For those of you who would like a bang at writing an emotionally driven story for a change, the famous Chicken Soup publishers are looking for contributions. What would we do without them. *Sigh*.
Although they generally accept articles year round, word is that they are currently yelping for stories for their Chicken Soup for the Twenty-Something Soul edition.
So if you have a story about anything, be it: relationships, travel, money, tragedies, fate, destiny, coincidences, struggle, adventure, life-changing events or whatever else – aslong as you can strike a sentimental chord that would make the readers, laugh or cry — you have a shot here.
The story can be told from any angle: reflecting back on your own experience, being a part of someone else’s twenty-something experience, or sharing a story about how a twenty-something has impacted you — you don’t need to be in your twenties to submit.
What you need to do next:
– Go to www.chickensoup.com and read the “Story Guidelines†which outlines the recipe for a winning Chicken Soup Story.
– Write your story – approximate word limit is 300-1200 words
– Go to www.chickensoup.com , click on “Submit a Story†and be sure to select “Twenty Something†as the book title. Fill out the info and just paste your story in the appropriate box.
Deadline:
First submission batch: July 16th; Official Deadline August 1st (yes you need to hurry!)
Rewards:
– $200 (if your story gets published)
– A bio (if desired) giving you the opportunity to promote yourself, your business, a cause, etc in Chicken Soup.
– 50% off the book for eternity.
PS: You can also submit a story that has already been published elsewhere and/or can publish it in the future. Apparently, Chicken Soup does not ask to own the rights to your story, but does require your permission.
I’ve written for one of these. It offfended my literary sensibilities, but I think it’s a great way to re-sell newspaper pieces.