Electric Lit relies on contributions from our readers to help make literature more exciting, relevant, and inclusive. Please support our work by becoming a member today, or making a one-time donation here .

Unplag created an infographic reminding all the aspiring novelists out there that they might have to work some odd jobs (fun or terrible) before they hit on a six-figure publishing deal. Fingers crossed, right? Below, check out what Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, Stephen King, and more did before they were famous authors.