rejection letters from famous authors
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Rebloged on http://www.lorraineambers.com
It brings hope to all authors, thanks for sharing.
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
This gives us indie authors hope!
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So many of these are my favorite writers!! Reblogged to http://Mimis-misadventures.us
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Reblogged this on Mimi's misadventures in life! and commented:
This certainly gives me hope!
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I hope they all saved their rejection letters so they could sit down and have a great satisfactory laugh. I would give anything if I could have been a fly on the wall and see the faces of those that rejected all of he above. :o)
Great post, it gives me hope.
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I’m sure many of these authors felt vindicated! It is certainly nice to know that writers can succeed despite their many rejections.
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Though rejection in this way is indeed awful I tend to agree with Sjhigbee’s assment that these are also hilarious. I also agree that they are probably mostly now part of a bygone era. I had a few rejection letters before deciding to self publish but they were polite and, a couple, quite helpful!
It is also encouraging to know that works now considered good or even great were not universally greeted with adoration at their beginnings.
Reading the rejections above reminded me of a work colleague a few years ago (a man in his late fifties) who was a good enough sport to bring into the office a school report. One teacher, after giving low grades simply wrote:-
‘This boy is ridiculous! ‘
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That comment from the teacher is hilarious. (And a bit horrifying.)
I’m glad to hear that your interactions with agents and editors has been mostly positive. Some people offer such wonderful advice even when they are writing rejections. I suppose that is a talent all its own.
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Lovely collection of R letters. As you said upthread, most agents are far more gentle today, even if you end up in the same place.
You wanted other rejections. Here’s one of mine, hot off the press (just came into my inbox yesterday). I’m not including the agent’s name, although I was grateful for her courtesy.
“Thanks so much for sending along the sample pages of Hans and Greta. I’m sorry to say, though, that I just wasn’t as completely drawn in by the material as much as I had hoped. What with my reservations, I’d better bow out.
Thanks so much for contacting me, though! I really appreciate it, and wish you the best of luck.”
Not soul-crushing (unless you’re a fragile writer), but still not the response I was hoping for, of course. Still, everyone gets rejected. All the above authors found agents and/or publishers who believed in their work. So thanks for the shot of hope. 🙂
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That was a very polite rejection. I’m glad that you have such a positive outlook about the process! It can be hard to keep spirits up with these things. Thanks so much for sharing it! You’re very brave.
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Thank you……..
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My pleasure! I find these so interesting.
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Reblogged this on Tropical Affair and commented:
I feel so encouraged..thank you Kristen!
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Oh my God, oh my dear God!–don’t I feel better now! I must admit to a huge diversity of reactions when I read reviews others have made of the same book I am reviewing. My opinion is just my own–someone else may like it (or hate it). Obviously, with the comments you published, SOMEONE else found those authors more than publishable!
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It is somehow a relief to see these rejections, isn’t it? Different editors see the value in different ideas and in different types of writing, so there is hope for all of us yet!
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I could half-way understand where some of these quotes were coming from, especially for those truly unique masterpieces like Lolita and The Wizard of Oz. They must have seemed a little risky when they came across the agent’s desk.
But what in the world would the Great Gatsby be if you got rid of Gatsby?
Thanks for sharing these laughable and somewhat cringe-worthy rejections, Kristen!
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They really are fascinating in context! Moby Dick without a whale. The Great Gatsby without Gatsby. Such strange alternate stories could have been written.
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You’d have a decent book if you’d get rid of that Gatsby Character. So precious! 🙂
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I know, right? It’s so funny looking back on these.
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Wow Kristen, this one touched a nerve. And one of mine I might add as I am writing too.
I have another eg. One that gave great comfort while crying myself to sleep over the latest rejection letter.
As the author of ‘Vernon God Little’ walked away with the 2003 Booker Prize, every major Literary Agency asked. ‘Why didn’t you send it to us?’
To each and every one he replied… ‘I did!’*
They had all ignored it.
Yet ‘Vernon God Little’ also won the Bollinger Wodehouse Everyman Prize for Comic Fiction, the Man Booker Prize for Fiction, and the 1st Novel Award in the Whitbread Awards.
Who knows, one day that might be one of us!
* actually his reply of ‘I did’ was prefaced by an all too familiar phrase containing one four letter word followed by a three letter word. But on the grounds this is a family friendly blog…
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That is a great story. Sometimes we don’t see the potential in a thing until it has already begun to succeed. (A terrible, very human failing.)
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Awesome, awesome, awesome post. Thanks!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it! These rejection letters are so fascinating.
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Reblogged this on Kanti Burns, Book Reviews and more ….
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Reblogged this on Shelley Marie Motz and commented:
Has rejection got you down? You’re in good company. Check out this blog post by Kristen Twardowski to read stinging rejection letters sent to (now) famous authors. My favourite is #22.
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I love this post. I hope you don’t mind that I reposted it on my blog. I am aiming for 100 rejections this year and sharing my journey (and others’ experiences) online. Today, I needed to be reminded that even some of my favourite writers faced rejection.
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I’m glad it was helpful for you! 100 rejections is a nice round goal, and it sounds very ambitious. (Is it rude to say that I hope you fail by getting several acceptances instead of all rejections?)
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Not rude at all. 🙂
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Quite a fascinating post. It does make me feel better about my decision to self publish.
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The publishing world can be so hard on writers. With the advent of recent technologies, self-publishing can be an amazing opportunity. (As your adventures with Sir Chocolate have proven!)
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