10 Famous Authors With Failed Books

Failure is an inevitable part of the creative process, even for the most celebrated authors. In the literary world, some of the most renowned writers have experienced setbacks early in their careers. However, these failures were not the end but rather stepping stones to eventual success. Let’s explore 10 famous authors and the failed books that ultimately shaped their literary journeys.

1. J.K. Rowling – “The Casual Vacancy” (2012)

Before enchanting the world with the magical realm of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling faced criticism for her novel “The Casual Vacancy.” Though it received mixed reviews, Rowling’s resilience and commitment to storytelling propelled her to create one of the most beloved book series in history.

2. Stephen King – “Rage” (1977)

Stephen King, the master of horror, encountered a stumbling block with his early novel “Rage.” Due to its controversial themes, King chose to pull it from circulation. This setback, however, didn’t deter him from becoming one of the most prolific and successful authors of our time.

3. George Orwell – “Burmese Days” (1934)

George Orwell’s debut novel, “Burmese Days,” struggled to gain traction initially. Undeterred, Orwell later found his voice with classics like “Animal Farm” and “1984,” leaving an indelible mark on literature.

4. Agatha Christie – “Snow Upon the Desert” (1924)

Even the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie, had her share of setbacks. “Snow Upon the Desert,” her early novel, failed to capture readers’ attention. Yet, Christie’s ingenuity blossomed later, creating enduring characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

5. Ernest Hemingway – “The Torrents of Spring” (1926)

Before winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Ernest Hemingway faced criticism for “The Torrents of Spring.” Undeterred, he went on to write classics like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “A Farewell to Arms.”

6. Margaret Atwood – “Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature” (1972)

Margaret Atwood’s first foray into non-fiction with “Survival” received mixed reviews. However, she rebounded by crafting thought-provoking novels like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Alias Grace.”

7. F. Scott Fitzgerald – “The Beautiful and Damned” (1922)

“The Beautiful and Damned” didn’t garner the success Fitzgerald hoped for, but his later work, “The Great Gatsby,” secured his place as one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century.

8. Sylvia Plath – “The Bell Jar” (1963)

Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel “The Bell Jar” faced initial rejection. Tragically, Plath’s life was cut short, but her poetry and “The Bell Jar” have since become iconic in the literary world.

9. John Grisham – “A Time to Kill” (1989)

John Grisham’s first novel, “A Time to Kill,” faced rejection from multiple publishers. However, perseverance paid off, as Grisham became a best-selling author with legal thrillers like “The Firm” and “The Pelican Brief.”

10. Virginia Woolf – “The Voyage Out” (1915)

Virginia Woolf’s initial novel, “The Voyage Out,” received a lukewarm response. Yet, Woolf’s innovative narrative techniques in later works like “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse” solidified her as a literary pioneer.