Discover how to submit your personal stories for publication in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Learn about types of submissions accepted and writing tips.
If you’re a writer looking for a platform to share your personal stories, chicken soup for the soul submissions offer an excellent opportunity. Chicken Soup for the Soul is a famous book series that has been around for decades, providing readers with inspiring and heartwarming stories. Now, they’re inviting writers to submit their stories for publication in their books.
Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions are personal stories that are uplifting, inspiring, and heartwarming. They can be about anything from love, friendship, and family to overcoming challenges, personal growth, and finding meaning in life. The submissions are reviewed and selected by the Chicken Soup for the Soul editorial team, and the selected stories are published in their books, which are sold worldwide.
The history of Chicken Soup for the Soul dates back to 1993 when the first book was published. Since then, the book series has grown to become a global phenomenon, with over 250 titles published in more than 100 countries. The books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the best-selling book series of all time.
Submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul is not only an opportunity to get published in a well-known book series but also a chance to share your story with readers worldwide. In the following sections, we’ll discuss why you should consider submitting to Chicken Soup for the Soul, the types of submissions accepted, and writing tips to help you craft a compelling story.
Why Submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul
If you’re wondering why you should submit your personal story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, there are several reasons why it’s worth considering. Here are some benefits of submitting to Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Benefits of Submitting to Chicken Soup for the Soul
Exposure: Chicken Soup for the Soul books are sold worldwide, which means that your story will be read by thousands of people. This is an excellent opportunity to get your work in front of a larger audience and gain exposure as a writer.
No Fees: Unlike many other publications, Chicken Soup for the Soul does not charge a submission fee. You can submit your story for free and have a chance to get published in their books.
Payment: If your story is selected for publication, you will receive a payment of $200 (or more, depending on the book). This is a great incentive to submit your work and get paid for your writing.
Success Stories of Previous Contributors
Many writers have had their stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books and have gone on to achieve great success. For example, Joyce Brothers, a well-known psychologist and author, had her story published in the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Other success stories include:
Amy Newmark, the current publisher and editor-in-chief of Chicken Soup for the Soul, had her story published in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles Happen.”
Brooke Burke, a well-known television personality, had her story published in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom.”
Debbie Macomber, a best-selling author, had her story published in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles.”
Submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul can be a great way to gain exposure, get paid for your writing, and potentially achieve success as a writer. In the following sections, we’ll discuss the types of submissions accepted and provide writing tips to help you craft a compelling story.
Types of Submissions Accepted
Categories of Chicken Soup for the Soul Books
There are several categories of Chicken Soup for the Soul books, each with a unique theme and focus. Some of the popular categories include:
- Family and Parenting: This category focuses on the challenges and joys of raising a family, from pregnancy and childbirth to parenting adult children.
- Love and Relationships: This category covers all aspects of love and relationships, from falling in love to dealing with heartbreak and everything in between.
- Self-Help and Personal Growth: This category is all about personal development, including tips and advice for improving your life and achieving your goals.
- Pets: This category is all about our furry friends and the special bond we share with them.
- Women’s Issues: This category focuses on the experiences of women, including the challenges they face and the triumphs they achieve.
There are also books in categories such as Christmas, miracles, and angels, among others. Each book has a unique theme, and the stories should reflect that theme.
Guidelines for Submitting Stories, Poems, and Personal Essays
When submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, there are guidelines you need to follow to ensure your submission is considered. These guidelines include:
- Stories must be non-fiction and true to the best of your knowledge.
- Stories must be original and not previously published.
- Stories should be between 1200-1500 words.
- Poems should be no longer than 35 lines.
- Personal essays should be between 500-1200 words.
- Submissions should be typed and double-spaced on 8.5×11-inch paper.
- Include your name, address, phone number, and email address on the first page of your submission.
- You can submit multiple stories, but each submission must be separate.
Following these guidelines will increase your chances of having your story selected for publication in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. In the next section, we’ll discuss some writing tips to help you craft a compelling story.
Writing Tips for Chicken Soup for the Soul Submissions
Writing a compelling story for Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions requires more than just a good idea. It takes skill, practice, and patience to craft a story that resonates with readers. Here are some writing tips to help you create a winning submission:
How to Write a Compelling Story
Start with a strong opening: Your opening should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for your story. Consider starting with a vivid description or a thought-provoking question.
Keep it personal: Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions are personal stories, so make sure your story is about you and your experiences. Be honest, vulnerable, and authentic.
Show, don’t tell: Use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Instead of telling the reader how you felt, show them through your actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
Have a clear message: Know what you want your story to say and make sure it’s clear to the reader. Your story should have a takeaway that readers can apply to their own lives.
End with a strong conclusion: Your conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader. Consider ending with a memorable quote, a call to action, or a reflection on your journey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing
Writing for the wrong category: Make sure you’re submitting your story to the right category. Check the Chicken Soup for the Soul website to ensure your story fits the theme of the book.
