Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki
<font color=peach>I took matters into my own hands
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2000
- Messages
- 4,130
I have previously had a Chicken Soup for the Soul story published, and the publishers are constantly looking for more stories for publication. Here is an e-mail I got from them today--I thought maybe if any of you were so inspired that you could respond.
The money isn't fabulous (generally $200 or so) but having your name in print is sometimes fun. Here's the note they sent:
Dear Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor,
Dear Friend of Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ,
We owe most of our success to writers like you for the wonderful contributions of inspiration, hope, overcoming life's challenges and realized dreams.
We hope that this letter finds you well and sitting atop a plethora of stories that you just don't know what to do with. We welcome stories from contributors of any age.
Recipe for A Winning Chicken Soup for the Soul® Story
A Chicken Soup for the Soul® story is an inspirational, true story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is a story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit. It is a simple, inter-denominational, living art piece that touches the soul of the readers and helps them discover basic principles they can use in their own lives. They are personal and often filled with emotion and drama. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.
Chicken Soup stories have a beginning, middle and an ending that often closes with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ stories have heart, but also something extra.an element that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life in general. A story that causes tears, laughter, goosebumps or any combination of these. A good story covers the range of human emotions.
The most powerful stories are about people extending themselves, or performing an act of love, service or courage for another person.
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul® Story
1. Tell an exciting, sad or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Make sure that you introduce the character(s).
2. Tell your story in a way that will make the reader cry, laugh or get goose bumps (the good kind!) Don't leave anything out - how did you feel?
3. The story should start with action; it should include a problem, issue or situation. It should include dialogue and the character should express their feelings though the conflict or situation. It should end in a result, such as a lesson learned, a positive change or pay-off.
4. Above all, let it come from your HEART! Your story is important!
What a Chicken Soup for the Soul® story IS NOT:
1. A sermon, an essay or eulogy.
2. A term paper, thesis, letter or journal entry.
3. About politics or controversial issues.
4. A "My Grandma Just Died, and Let Me Tell You What A Wonderful Person She Was" or "Let Me Tell You About My Disease or Operation" or "I Gave a Bum Some Money, Aren't I Incredible?" or "Why My Mother Is the Best Mother" or a personal testimony that may mean nothing to the reader.
Story Specifications
1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via our website at www.chickensoup.com. If you don't have access to the Internet, please submit your stories preferably typed on plain white 8 1/2" x 11" paper, in 12-point Times New Roman font.
2. Please be sure to type the author's name and contact information on the first page of the story.
3. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.
4. Mail your submissions in a flat, 9x12 envelope if possible.
5. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please.
6. Send only one copy of each submission.
7. We do not return submissions, so please don't send the original.
Please be patient, as this is an important, yet time-consuming process. If your story is chosen for a future edition of Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ or any other projects, you will be notified by mail and your permission to print it will be requested.
However, if your story is not chosen, you will not receive a rejection letter due to the fact that there are future books for which it will be considered.
Feel free to submit more than one story if you'd like. If you do not have a personal story of your own, but have a pre-published favorite or a story written by someone else, these stories are welcomed as well. Don't forget to include who the author is, source, etc.
Please submit your story through our website at www.chickensoup.com
Here Are Some of Our Up-Coming Titles:
Life Lessons and Organizing Tips for Busy Moms A book with just the right ingredients to help support busy moms to better organize and promote balance for a healthier life style. The deadline date for story submissions is June, 2006.
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection, These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is July, 2006.
Mother and Daughter Soul II
A second collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a mother and a daughter. The deadline date for story submissions is May, 2006.
New Moms Soul
Cooking with Kids
A collection of stories and recipes that bring back fond memories and experiences of the cooking you did as a young child. Please be sure to include the quick and easy recipe that goes along with your story. The deadline date for story submissions is July, 2006.
Golfer''s Soul for Women
Stories for and about women who golf that capture the trials and tribulations on the fairway and that will entertain and inspire you. The deadline date for story submissions is May, 2006
Girl''s Soul II
Another collection of stories from preteen girls and others who haven''t forgotten what it''s like to be a preteen girl. No deadline date for submissions has been established.
Life Lessons on Relationships/Couples
Stories and lessons to help you reconnect with the things that are important in a relationship. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is August, 2006 Menopausal Soul Light-hearted stories about that "second coming-of-age" told from the perspectives of those women who have experienced it and those men who have lived through it. The deadline date for story submissions is September 2006 Family Soul Our families are so important to us. This collection of stories will cover all aspects of family life from the challenges to the humorous and silly moments. The deadline date for story submissions is September 2006
Children with Special Needs: Stories to give inspiration to all parents in their goals of helping special needs kids go from handicapped to handicapable. The deadline date for story submissions is October, 2006.
Red Hat Society
Stories about the women who belong to this unique group. These stories will make you feel good and will rekindle the warmth in your heart. The deadline date for story submissions is October 2006.
Stepfamily''s Soul
Stories to share the daily struggles, amazing triumphs and humorous moments that define the relationships of the members of the stepfamily. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Nurse''s Second Shift
A second collection of stories to celebrate the rewards and challenges of the nursing profession. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Gift Pack books series
Tea Lover''s Soul
There is nothing like a wonderful cup of tea to soothe the soul. These stories will celebrate the special experiences of tea lovers. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Wine Lover''s Soul
Wine lovers have very definite tastes in wine. Whether you love a red wine, a white wine or a blush wine this collection of stories will cover it all. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Coffee Lover''s Soul
For a coffee lover, that first cup of coffee in the morning is what it''s all about! These stories, from and about coffee lovers will explain their passion. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Chocolate Lover''s Soul
Yummy!! Need we say more? For a chocolate lover there is nothing like the taste of chocolate. This collection of stories will be delicious! The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
The money isn't fabulous (generally $200 or so) but having your name in print is sometimes fun. Here's the note they sent:
Dear Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor,
Dear Friend of Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ,
We owe most of our success to writers like you for the wonderful contributions of inspiration, hope, overcoming life's challenges and realized dreams.
