[TheOtherHobbes]

Most of those have had established careers for a long time. McCarthy is relatively new, but he was soundly rejected by all the big pubs, published by a tiny house, and then the big pubs reconsidered when he started shifting copies.

Which is almost exactly what happened to JK Rowling, only her books are slightly more accessible.

The big pubs do not take risks. If a writer can show evidence of critical interest and existing strong sales, they suddenly become interested.

Signing on the basis of a strong, original manuscript? Not any more.

I'm sure there's an exception every year or five, but it's a good bet that unless you're incredibly lucky and/or know commissioning editors personally already because you all went to university together, the odds of getting in through the front door are not good now.