Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies has two deadline dates looming. Stories for the themes of Angels and Tough Times both must be submitted by March 31st. That is still almost 3 weeks away, so you have time to polish up an old story and send it, or write something new.
This anthology series is one of the oldest and the longest to survive. I've seen several others come out in a blaze of glory but slowly dissipate to nothingness. What has made the Chicken Soup books last so long and continue to sell well?
Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield were motivational speakers who heard stories from people, stories they felt should be shared. They decided to put a number of stories together in an anthology kind of book. They shopped it around publishers in 1993 getting a firm NO from all but an owner of a small health and wellness publisher. He took a chance, and the rest is history.
In 2008, the duo sold Chicken Soup for the Soul books to Bill Rouhana, Amy Newark, and Robert Jacobs who have continued the tradition started by the two original owners. The books are known around the world, more than 250 of them now. There are other products connected to the books also being sold. They have a YouTube forum and are working on a possible movie.
What is it that appeals to readers in the CS books? I think it is that the stories are by real people showing real-life situations that the ordinary person can relate to. The stories are soothing to the soul in many cases. They are life lessons we can all learn. They are inspiring and sometimes plain amusing. Readers can pick up the book, read straight through, or read two or three stories and go back later for more.
One of the things I like is that the editors find a suitable quote to head each story. A small but nice addition.
Because the books continue to be popular, I like to give readers a heads-up on what themed stories the editors are seeking. If you're a writer, you should check the Submit Your Story page frequently to see what books are done and which ones still need submissions. If you're strictly a reader but have a story to tell, you can write one, too. Not every author in the books is a professional writer. Many of the stories are written by everyday people.
Yes, it is a very competitive field with thousands of stories sent and only 101 selected for each book. Don't let that stop you. There's no reason why you cannot be one of those selected.
Now, let's look at the two books whose closing dates are coming up soon.
ANGELS: They want stories of actual angel sightings and interventions. Do not send a story about a friend who you consider an 'earth angel. Those are not for this book. They list a great many suggestions to help you know what they are seeking. Go through the list for some inspiration or to trigger a memory. Remember that they accept poems, too, but the poem must 'tell a story.'
TOUGH TIMES: Haven't we all been through a tough time with this past pandemic year? I'm quite certain many of the stories in this book will deal with pandemic problems and how they were met, how they changed the writer, what life lesson was learned. Remember, it is not an essay but a story with a beginning, middle, and ending. That doesn't mean you can't add what you learned as part of the story.
There are many other tough times we have all experienced in our lifetimes. Poverty, illness, death of a loved one, loss of a home, unemployment. The list goes on and on. Your story about these trying times in your life can help others who are meeting the same kind of problem. Read through the list of suggested topics for help.
And remember to study the guidelines, then check your story to make sure it fits. If they say 1200 words max, they mean it. They are not going to take your 1650 word story and reduce it for you.
Authors whose stories are accepted receive $200 and 10 free copies of the book.
The editors only respond to those whose stories are accepted, and it is usually around two months after the deadline date.
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