Author Confidence Issues

Here are a few items I discovered in the New York Times archives, from over a hundred years ago, regarding authors who struggled with lack of confidence. Looks like it's an age old problem for many.

This query letter was sent to a publisher in 1908.  Needless to say, it didn't get very far, nor did others get to benefit from the book, "Writing the Great American Novel".

 

In 1903 this manuscript, "The Manuscript in the Red Box",  was received by a New York publisher without an indication of origin. After a successful launch, it was learned that the historical romance was written by John Hamilton. This book was reprinted in 1974.

This New York Times book review from 1897 hails an unknown author's book. Eventually Ellen Glasgow became known to the public. She began writing the novel over 5 years prior to publication. You can read "The Descendant" online.

Two of these authors were published, but we know that this type of anonymity would never be tolerated today. The moral to the story:  Don't forget to put your name on your manuscript, intentionally or otherwise!

Have you ever kept your writing anonymous or hesitated to tell others you are a writer or published author?