Nabokov’s masterpiece went through so many publishers that he, like Yann Matel, starting looking outside the US for publishers. Those publishers were proved wrong, though, when Baum’s became one of the best known-American stories, was translated into multiple languages, and was adapted into more films, musicals, and miniseries than anyone can keep track of. Frank Baumīaum’s children’s and cultural classic was rejected for publication so many times, that he kept a journal called ‘A Record of Failure’ made up of all the rejection letters he received. The book went on to sell over ten million copies worldwide and win a Man Booker Prize.ĥ. It was finally accepted by for publication in Canada. This book, which was recently adapted into an Academy Award winning film, was rejected by numerous London publishing houses. The book won a variety of awards, including a Newberry Medal. It became the first book in a successful series, an international bestseller, and inspired a film adaptation. This iconic book was rejected by upwards of 25 publishers before finally being accepted for publication. The Giving Tree has become loved by children and adults alike, translated into numerous languages, and prompted various and creative interpretations. Silverstein was told that the book would never sell, but he persisted. One of the best-known children’s books of all time had difficulty getting published. In fact, according to a recent Harris poll, the novel is the second most popular book in America, after The Bible. Besides enjoying instant (and wild) success, Gone with the Wind has maintained a legacy of popularity. The manuscript for what would become a Pulitzer Prize winning novel was rejected by almost 40 publishers before it finally hit the shelves. The novel was not only later adapted into a variety of mediums, including a miniseries and film, but also won a Hugo and a Nebula Award. Frank Herbert went through over 20 different publishers, facing rejection over and over until his book was finally accepted for publication.

The bestselling science fiction novel of all time had some trouble getting published. The following are a list of books that had a very difficult time getting published, but eventually achieved fame and success. Even many famous and bestselling novels have faced rejection-some over and over-before finally getting the recognition that, with hindsight, we can say they deserved.

Old famous books