JK Rowling reveals frustrations over manuscript rejections | Herald Scotland

In 1996 the first Harry Potter book was turned down by 12 publishers before being picked up by Bloomsbury. The series went on to sell more than 450 million copies.

The Cuckoo's Calling, which Rowling published under the name Robert Galbraith, sold less than 500 copies in 2013 before she was accidentally unmasked as its author. Prior to this she also published her first adult fiction novel, The Casual Vacancy, as JK Rowling. It was recently turned into a BBC serial.

In reply to fan Megan who asked: "How many no's did you get before you finally got published?" Rowling said: "Loads! First publisher to turn down Harry also sent Robert Galbraith his rudest rejection. They don't even want me in a beard."