Books Quote by Maria Semple

My first novel was rejected by some of the most eminent publishers in the world. Starting again was a real wrench.

— Wilbur Smith

I knew from previous books not to count on anything in terms of sales. My first novel - -The Raven's Bride, about Sam Houston's…

— Elizabeth Crook

I didn't expect the book to sell in the first place. I was hoping for a quick and merciful death at the hands of…

— Harper Lee

My first book was rejected nine times. It turned out to be a best seller, Battle Cry? in 1953.

— Leon Uris

I sold my very first novel when I was 24 or 25 years old.

— Kevin J. Anderson

I didn't write the book to sell the book, but to tell my experiences.

— Larry Hagman

My first crime novel, "Wild Horses," sold at auction, and that changed my life at an ideal time.

— Brian Hodge

Even if I never sold another book, I'd keep writing, because the stories are here, in my head. Stories that just need to be…

— Tess Gerritsen

It was something I never expected to - I never expected the book would sell in the first place. I was hoping for a…

— Harper Lee

My first novel was a critical success in a matter of weeks.

— Christine Leunens

I was never confident about finishing a book, but friends encouraged me. When I finished my first book, it was accepted by a publisher…

— Jackie Collins

I have SO many books I didn't sell. Some my agent rejected outright, others made it all the way to my editor to be…

— Sarah Dessen