‘Is there a book in you?’
Maybe it should stay there! On the other hand surprising results happen when someone puts pen to paper. Take this year’s Booker Prize Winner. Rejected by no less than 70 publishers when having a go with a previous book. But this guy persevered!
So did Yours Truly. 30 Publishers said. No, thanks, but no…But John S Barnes went it alone and praise is coming in thick and fast for Ryan’s Journey, Book One.
One said. ‘John Barnes is a great writer!’
Another said: ‘I really liked the narrative voice in this novel. The writing was rhythmic and the characters, setting and sense of the time period were very vivid. Although abuse is the central theme, it is also about family and growing up. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Ryan’s father and the atmospheric scenes inside their house. ‘Well-drawn characters and a distinctive sense of time and space.
Congrats on the success of your book! So glad you persevered through all the rejection to get it published. Is there a copy on Amazon or is sold in stores only?
Unbelievable. For Barnes to be rejected 70 times by different publishers shows that he had true faith in his art. To think that if J.K. Rowling had quit after being rejected by many publishers or if the Beatles had quit after being turned down by several managers, classic children’s literature and iconic rock ballads never would have been created.
Yes, writing is great and I love it. I have written so many books and now going to start publishing them myself. I hope one of them does good. I love reading books that have a great story and awesome characters.
Barnes’ story is something that should be shared with budding writers everywhere. Students who experience anxiety in writing compositions for schoolwork because of fear of bad reviews could really learn from this. Writing is not about pleasing people. It is about expressing one’s ideas. Being rejected by many does not mean being rejected by all. One’s work may take time to be found by those who will appreciate it, but eventually, that time does arrive.
Well said Mr. Barnes! Never give up, always look for a second, third, or 50th opinion! There is an opportunity out there somewhere, a person just has to press forward and find it. Congratulations, on your book!