Even if you write one of the most successful book series of the past century, it can still be hard getting your work published!
That’s what J.K. Rowling proved when she was pitching new books under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith over the past few years.
The Harry Potter author previously revealed she wrote under the fake name because she wanted her future work to be unbiased and let it “stand or fall on its own merits.”
Related: J.K.’s New Harry Potter Story Has Upset Some Native Americans!
And apparently, there was a lot more falling than standing, because Rowling shared with her fans a few of the rejection letters she got from publishers who weren’t fans of Galbraith’s work!
On Friday, the 50-year-old addressed a fan who had been rejected by a publisher, empathizing on Twitter:
I pinned my 1st rejection letter to my kitchen wall because it gave me something in common with all my fave writers! https://t.co/ZmGNWDdF7x
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016
And after fans asked to see some of her rejection letters, JK was more than happy to oblige — in hopes of inspiring other writers to not be afraid of the inevitable rejection they must face in order to meet success:
The Potter ones are now in a box in my attic, but I could show you @RGalbraith‘s? ├░┼╕╦£ΓÇ░ https://t.co/McGYViYvqp
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016
By popular request, 2 of @RGalbrath‘s rejection letters! (For inspiration, not revenge, so I’ve removed signatures.) pic.twitter.com/vVoc0x6r8W
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016
Rowling also revealed that one of the particularly rude rejection letters was from a publisher who also turned down Harry Potter:
Yes, the publisher who first turned down Harry also sent @RGalbraith his rudest rejection (by email)! https://t.co/22Jwf2u8hy
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016
I had nothing to lose and sometimes that makes you brave enough to try. https://t.co/ETEk8lcih1
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016
AH-Mazing!
It’s so great that the author can share her road bumps to inspire others to keep trying!
[Image via PNP/WENN.]
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