When I was 26, I wrote my first mystery, 'The Thomas…
“When I was 26, I wrote my first mystery, 'The Thomas Berryman Number', and it was turned down by, I don't know, 31 publishers. Then it won an Edgar for Best First Novel. Go figure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Persistence despite repeated rejections can lead to award‑winning success.
In simple terms: I faced many rejections before winning an Edgar.
Keep writing despite setbacks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- query letters
- self‑publishing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you after a rejection?
- How can you improve your manuscript?
Success may be rare and not guaranteed.