Over-explaining: Trust your reader to understand your story without over-explaining. Avoid unnecessary details and let your story speak for itself.
Being too general: Make your story specific and personal. Avoid broad statements and instead focus on the details that make your story unique.
Forgetting the editing process: Take the time to edit your story before submitting. Check for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and ensure your story flows well.
By following these writing tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a winning Chicken Soup for the Soul submission. In the next section, we’ll discuss the submission process and what to expect after submitting your story.
The Submission Process
Submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the guidelines to ensure your submission is considered. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to submit your story:
How to Submit Your Story
Choose a category: Chicken Soup for the Soul has a wide range of categories to choose from, including “Love and Relationships,” “Miracles and Divine Intervention,” and “Living your Dreams.” Choose a category that fits your story best.
Write your story: Once you’ve chosen a category, write your story following the guidelines provided on the Chicken Soup for the Soul website. Make sure your story is uplifting, inspiring, and heartwarming.
Edit and proofread: Before submitting your story, make sure to edit and proofread it thoroughly. Check for spelling and grammatical errors and ensure that your story flows well and is easy to read.
Submit your story: Visit the Chicken Soup for the Soul website and click on “Submit Your Story.” Fill out the submission form, including your name, contact information, and story title. Paste your story into the submission form, and click “Submit.”
Timeline for Publication
Once you’ve submitted your story, the Chicken Soup for the Soul editorial team will review it and contact you if they’re interested in publishing it. The review process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the volume of submissions received.
If your story is selected for publication, you’ll be notified via email, and the editorial team will work with you to edit and finalize your story. You’ll receive a contract and a small payment for your story’s publication.
In conclusion, submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul is a rewarding experience that can help you reach a broader audience and share your message with the world. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines, write a compelling story, and be patient during the review process. Good luck!
What Happens After You Submit Your Chicken Soup for the Soul Story?
Response Time for Submissions
Once you’ve submitted your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, you may be wondering how long it will take for you to receive a response. The answer depends on the book’s deadline and the number of submissions received. Typically, it takes around 4-6 months for the editorial team to review all the submissions and make a decision.
Rejection and Acceptance Policy
It’s essential to note that not all stories submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul will be accepted. The editorial team receives thousands of submissions for each book, and only a limited number of stories are selected for publication. If your story is not accepted, you’ll receive a rejection email informing you that your story was not chosen for the book.
However, if your story is accepted, you’ll receive an acceptance email from the editorial team. The email will include a contract outlining the terms of publication, such as the rights to your story, the payment terms, and the deadline for revisions. Once you sign the contract and make any necessary revisions, your story will be published in the upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
It’s important to note that even if your story is not accepted, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a good story. The editorial team receives many excellent submissions that may not fit the theme of the book or may not be suitable for publication. So, don’t give up on your writing and continue submitting your work to other publishers and platforms.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how you can increase your chances of getting published in Chicken Soup for the Soul.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Published in Chicken Soup for the Soul
Submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul is a competitive process, and not all submissions are accepted. However, there are ways to increase your chances of getting published. Here are some tips for standing out in the submission process and crafting a winning story.
Tips for Standing Out in the Submission Process
Read the guidelines carefully: Before submitting your story, make sure to read the guidelines thoroughly. Chicken Soup for the Soul has specific requirements for submissions, such as word count, formatting, and style. Following these guidelines can increase your chances of getting accepted.
Choose the right category: Chicken Soup for the Soul has different categories for their books, such as love, friendship, and gratitude. Choose the category that best fits your story, and make sure to tailor your submission accordingly.
Be authentic: Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions are personal stories, so it’s essential to be authentic. Write from your heart, and don’t be afraid to share your vulnerability. Readers connect with stories that are genuine and heartfelt.
Edit and proofread: Make sure to edit and proofread your submission before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your story flows well and is easy to read.
Strategies for Crafting a Winning Story
Start with a strong hook: Your story’s opening sentence should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. Use a strong hook that sets the tone for your story.
Show, don’t tell: Use descriptive language and vivid details to bring your story to life. Don’t just tell the reader what happened, show them through sensory details and dialogue.
Have a clear message: Your story should have a clear message or lesson that readers can take away. Think about what you want readers to learn from your story and make sure it’s clear.
End with a strong conclusion: Your conclusion should tie your story together and leave readers with a lasting impression. End with a memorable line or thought that resonates with readers.
By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of getting published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and share your inspiring story with readers worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions provide a unique opportunity for writers to share their personal stories with readers worldwide. With a history dating back to 1993, the book series has become a global phenomenon, inspiring and uplifting readers with heartwarming stories.
By submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, you not only have a chance to get published in a well-known book series but also to share your experiences and inspire others. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, submitting to Chicken Soup for the Soul can be a valuable experience that helps you grow as a writer.
At Takeout Food, we encourage our readers to explore different opportunities to share their love for food and life. Chicken Soup for the Soul submissions offer such an opportunity, and we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the submission process.
So why not take a chance and submit your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul? You never know, your story might be the one that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.
