by Betty Johnson

Created on: February 06, 2011

Rejections by publishers

Don't be discouraged by rejections received
Of that story or poem that you wrote
You aren't the first, and you won't be the last
Some facts here are worthy to note...
 
The great Stephen King was also turned down
By publishers, not very smart!
Told him that “Carrie” never would sell
But we now know that his work is an art!

Jack London and the great Ernest Hemingway

Norman Mailer, and also Irving Stone
All sadly told their fine writings were "No good"
So such rejections are not yours alone!
 
Some fancy themselves as Great 'Editors'
When in fact, they are deprived of good taste
Searching pages for trite, small errors
And delight finding a comma misplaced!
 
'Lust for life'- turned down sixteen times
Irvin Stone, just ignored what was said
Sold twenty-five million, when it caught the eye
Of a publisher who knew what he'd read!
 
Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe
Had rejections piled high on the shelf
'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'? Nobody liked
So Beatrix Potter just published it herself!
 
Rudyard Kipling, often 'shown the door'
By the publisher who had no insight
This famous writer heard, "This is no good...
Sir, the English, you MUST learn to write!"
 
And poor 'Dr. Seuss' rejected, as well
"Too different!" was the publisher's word
'Til a publisher with a humorous sense,
Made sure that Theodor Geisal was heard!
 
Now also note, 'A Bridge over River Kwai'
Rejected as, "A very bad book!"
By one, with no imagination at all
Pierre Boulle, almost overlooked!
 
But I believe the worst rejection of all
(And, no doubt, the poor girl’s heart just sank)
 Her father finally published it himself.
 He called it "The Diary of Anne Frank"

So should you receive a rejection or two
Don't give up, for crying out loud!
The best authors have known rejection
And you join a very elite crowd!

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