When you see bestsellers on the bookstore shelf, you might be inclined to think that the authors have led charmed lives or possess superhuman writing talent in order to get published and make mega-sales. But the truth is, many best-selling authors have had to fight their way up from the bottom. So if the thought of getting another rejection letter has you feeling discouraged, let these “overnight success stories” keep you inspired—and writing!

J.K. Rowling: Rags To Riches

Rowling’s story is well-known by now—when she started writing Harry Potter, she was scribbling on newspapers because she couldn’t afford