We hope that this letter finds you well and sitting atop a plethora of stories that you just don't know what to do with. We welcome stories from contributors of any age.
Recipe for A Winning Chicken Soup for the Soul® Story
A Chicken Soup for the Soul® story is an inspirational, true story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is a story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit. It is a simple, inter-denominational, living art piece that touches the soul of the readers and helps them discover basic principles they can use in their own lives. They are personal and often filled with emotion and drama. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.
Chicken Soup stories have a beginning, middle and an ending that often closes with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ stories have heart, but also something extra.an element that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life in general. A story that causes tears, laughter, goosebumps or any combination of these. A good story covers the range of human emotions.
The most powerful stories are about people extending themselves, or performing an act of love, service or courage for another person.
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul® Story
1. Tell an exciting, sad or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Make sure that you introduce the character(s).
2. Tell your story in a way that will make the reader cry, laugh or get goose bumps (the good kind!) Don't leave anything out - how did you feel?
3. The story should start with action; it should include a problem, issue or situation. It should include dialogue and the character should express their feelings though the conflict or situation. It should end in a result, such as a lesson learned, a positive change or pay-off.
4. Above all, let it come from your HEART! Your story is important!
What a Chicken Soup for the Soul® story IS NOT:
1. A sermon, an essay or eulogy.
2. A term paper, thesis, letter or journal entry.
3. About politics or controversial issues.
4. A "My Grandma Just Died, and Let Me Tell You What A Wonderful Person She Was" or "Let Me Tell You About My Disease or Operation" or "I Gave a Bum Some Money, Aren't I Incredible?" or "Why My Mother Is the Best Mother" or a personal testimony that may mean nothing to the reader.
Story Specifications
1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via our website at www.chickensoup.com. If you don't have access to the Internet, please submit your stories preferably typed on plain white 8 1/2" x 11" paper, in 12-point Times New Roman font.
2. Please be sure to type the author's name and contact information on the first page of the story.
3. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.
4. Mail your submissions in a flat, 9x12 envelope if possible.
5. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please.
6. Send only one copy of each submission.
7. We do not return submissions, so please don't send the original.
Please be patient, as this is an important, yet time-consuming process. If your story is chosen for a future edition of Chicken Soup for the SoulÒ or any other projects, you will be notified by mail and your permission to print it will be requested.
However, if your story is not chosen, you will not receive a rejection letter due to the fact that there are future books for which it will be considered.
Feel free to submit more than one story if you'd like. If you do not have a personal story of your own, but have a pre-published favorite or a story written by someone else, these stories are welcomed as well. Don't forget to include who the author is, source, etc.
Please submit your story through our website at www.chickensoup.com
Here Are Some of Our Up-Coming Titles:
Life Lessons and Organizing Tips for Busy Moms A book with just the right ingredients to help support busy moms to better organize and promote balance for a healthier life style. The deadline date for story submissions is June, 2006.
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection, These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is July, 2006.
Mother and Daughter Soul II
A second collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a mother and a daughter. The deadline date for story submissions is May, 2006.
New Moms Soul
Cooking with Kids
A collection of stories and recipes that bring back fond memories and experiences of the cooking you did as a young child. Please be sure to include the quick and easy recipe that goes along with your story. The deadline date for story submissions is July, 2006.
Golfer''s Soul for Women
Stories for and about women who golf that capture the trials and tribulations on the fairway and that will entertain and inspire you. The deadline date for story submissions is May, 2006
Girl''s Soul II
Another collection of stories from preteen girls and others who haven''t forgotten what it''s like to be a preteen girl. No deadline date for submissions has been established.
Life Lessons on Relationships/Couples
Stories and lessons to help you reconnect with the things that are important in a relationship. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is August, 2006 Menopausal Soul Light-hearted stories about that "second coming-of-age" told from the perspectives of those women who have experienced it and those men who have lived through it. The deadline date for story submissions is September 2006 Family Soul Our families are so important to us. This collection of stories will cover all aspects of family life from the challenges to the humorous and silly moments. The deadline date for story submissions is September 2006
Children with Special Needs: Stories to give inspiration to all parents in their goals of helping special needs kids go from handicapped to handicapable. The deadline date for story submissions is October, 2006.
Red Hat Society
Stories about the women who belong to this unique group. These stories will make you feel good and will rekindle the warmth in your heart. The deadline date for story submissions is October 2006.
Stepfamily''s Soul
Stories to share the daily struggles, amazing triumphs and humorous moments that define the relationships of the members of the stepfamily. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Nurse''s Second Shift
A second collection of stories to celebrate the rewards and challenges of the nursing profession. No deadline date for submissions has been established. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Gift Pack books series
Tea Lover''s Soul
There is nothing like a wonderful cup of tea to soothe the soul. These stories will celebrate the special experiences of tea lovers. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Wine Lover''s Soul
Wine lovers have very definite tastes in wine. Whether you love a red wine, a white wine or a blush wine this collection of stories will cover it all. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Coffee Lover''s Soul
For a coffee lover, that first cup of coffee in the morning is what it''s all about! These stories, from and about coffee lovers will explain their passion. The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
Chocolate Lover''s Soul
Yummy!! Need we say more? For a chocolate lover there is nothing like the taste of chocolate. This collection of stories will be delicious! The deadline date for story submissions is December 2006.
At least for now. 
