Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul 3
WRITING GUIDELINES

Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul 3 is a compilation of fun, inspiring stories for kids ages 6-10.
The stories in this book will be designed for kids to read alone or with a parent, focusing on character-building traits.
This title will be released Winter 2006 or Spring 2007.

TOPICS/TRAITS TO WRITE ABOUT:

Friendship: A very important subject for kids. Discovering important people with whom we make a powerful connection; those who make us laugh, cry and feel loved; and realizing that some don't always last forever, but will forever last in our memories.

Acceptance- discovering in today's world that race and religion are not to be used against someone, to respect other cultures and their values; to understand we are all part of the human race.

Change- kids who have had to face large changes in their lives and how they have learned to accept these changes.
Team Players: kids who work well with others, or include others on projects and activities both big and small.

Responsibility- learning to take on responsibility for the first time, such as kids practicing responsible and respectful acts toward the environment and its animals, making responsible decisions on their own in a peer pressure environment, practicing responsible acts such as helping around the house and helping others.

Generosity- acts of unselfishness, giving of one's self or possessions to another individual or even their community.

Gratitude- acknowledging an act by expressing sincere appreciation or a change which prompts feelings of gratitude.

Optimism- kids who display a positive attitude toward their peers, adults and life in general.

GUIDELINES

1. Tell an exciting, sad or funny NON-FICTION story about something that has happened to you. Make sure that you introduce the other 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 out anything - how did you feel?

3. The story should start with action; it should include a problem, issue or situation. It should include dialogue and you should express their feelings throughout the conflict or situation. It should end in a result, such as a lesson learned, a positive change or pay-off. The audience for this title is kids ages 6-10; therefore please write your story at a level to which they understand.

4. Above all, come from your HEART! Your story is important!

WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR...

A sermon, an essay or eulogy; a term paper, thesis, letter or journal entry or a story about politics or controversial issues; or a personal testimony that may mean nothing to the reader.

STORY SPECIFICATIONS

1. All submissions are preferred e-mailed in Word format, otherwise, type-written on plain 8 1/2" x 11" paper. Email stories to mail@lifewriters.com. Snail mail stories to Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul 3, ATTN: Gina Romanello, PO Box 10879, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

2. Stories should be non-fiction, 500-1000 words in length. Authors of chosen stories are paid $200. Authors retain the copyright of their material.

3. Please note that if you have a favorite short story, poem or cartoon that has been previously published, feel free to submit any of the above for consideration. Please provide information regarding the original author and the publication in which it appeared.

4. Stories due by June 15th.