Chicken Soup for the Soul. The name itself evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and connection. For decades, this publishing powerhouse has been sharing true stories of ordinary people experiencing extraordinary moments, offering readers a collective hug and a reminder that they are not alone. Have you ever felt that tug, that urge to share your own story, hoping it might resonate with others and maybe even end up within the pages of one of their bestselling books? If so, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the submission process, giving you the best possible chance to see your words in print.
Understanding the Chicken Soup for the Soul Brand
Before you even begin to craft your story, it’s crucial to understand what Chicken Soup for the Soul is all about. They aren’t looking for fiction, poetry, or essays. They want true, personal stories – real-life experiences that are relatable, inspiring, and uplifting. Their core mission is to provide readers with comfort, encouragement, and a reminder of the good in the world.
Key elements of a successful Chicken Soup for the Soul story: authenticity, emotional resonance, relatability, and a positive message. Think about stories that have touched you deeply – what made them so impactful? Was it the vulnerability of the author? The universal theme they explored? The heartwarming resolution?
What Kind of Stories Do They Want?
Chicken Soup for the Soul covers a wide range of topics, but they all share a common thread: they focus on the positive aspects of the human experience. They regularly publish books centered around themes like:
- Love and relationships
- Family and friendship
- Overcoming obstacles
- Acts of kindness
- Inspiration and hope
- Animals and pets
- Humor
Check the Chicken Soup for the Soul website for a complete list of upcoming book topics. Targeting a specific, announced topic is key to increasing your chances of acceptance.
The Importance of Reading Sample Stories: Immersion is the best way to learn. Read several stories published in previous Chicken Soup for the Soul editions. Pay attention to the writing style, tone, and overall structure. How do the authors convey emotion? How do they build suspense? How do they resolve the conflict in their stories?
Crafting Your Story: Making it Soup-Worthy
Now that you have a solid understanding of the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, it’s time to transform your personal experience into a compelling narrative. This is where the real work begins.
Brainstorming and Choosing Your Story
Don’t just pick the first story that comes to mind. Take some time to brainstorm and explore different events in your life that might be suitable for Chicken Soup for the Soul. Ask yourself:
- What is the most impactful or meaningful experience I’ve had?
- What life lesson did I learn from this experience?
- Is this story relatable to a wide audience?
- Does this story have a positive message or uplifting ending?
- Does this story fit one of their upcoming book topics?
Once you have a few ideas, evaluate each one carefully and choose the story that you believe has the most potential.
Writing with Authenticity and Emotion
Authenticity is paramount. Chicken Soup for the Soul readers are looking for genuine stories that they can connect with on an emotional level. Write from the heart, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Share your feelings, your fears, and your hopes.
Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I was sad,” describe the physical sensations of sadness – the lump in your throat, the tightness in your chest, the tears welling up in your eyes. Use vivid language and sensory details to bring your story to life.
Structuring Your Story for Maximum Impact
A well-structured story is easier to read and more engaging for the reader. Consider this simple framework:
- Introduction: Hook the reader with a compelling opening line or paragraph. Introduce the characters and setting, and briefly establish the conflict or problem.
- Body: Develop the story by adding details and building tension. Show how the characters are affected by the conflict, and what steps they take to resolve it.
- Resolution: Describe the outcome of the story and the lesson learned. End with a positive message or uplifting thought.
Word Count Matters: Stick to the word count guideline. They typically want stories that are 1200 words or less. Respect this limit.
The Submission Process: Nailing the Details
You’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting your story. Now it’s time to submit it to Chicken Soup for the Soul. This part is about attention to detail and following their guidelines precisely.
Navigating the Chicken Soup for the Soul Website
The Chicken Soup for the Soul website (chickensoup.com) is your primary resource for all things submission-related. Find the “Submit Your Story” section, which will provide you with detailed instructions and submission forms.
Read the Submission Guidelines Carefully: This is the most important step. The guidelines outline all the requirements for submitting your story, including formatting, word count, and contact information.
Understanding Rights and Compensation
When you submit a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, you are granting them certain rights to publish your work. Understand their payment structure and how they handle copyrights.
- Payment: Contributors whose stories are selected receive a payment upon publication, plus copies of the book. The exact amount varies.
- Copyright: You retain the copyright to your story, but you grant Chicken Soup for the Soul the right to publish it in their books and related materials.
Crafting Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your first impression, so make it count. Keep it concise and professional.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the title of your story.
- Story Summary: Provide a short summary of your story, highlighting its key themes and message.
- Targeted Topic: Mention the specific Chicken Soup for the Soul topic your story is relevant to.
- Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Closing: Thank the editors for their time and consideration.
Formatting Your Submission
Follow their formatting guidelines explicitly. They typically require:
- Microsoft Word Document: Submit your story as a .doc or .docx file.
- Double-Spacing: Use double-spacing throughout your document.
- Standard Font: Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
- Page Numbers: Include page numbers at the bottom of each page.
- Title and Contact Information: Include the title of your story and your contact information on the first page.
