Hi there Reader,

What would you do if your book was not only rejected but banned and even burned? 😳

In the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me podcast, I sit down with the inspiring Jerry Craft, the New York Times bestselling author of New Kid—the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal.

Jerry’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, grace, and grit. Even after thrilling meetings with publishers and receiving advances to work on New Kid, he faced relentless rejection.

I’m talking about different versions of his manuscript being turned down MULTIPLE times.

At one point, he was even asked to pay back his book advance—which meant cashing in his 401K.

💔

But it didn’t stop there.

After finally breaking through with New Kid, Jerry’s books became the target of criticism in certain places in the U.S. because they tackle important themes like code-switching, race, and identity.

Some folks were so uncomfortable with his honest depiction of a young Black boy navigating two different worlds—his neighborhood in Washington Heights and a mostly White, wealthy day school—that they petitioned to have his events canceled and even banned New Kid in several districts.

And if that wasn’t enough, his books have literally been burned by critics.

But instead of quitting or retreating, Jerry continued to push forward.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Why finishing your book is the hardest—and most important—part
✅ The reality of facing rejection after rejection—and how to push through
✅ Jerry’s experiences with having his book banned and burned
✅ The power of grit and grace in the face of harsh criticism
✅ How 30 years of perseverance led to “overnight” groundbreaking success

Jerry’s story reminds me that the road to success isn’t just about talent—it’s about the resilience to keep going, even when everything seems stacked against you.

🎧 Listen now to this unforgettable conversation with Jerry Craft and get inspired by his journey from rejection to becoming a Newbery Medal-winning author.

​https://talkfreelancetome.com/episode-34/​

I can’t wait to hear what you think!

To your success,

Ashley