Reflecting on Anne of Green Gables

Writing Anne

L.M. Montgomery first penned Anne of Green Gables in 1905. She then typed it out and sent it to publishers. It was rejected not once, but four times. Discouraged, she put Anne away in a hat box. Two years later, she came upon the manuscript and decided to try again. This time it was accepted and the rest is literary history.

Montgomery exchanged letters with Scottish writer, George Boyd MacMillan. In one letter, the author discusses negotiations with her publisher: "I want it published under the name 'L.M. Montgomery' as all my work has been. The Page Co. insists on 'Lucy Maud Montgomery' which I loathe. I don’t know who will come out in the end."

Source
Agreement between L.M. Montgomery and her publisher, L.C. Page and Company, p. 1. MG 30 D 342, v. 1

Source
Agreement between L.M. Montgomery and her publisher, L.C. Page and Company, p. 2. MG 30 D 342, v. 1

Source
Letter from Lucy Maud Montgomery to George Boyd MacMillan, 1908