JK Rowling's original Harry Potter pitch exhibited in London, marking 20th anniversary of series

Twenty years ago, JK Rowling created a new world where regular teenagers waved their magic wands in the air and dodged spirits in the hallways. However, the acclaimed writer tasted success after a long period of hardship, during which she faced multiple rejections by publishers who thought she wasn’t good enough. [caption id=“attachment_3747047” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Image via Creative Commons.[/caption] To commemorate 20 years of the Harry Potter universe, The British Library in London has launched an exhibition called ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’. Among many other amazing Potter things, the exhibition also has Rowling’s original pitch, which she had first sent to publishers, on display. The synopsis, is a simple breakdown of the life of Harry Potter — his time with the Dursleys, discovering he is a magician and the adventures thereon. It can be read here. Rowling, who has always been very interactive with readers on social media, has shared stories of her struggle on many accounts. She had earlier shared some rejection letters which she received when she was pitching her story under her pen name Robert Galbraith.

By popular request, 2 of @RGalbrath's rejection letters! (For inspiration, not revenge, so I've removed signatures.) pic.twitter.com/vVoc0x6r8W

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 25, 2016

Her rags-to-riches story might be nothing short of a fairytale, however, that does not negate her struggle, which she has been very open about from the very start. Here’s a promotional video that was put up by The British Library: