Saturday, October 11, 2008

Sharing What We Know- How to write for Chicken Soup

First, let me say, I’m not by any means an expert at writing for Chicken Soup. I’ve had a ton of them rejected but in the same breath, I can confidently say, I’ve had quite a few make it to the finish line or place in a close second. I think it’s important in the writing to community to share what you know with other writers. If we all do that—we all have something we excel in—we make all of us better writers. I’d like to do that with Chicken Soup and share what I’ve personally learned in my journey to be published by them.

If you take a look at their website, you will see that they say they receive at least 100 submissions a day.

Talk about competition.

But unlike many publishers, they offer a variety of topics and an easy format to submit. I chose to submit to many of their titles for that reason alone, besides the reason that I had a story to tell about almost all of the book titles.

And I bet you do too.

This next week, I’ll share with you some of what I’ve learned in getting my stories published at Chicken Soup. Every editor is different and I know they use a few, but if you read enough Chicken Soup stories—you can pretty much tell the formula—the problem lies in writing your story in that way.

My credits? I’ve had nine stories in the past two years make it either to print, or are soon to be published or made the top 150 or made it in but the book wasn’t published. For me when I think of the odds--I am happy. It’s a long process but when you finally see your story in one of their books—it’s worth it.

4 comments:

Barb Davis said...

What is the notification process if my work makes it into one of their books?

Angie Ledbetter said...

Pass da crackers, please. I'm ready for some of your Soup chat. And kudos on all the anthology successes!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Those are great numbers, Terri, and I'm so glad you're willing to share your tips! I've always loved the Chicken Soup books, and would feel honored to be published in one.

Tracy said...

That is great Terri! I'm looking forward to reading this helpful series of yours. I haven't bought a Chicken Soup book for awhile, but I'll be sure to look for you when I do. Blessings!