15 Books That Were Turned Down by Publishers — Then Sold Millions

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

It’s almost impossible to imagine a world without Harry Potter, yet J.K. Rowling’s magical debut was rejected by 12 publishers before seeing the light of day. The manuscript landed on the desk of Bloomsbury, where the CEO’s 8-year-old daughter read the first chapter and begged for more. This spark of interest led to the book’s publication in 1997. Since then, the series has enchanted readers worldwide, selling over 500 million copies and becoming the best-selling book series in history. It’s wild to think that the wizarding world was so close to being lost in a stack of rejection letters. Today, the Harry Potter brand includes blockbuster movies, theme parks, and a devoted fanbase that spans generations. Rowling’s perseverance in the face of repeated rejection is now legendary.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is now a staple in classrooms and libraries, but it almost never saw the light of day. After being rejected by 20 publishers, the manuscript finally found acceptance. One publisher even dismissed it as “an absurd and uninteresting fantasy,” failing to see the raw power in Golding’s story about boys stranded on an island. Since its eventual publication, Lord of the Flies has sold over 25 million copies. The book’s brutal exploration of human nature, civilization, and savagery continues to shock and disturb readers. Its place in literature is now unshakable, and it’s hard to believe how close it came to being forgotten.

Carrie by Stephen King

Before Stephen King was a household name, his first novel Carrie faced 30 rejections. King was so discouraged that he threw the manuscript in the trash, but his wife Tabitha fished it out and pushed him to try again. That moment changed everything. The book sold millions of copies and launched King’s legendary career in horror fiction. Carrie’s success led to a major film adaptation and set King on a path to becoming one of the most prolific authors of our time. King often says that persistence—and a supportive partner—can make all the difference, a lesson buried beneath the real-life horror of endless rejection.

Dune by Frank Herbert

Frank Herbert’s Dune is now hailed as a masterpiece of science fiction, but its journey to publication was anything but smooth. After 23 rejections, it was finally picked up by Chilton Books, a publisher mainly known for auto repair manuals. The risk paid off: Dune has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Its complex world-building, intricate politics, and rich themes have inspired countless fans and adaptations, including a recent blockbuster movie. Dune’s initial struggle proves that even the most unconventional manuscripts can find their place if they land in the right hands. It’s a classic example of how persistence can bend the rules of what publishers think is possible.

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

It’s almost hard to believe that Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected a staggering 144 times. Publishers thought it was too positive, doubting that collections of uplifting stories would ever find an audience. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen refused to give up, and their determination paid off in an epic way. The series has now sold over 500 million copies, making it one of the world’s most successful book franchises. Its heartwarming stories have inspired millions, spawning countless spin-offs and even a line of branded products. Chicken Soup’s journey from rejection to global phenomenon is a testament to the power of hope and resilience.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

Robert M. Pirsig’s philosophical classic holds the record for most rejections before publication—121 in total. Publishers couldn’t figure out how to categorize his blend of philosophical musings and cross-country motorcycle travel. Against all odds, Pirsig’s persistence paid off, and the book went on to sell over 5 million copies. Readers connected deeply with its search for meaning, quality, and the struggle to balance reason with emotion. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is now considered a classic, and its journey from relentless rejection to cultural touchstone is almost as fascinating as the book itself.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Today, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is recognized as one of the most important firsthand accounts of the Holocaust. Yet, it struggled to find a publisher, especially in English-speaking countries, who initially rejected it. Despite early setbacks, the diary has been published in more than 70 languages and has sold over 30 million copies. Its raw honesty and vivid detail offer a deeply personal window into history, making it a cornerstone of Holocaust education. The diary’s impact is immeasurable, proving that sometimes the most important stories need time—and courageous champions—to reach the world.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull was turned down by 18 publishers for being “too weird.” The book’s blend of spiritual themes and fable-like storytelling was unlike anything else at the time. Once published, it soared, selling over 40 million copies. Readers were drawn to its message about soaring beyond limits and finding one’s true purpose. Its gentle wisdom and uplifting narrative have made it a spiritual classic, beloved by those searching for meaning in everyday life. Jonathan Livingston Seagull’s journey is proof that books outside the mainstream can find passionate audiences.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time faced 26 rejections, with publishers claiming it was “too complex” for children. L’Engle refused to compromise her vision, and eventually, her faith was rewarded. The novel has sold over 10 million copies and is now a foundational text in children’s literature. Its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and deep questions about good and evil has enchanted readers for decades. The recent film adaptation brought the story to a new generation, proving that children—and adults—crave challenging, imaginative tales.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Kathryn Stockett’s The Help endured 60 rejections from literary agents before it was finally accepted. The novel’s unflinching look at race and relationships in the American South of the 1960s struck a powerful chord, selling over 10 million copies. Its heartfelt storytelling earned it a spot on bestseller lists and inspired an Oscar-winning film adaptation. Stockett’s determination to tell this story, despite repeated setbacks, shows the impact one voice can have when it refuses to be silenced.

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Richard Adams’ Watership Down was rejected by seven publishers who didn’t know how to classify a dark, epic adventure starring rabbits. Eventually, someone took the leap, and the book has since sold over 50 million copies. Its rich narrative explores survival, leadership, and community through the lens of a rabbit warren, captivating readers of all ages. The story’s unique perspective and haunting beauty have led to animated films and TV adaptations, ensuring its legacy endures.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks faced 24 agent rejections before The Notebook was published, launching a career that would see his novels sell over 100 million copies worldwide. The Notebook’s sweeping love story resonated deeply, especially after its film adaptation became a cultural phenomenon. Sparks’ ability to capture emotion and the complexity of relationships keeps readers coming back for more. His journey from rejection to chart-topping success is a story as romantic as any of his novels.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit faced multiple rejections before she took matters into her own hands and self-published it in 1901. Her persistence was rewarded: the story of a mischievous rabbit has sold over 45 million copies and remains a childhood favorite. Potter’s charming illustrations and gentle humor made her a pioneer in children’s literature. Her self-publishing success paved the way for her illustrious career, showing that sometimes the best way forward is to take control yourself.

Dubliners by James Joyce

James Joyce’s Dubliners was rejected by 22 publishers due to its controversial themes and unflinching portrayal of life in Dublin. Today, the collection is celebrated as a cornerstone of modernist literature, studied for its innovative style and psychological depth. Dubliners captures the struggles and dreams of ordinary people, offering a window into Irish society at the turn of the 20th century. The book’s path to publication was rocky, but its impact has been profound, shaping the course of literary history.

The Shack by William P. Young

William P. Young’s The Shack faced rejection from every major publisher before he decided to self-publish. The novel, which explores loss, faith, and forgiveness, struck a chord through word-of-mouth recommendations, eventually selling over 20 million copies. Its emotional honesty and spiritual themes resonated with readers seeking hope in difficult times. The Shack’s viral success led to a major motion picture and established Young as a unique voice in contemporary fiction.