When J.K. Rowling first submitted her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, she was met with a number of rejections from publishers. Among the (ostensible) reasons for rejection were that the book was too conventional, too long, too weird or too old-fashioned.
However, it is hard to imagine that any of these criticisms would have mattered to the audience for which Rowling wrote the book. After all, the story of Harry Potter is one of magic, mystery and adventure, which is precisely what children and young adults are looking for in a book.
The length of the book was also not an issue, as Rowling’s story was engaging and captivating enough to keep readers hooked from start to finish. In fact, the length of the book was one of its greatest strengths, as it allowed Rowling to develop her characters and the world of Harry Potter in great detail.
The criticism that the book was too conventional or old-fashioned is also hard to fathom. Rowling’s story was a fresh and unique take on the fantasy genre, with its own set of characters, creatures and magical elements. It was certainly not a conventional or old-fashioned story, but rather a captivating and imaginative one.
Finally, the criticism that the book was too weird is perhaps the most puzzling. After all, the story of Harry Potter is filled with fantastical creatures, magical spells and mysterious events. These elements are precisely what make the story so appealing to readers, and what makes it stand out from other fantasy books.
In the end, it is clear that the publishers who rejected Rowling’s manuscript were wrong. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has gone on to become one of the most beloved books of all time, and its success has spawned a series of books, films and other media. It is a testament to Rowling’s talent and imagination that she was able to create such a captivating and beloved story, despite the initial rejections.
