If you have a true story that touches the heart, uplifts the spirit, or offers a powerful life lesson — Chicken Soup for the Soul might be the perfect place to share it.
They’ve been publishing heartfelt, real-life stories for over 30 years — and they’ll pay you $250 if yours gets selected.
It’s one of the rare mainstream platforms where everyday voices are not only welcomed, but celebrated.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your piece published in this beloved home for personal stories.
Let’s get started.
What is Chicken Soup for the Soul?
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a legendary book series of over 275 titles that’s been touching hearts and inspiring lives since its first release in 1993.
Built on the power of true storytelling, the series has become a cultural icon — a name nearly everyone recognizes.
Here’s how far their reach and impact have gone:
- More than 110 million copies sold in the U.S. and Canada alone
- Over 500 million copies sold worldwide
- Translated into more than 40 languages
- Published in over 100 countries
- Named one of the five most impactful books of the past 25 years
The brand has expanded far beyond books — but at its core, it’s still about sharing real stories from real people.
Each book features 101 short, personal stories centered on a unifying theme, such as kindness, family, grief, gratitude, or healing.
These are stories that reflect everyday experiences, written in a way that resonates deeply with readers from all walks of life.
They continue to publish around 10 new titles per year, and every single one is built on submissions from ordinary people with something extraordinary to share.
What kind of content do they accept?
They publish true, first-person stories or poems written in English.
The tone should be honest, emotional, and relatable — something that speaks to the human experience and makes readers feel seen, moved, or uplifted.
Your story should:
- Be true and personal
- Have a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Create emotion — whether it’s tears, laughter, or goosebumps
- Center around an act of love, service, transformation, or courage
Their favorite pieces often highlight ordinary people going through extraordinary situations.
Whether it’s a moment of grace, growth, or generosity, they’re looking for something that makes us feel better about life and each other.
They also accept poems — as long as the poem tells a clear story (not just rhyming lines or greeting card-style sentiments).
What are their writing guidelines?
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Length: Keep your story under 1,200 words
- Format: Must be written in first person and focused on you or someone close to you
- Style: Start in the action — avoid long intros or summary-style conclusions
- Language: Use vivid sensory detail to immerse the reader
- Authenticity: Speak from the heart — don’t over-edit or over-polish. A lot of people share their personal stories for the first time through Chicken Soup for the Soul — and often say it helped them process, reflect, and even heal in the process.
They do not accept:
- Fiction, AI-generated, or ghostwritten work
- Sermons, journal entries, or essays
- Political or controversial topics
- Stories written about someone (as a reporter or third-party observer)
- Generic poems that don’t tell a story
You may use a pen name if you’re uncomfortable using your real name.
Previously published work is only accepted if it was posted on your personal blog or a small local outlet.
Who can write for them?
Anyone can submit —
no prior experience or background is required.
As long as your story or poem is written in English and follows the guidelines, you’re welcome to share your work.
Submissions are open worldwide.
Writers of all ages and backgrounds have been published — many for the very first time.
How much do they pay?
If your story or poem is accepted and published, you’ll receive:
- $250, paid about one month after publication
- 10 free copies of the book your work appears in
- Discounts on bulk purchases of the book (at 50% off)
- Access to their exclusive contributor newsletter with writing tips, calls for submissions, and giveaways
You’ll also sign a non-exclusive rights agreement, meaning you retain full ownership of your work, while granting them permission to publish it in other Chicken Soup for the Soul products.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Because it’s one of the few places that still values simple, heartfelt storytelling — and pays you for it.
Chicken Soup for the Soul welcomes real people with real stories.
They aren’t looking for literary showpieces —
just honest, emotional writing that connects with readers.
You don’t need credentials, experience, or a writing degree.
What you do need is the courage to be vulnerable and the clarity to share a moment that meant something to you.
Have you overcome a challenge?
Helped someone through a difficult time?
Had a moment of grace, joy, or transformation?
These are the kinds of stories they publish —
personal truths that leave a lasting impression.
If selected, your piece becomes part of something much bigger: a global movement of storytelling rooted in compassion, humanity, and shared experience.
It’s not just about getting published.
It’s about touching lives —
and maybe even changing one.
How do I get started?
Before you submit, take time to read a few stories from recent Chicken Soup titles to get a feel for the tone and emotional impact they look for.
You can only submit your story through their website:
- Complete the submission form – even if you’ve submitted before, you’ll need to fill in your full info again.
- Paste your story or poem into the field provided.
- Submit once – don’t send the same piece multiple times.
After submitting, wait for the confirmation screen that says “Thank you! Your information has been received.”
If your piece is chosen for a future book or project, they’ll contact you by email and ask for written permission before publishing.
They’ll also get your approval for any edits or quotes added to your piece.
Before you submit:
Paid writing opportunities like these are limited — and they exist because editors are still willing to accept unsolicited submissions from writers around the world. To help keep these opportunities open, don’t submit AI-generated content or low-effort work clearly intended as spam. It wastes the editors’ time and takes away chances from real writers who care about the craft. Respect the opportunity. Respect the process. And respect the people reading your work.
Ready to submit your story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
Whether you’ve experienced a moment of kindness, endured hardship with grace, or found hope in the darkest times — your story matters.
Chicken Soup for the Soul offers a platform that values sincerity, vulnerability, and connection — and rewards it, too.
It’s a rare space where heartfelt storytelling is not only welcomed, but celebrated.
You don’t need to be a professional writer.
You just need to be honest.
Some of their most impactful stories come from everyday people who’ve never submitted anything before — but had something worth saying. Something real.
If you’ve ever wondered if your story could make someone feel less alone, remind them of the good in the world, or give them a reason to keep going — this is your chance.
So take a breath, dig deep, and write the story only you can tell.
Then send it in —
and see where it goes.
Start a blog & earn a fulltime income
Freelance writing is a good way to monetize your writing skills — but blogging is even better.
With your own blog, you can write what you want, build a loyal readership, and earn from your writing in more ways than per-article gigs.
My beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to start your blog from scratch, step by step, and grow it into a fulltime income — on your terms, from home or wherever life takes you.
START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
