Chicken Soup for the Soul

Open now for nonfiction.

Last updated

Chicken Soup for the Soul is a well-known anthology series seeking true, inspirational, and heartwarming personal stories and poems for themed books, with several open calls on topics like gratitude, humor, marriage, kindness, and positive thinking.

Response time info: ~183 days; sourced from The Submission Grinder

Read the full guidelines at chickensoup.com↗

Submission calls

nonfictionCloses Sep 15Pays: Pays if published in a book (amount not stated)

Personal true stories and poems about counting your blessings, gratitude, attitude adjustments, finding contentment, and inspirational lessons; stories should be heartwarming or inspirational. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

nonfictionCloses Sep 30Pays: Pays if published in a book (amount not stated)

True stories and poems about random acts of kindness, either received or performed, and their impact; stories should inspire readers to be kind. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

nonfictionCloses Sep 30Pays: Pays if published in a book (amount not stated)

Personal true stories and poems about using positive thinking, optimism, faith, and strength to overcome challenges and inspire others; stories should encourage a positive mindset. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

nonfictionHumorCloses Oct 15Pays: Pays if published in a book (amount not stated)

True humorous stories and poems about funny life events, mishaps, pranks, misunderstandings, and situations that made you or others laugh; must be true and brighten the reader's day. Deadline: October 15, 2026.

nonfictionCloses Nov 30Pays: Pays if published in a book (amount not stated)

Personal true stories and poems about marriage or long-term relationships, including ups and downs, funny or romantic moments, advice, and family dynamics. Deadline: November 30, 2026.

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