Another Call For Submissions

Chicken Soup for the Soul has a call for stories for a new book on Divine Intervention. They've already published several on miracles and angels, but because they are so very popular, there will be one more coming up.

Once again, the editors of this popular anthology series give specifics on the type of story they are seeking. One reason I like the list they provide is that it often triggers a memory and/or provides inspiration.

For this one, they note that the story can be either religious or non-religous which leaves the door wide open for all. Here are the suggestions they provide for possible stories:

We are looking for powerful, amazing stories about:

  • divine intervention and timing
  • miracles
  • angels
  • coincidences
  • unexplained happenings
  • answered prayers
  • miraculous healing
  • messages and signs from heaven


These true stories can be religious or non-religious. We just want them to make people say "wow" — stories that will give our readers chills, in a good way!

In addition to the topics listed above, here are some more that may help you recall that perfect story to share with our readers:

  • Angel visitations — messages from an angel
  • Everyday miracles and hope
  • Signs and wonder
  • Messages or guidance from those who have passed on
  • Dreams and premonitions
  • Miraculous healings or recoveries
  • Visions and revelations
  • When something, against all odds, worked out
  • Mysterious helpers
  • Unexplained happenings
  • Amazing coincidences
  • Near misses and astonishing luck
  • Answered prayers
  • Stories that make you say, "you're not going to believe what just happened..."
  • Stories that have people exclaiming "really?!" when they finish reading them

Go to this page to read the full call for submissions for this new book and find the deadline to submit.
Then, study this page for the detailed Guidelines provided. And I do mean 'study' because you will want to follow them carefully. When you have a story ready to submit, go to this page and fill in the form provided.

I've given you the particulars on the book, the kind of story they seek, the Guidelines and Submission form. That's only a part of the post for today. The second portion is about making the effort to write and submit a story for this book or one of the other books Chicken Soup has in the works.

When writers hear that each book receives a few thousand submissions, they may feel defeated before ever writing the story that they have in mind. Don't! I've been fortunate to have good luck with my stories sent to Chicken Soup. They have selected 23 of them for various books. That elates me, of course. But, guess what? I have also send many dozens more stories to them that were not chosen, not published.

You cannot get published in the Chicken Soup books unless you try multiple times. I hit it lucky when the first story I ever submitted was published, but that isn't always going to happen. And yes, it did give me incentive to continue, but each time I never heard about a submission, I didn't quit. I kept trying. Some made it, many did not.

Some writers might think that, if you have a story in one of their books, your name is recognized and they'll take anything you send. That is not the case at all. Your story is far more important than your name.

Is it disheartening when you send several stories and nothing happens? Of course, it is. \That does not mean you should quite trying. I think that the people whose stories show up in these anthologies time and again are ones who have learned the Guidelines well. They are totally in tune with them.

In tomorrow's post, I'll try to help YOU get in tune with those Guidelines. We'll look at them piece by piece. Meanwhile, start thinking about a story for this new book. You'll need time to write a first draft, let it sit, then revise and edit before sending.