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Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" Turned Down 60 Times

by Lori Kelly
11 replies
Kathryn Stockett's book "The Help" was turned down 60 times before it became a best seller.

We have talked here before about rejection and failure.

Ms. Stockett has a never give up attitude.

It took her a year and a half to write the book.

Her agent sent her a rejection letter stating it did not hold his interest.

Not only was her book published, it has been made into a movie.

She was rejected time and time again.

Her 40th rejection stated "there is no market for this kind of tiring writing".

This is a perfect example of never, never, never, give up.
#kathryn #stockett #the help #times #turned
  • Profile picture of the author Kurlie
    This is such a great point. Sometimes I wonder what we'd have in the world if people who never gave up and kept persisting to reach their goals didn't exist. I've read a quote by Thomas Edison before that I think he was saying about trying to invent the light bulb, if I'm not mistaken: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
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  • Profile picture of the author TravellingMissie
    Brilliant post.

    It just shows that you can't give up at the 1st, 2nd or even 25th hurdle. If you want something so badly and you can put all your belief into it then you can achieve your dreams.

    I have recently read the 'The Help', which I picked up from the book swap in a hostel and can say it is a fantastic book and I am so glad that the author perservered with her dreams.

    I am trying to do the same so it's nice to know this.
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  • Profile picture of the author powell747
    This story reminds me of Sylvester Stalone's story... he was thrown out of hundreds of agents offices trying to get acting jobs, he was starving, couldn't pay the heat in his apartment, he hawked his wife's jewlery, and after selling his dog for $25 bucks so he could eat, he was inspired by a Mohamid Ali fight and in 20 hours wrote Rocky. He still met opposition, but finally got his break, but the people didn't want him to star in the movie! Anyways, I love inspirational stories like this... Thanks for sharing!

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  • Profile picture of the author krantcents
    Many successful people fair numerous times before they succeed. They usually are very determined and tenacious.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lindap07
    Sometimes I think rejection and failure are simply put there to test us to see how strong our character is. Well done to the person who posted this. I'll remember it next time something seems like an obstacle.
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  • Profile picture of the author Porter
    I saw this story also. I really enjoyed reading the book. It made me wonder how close the final version was to the first version. She said that as she was getting the rejection letters she would rewrite and rewrite.
    I think it is great that she didn't give up but I think it is even more amazing that she continued to attempt to improve on the work. Many people continue to make attempts but do the same thing over and over and wonder why they are not finding success.
    I think that her ability to continue to improve along with facing the rejection was the golden ticket =]
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  • Profile picture of the author Dahlia Valentine
    That's an amazing story Lori. When my sister and I were younger our father used to make us re-write assignments 5-10 times, until they were clear and darn near perfect. It definitely made us better writers.

    So I find it interesting that Kathryn Stockett continuously improved on her work as she waded through each rejection letter. Some people know how to appreciate feedback, even when it's not the most pleasing to the ego. Obviously it paid off for her.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacob Tudor Baruch
      After being asked why he never gave up after "failing" 1,000 times to invent the light bulb, Edison said, "I just discovered another way of not inventing it."

      I'm looking forward to the movie version of "The Help".
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  • Profile picture of the author georgebush
    i read the help and it is one of the most engaging stories i have ever read- i don't read much as few authors capture my imagination - this one did. those agents were obviously complete bores who did not appreciate the unique story she had to tell and obviously aren't very good at spotting talent
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    • Profile picture of the author 711gemstone
      Thomas Edison, is also a great example of never give up. There are a lot of his inventions he did not get right on the first try.
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  • Profile picture of the author oscarmike
    There is a book titled Dare to Fail. it is a collection of quotates and stories of people who have met great failures but managed to succeed.

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