Submitting Your Story Online
The preferred method of submission is through their online submission form. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure to upload your story and cover letter in the correct format.
What Happens After You Submit: Patience and Persistence
Submitting your story is just the beginning. Now comes the waiting game. Chicken Soup for the Soul receives thousands of submissions, so it can take several months to hear back.
The Waiting Game: Managing Expectations
Be patient. It can take several months to hear back from Chicken Soup for the Soul. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately.
Avoid Following Up: Do not contact them to inquire about the status of your submission. They will contact you if they are interested in publishing your story.
Dealing with Rejection (and Celebrating Acceptance!)
Rejection is a part of the writing process. If your story is not selected, don’t take it personally. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your writing.
- Learn from Feedback: If you receive feedback on your story, take it to heart and use it to improve your future submissions.
- Keep Writing: Don’t give up on your dream of being published. Keep writing and submitting your work to other publications.
If your story is accepted, congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. Follow their instructions carefully and provide them with any additional information they may need.
Understanding Publication and Promotion
Once your story is published, Chicken Soup for the Soul will promote the book through various channels, including their website, social media, and email marketing.
Promote Your Story: Share the news with your friends, family, and followers on social media. This will help to increase the visibility of the book and your story.
Remember: Every story submitted is a chance to connect with others and potentially make a difference in their lives. So keep writing, keep sharing, and never give up on your dreams. Your voice deserves to be heard.
What type of stories is Chicken Soup for the Soul looking for?
Chicken Soup for the Soul seeks true, personal stories that are inspirational, heartwarming, and relatable. They prefer stories that celebrate the human spirit, focusing on themes such as love, hope, resilience, overcoming challenges, and acts of kindness. Think about experiences that touched you deeply and how those experiences might resonate with a wide audience, offering comfort, encouragement, or a new perspective on life.
They are particularly interested in stories that highlight everyday heroes, demonstrate the power of positive thinking, or offer lessons learned from life’s ups and downs. Avoid stories that are overly negative, preachy, or focused on controversial topics. Focus on crafting a compelling narrative with a clear message that leaves readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
What are the submission guidelines for Chicken Soup for the Soul?
Chicken Soup for the Soul requires submissions to be original, unpublished works between 1,200 and 1,500 words. Ensure your story is written in clear, concise language and is free of grammatical errors and typos. Carefully review your story for accuracy, authenticity, and emotional impact before submitting.
They only accept submissions through their online submission portal, which can be found on their website. Be sure to carefully read the specific guidelines for the book you are submitting to as each book has a specific theme. Include a brief author bio (around 50 words) and your contact information with your submission. Do not include your name or contact information within the story itself.
How much does Chicken Soup for the Soul pay for accepted stories?
Chicken Soup for the Soul pays $200 for original stories that are selected for publication. This payment is typically issued after the book has been published. You will also receive ten complimentary copies of the book in which your story appears.
While the monetary compensation might not be substantial, the opportunity to share your story with a large audience and inspire others can be a significant reward. Many authors value the exposure and the chance to make a positive impact on readers’ lives. Moreover, having your work published in Chicken Soup for the Soul can be a valuable addition to your writing portfolio.
What rights does Chicken Soup for the Soul acquire when they publish my story?
Chicken Soup for the Soul acquires the exclusive right to publish your story in their book, as well as in any future editions or related products, in all languages and formats. This means you cannot publish the same story elsewhere after it has been accepted by them.
However, you retain the copyright to your story and can use it for other purposes, such as on your personal website or blog, provided you acknowledge that it was first published in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Review their contract carefully to understand the full scope of the rights they acquire and your rights as the author.
How long does it typically take to hear back from Chicken Soup for the Soul after submitting a story?
The review process for Chicken Soup for the Soul can vary depending on the volume of submissions they receive. It can typically take several months to hear back regarding the status of your story. Patience is key during this period.
If you haven’t heard back after a few months, it’s generally acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your submission. However, avoid repeatedly contacting them, as this can be perceived as unprofessional. Check their website for any updates on their review timeline.
What are some common reasons why stories are rejected by Chicken Soup for the Soul?
Common reasons for rejection include stories that are not a good fit for the theme of the book, are poorly written or edited, are not original, or lack a clear message or emotional impact. Stories that are overly negative, preachy, or controversial are also often rejected.
Submissions that are too similar to stories they’ve previously published or that are simply not compelling enough to stand out from the many stories they receive are also frequent reasons for rejection. Ensure your story is unique, well-crafted, and resonates with the themes they are currently seeking.
What tips can I follow to increase my chances of getting my story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul?
First, carefully review the specific theme of the book you are submitting to and ensure your story is a perfect match. Read past Chicken Soup for the Soul books to understand the style, tone, and types of stories they typically publish. This will give you a better understanding of what they are looking for.
Second, focus on crafting a well-written, emotionally engaging story that is both authentic and relatable. Pay attention to detail, proofread your work thoroughly, and seek feedback from trusted friends or writing groups before submitting. Ensure your story has a clear message and leaves the reader feeling uplifted or inspired.