Have you ever picked up one of those inspiring little books with the cute chicken soup bowl on the cover? Maybe you’ve wondered who actually created this massive publishing phenomenon that’s touched millions of lives worldwide. Well I’m gonna spill all the beans about who wrote Chicken Soup for the Soul and how this inspirational empire came to be!
The Original Authors: Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series was created by two motivational speakers – Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. These guys weren’t just random authors looking to make a quick buck. They were established motivational speakers who had spent years collecting heartwarming, inspirational stories from their audiences.
In 1993, they compiled these stories into the very first Chicken Soup book. But the road to publication wasn’t as smooth as you might think!
The Rocky Road to Publication
Here’s something you probably didn’t know – the original Chicken Soup for the Soul manuscript was rejected by major publishers in New York Like, a LOT of rejections Some sources say it was rejected by 144 publishers before finally being accepted!
Can you imagine? One of the most successful book series in history almost never happened!
Eventually, a small self-help publisher in Florida called Health Communications, Inc. (HCI) took a chance on them. And boy, did that gamble pay off! The first book became a runaway success, spending tons of time on the New York Times Best Seller list.
From Rejection to Empire
The success of the first book led to more titles. Canfield and Hansen realized they could create specialized editions for different audiences. That’s when we started seeing books like:
- Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
- And about a bazillion other variations!
What’s really interesting is how the original Chicken Soup for the Soul held a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list continuously from 1994 to 1998. That’s FOUR YEARS of bestseller status! Not too shabby for a book that nobody wanted to publish initially.
The New Era: Ownership Change
Here’s where the story takes an interesting turn. In 2008, Canfield and Hansen sold the company to a new ownership group led by William J. Rouhana and Robert D. Jacobs. Since then, the new folks have been running the show.
Under the new ownership, all new titles have been published by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, and distributed by Simon & Schuster. The current publisher is Amy Newmark, who has continued the tradition of heartwarming, inspirational stories.
Beyond Books: The Expanding Empire
What started as a simple book has grown into a massive brand. Under the new ownership, Chicken Soup for the Soul has expanded way beyond just books:
- Pet Foods – They sell pet food under the brand “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul”
- Food Products – Actual soup! Plus sauces and other prepared foods
- Television – They created Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment which went public in 2017
- Media Acquisitions – They acquired Screen Media Ventures, which included Popcornflix
- Redbox – They even owned Redbox (those DVD rental kiosks)
Unfortunately, not all business ventures succeed. In July 2024, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment underwent Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. This resulted in the shutdown of subsidiaries including Crackle, Popcornflix, and Redbox, with over 1,000 employees laid off and around 26,000 Redbox kiosks permanently closed.
However, it’s important to note that this bankruptcy affected the entertainment division, not the original publishing company that continues to produce the beloved book series.
What Made These Books So Special?
I’ve always wondered why these books resonated with so many people. After digging into it, I think it comes down to a few key factors:
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Real Stories from Real People – These weren’t made-up tales. They were authentic experiences shared by ordinary folks.
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Universal Themes – The stories touch on universal human experiences – love, loss, triumph, struggle, family, friendship.
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Bite-Sized Format – Most stories are just a few pages long, making them perfect for our busy lives. You can read one story while waiting for your coffee!
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Positive Messages – In a world full of negative news, these books provide hope and inspiration.
The Writing Process
So how did Canfield and Hansen actually write these books? Well, they didn’t exactly “write” all the content themselves. Their genius was in:
- Collecting stories from their speaking engagements
- Soliciting submissions from readers
- Carefully curating and editing the best submissions
- Organizing stories into themed collections
Each contributor whose story was selected would receive credit in the book. This collaborative approach meant that technically, thousands of people have “written” for Chicken Soup for the Soul over the years!
Some Fun Facts About the Series
Did you know:
- The series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide
- Books have been translated into more than 40 languages
- There are over 250 different titles in the series
- A 19-episode anthology TV series based on the books aired in 1999-2000 on PAX TV (now Ion Television)
- In 2009, an author named Adeline Lee Zhia Ern was caught plagiarizing a story from “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV”
The Legacy Continues
Today, the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand continues under the leadership of Amy Newmark as publisher. New titles are regularly released, continuing the tradition of heartwarming, inspirational stories that began with Canfield and Hansen back in 1993.
My Personal Experience with Chicken Soup Books
I remember finding my first Chicken Soup book at my grandma’s house when I was like 12 years old. I was BORED out of my mind (no internet back then, kids!) and picked it up reluctantly. But then I started reading…and couldn’t stop.
Those stories made me laugh, cry, and feel inspired all at once. They showed me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. That’s probably why these books have endured for so long – they remind us of our shared humanity in a world that sometimes feels pretty disconnected.
Why These Books Matter
In our digital age of short attention spans and social media soundbites, there’s something comforting about these collections of human experiences. They remind us that:
- Everyone has a story worth telling
- We’re not alone in our struggles
- Small acts of kindness matter
- Hope exists even in dark times
The Writing Formula
If you’ve ever thought about submitting your own story to Chicken Soup for the Soul (yes, they still accept submissions!), here’s what makes a good submission:
- True, personal experiences (not fiction)
- Stories that open the heart and rekindle the spirit
- Tales that contain a lesson, moral, or teaching moment
- Writing that’s detailed, concrete, and contains dialogue
- Stories with a beginning, middle, and end
The Bottom Line
So who wrote Chicken Soup for the Soul? The simple answer is Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. But the fuller truth is that thousands of everyday people contributed their stories to create this phenomenal series.
And that’s perhaps the most beautiful part of the whole Chicken Soup for the Soul concept – it’s not just one person’s vision, but a collective tapestry of human experiences woven together to comfort, inspire, and uplift.
Next time you see one of those familiar book covers with the steaming bowl of soup, you’ll know the remarkable story behind it – how two guys who believed in the power of positive stories created something that would touch millions of lives around the world.
Have you ever read a Chicken Soup book? Which one was your favorite? I’d love to hear about stories that touched your heart the most!
FAQ About Chicken Soup for the Soul
Q: Are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen still involved with the series?
A: No, they sold the company in 2008 to a new ownership group led by William J. Rouhana.
Q: How many Chicken Soup books have been published?
A: There are over 250 different titles in the series.
Q: Do they still publish new Chicken Soup books?
A: Yes! New titles are regularly released under the leadership of publisher Amy Newmark.
Q: Can I submit my own story to Chicken Soup for the Soul?
A: Absolutely! They continue to accept submissions for upcoming books.
Q: Is Chicken Soup for the Soul actually chicken soup?
A: Well, now it is! The company expanded into food products including actual soup. So you can read Chicken Soup while eating chicken soup!
So there you have it – the full story behind who wrote Chicken Soup for the Soul. It’s pretty amazing how a simple idea and a collection of heartwarming stories grew into such a massive phenomenon that’s still going strong after nearly 30 years!
Our minds are full of memories.
They shape us. Memories drive us; make us who we are, and affect our decisions. Memories make us laugh and cry. They help us through bad times and add to the good times.
When I was a child
Weve all said that once or twice. Reminiscing is a major part of anyones life. Chicken Soup for the Soul magazine recognizes this and so we have dedicated a special place in each issue for musing over things from the past.
Youll read about how we pass along memories, which are parts of ourselves, to children and grandchildren, family and friends.
In this section, well offer you articles on how to preserve your precious memories which almost always include photographs. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words so well give you ideas and tips on how to preserve your memories in the form of scrapbooks or computer slide shows. Well even explain how to transfer your still photographs into videos or DVDs to show your family and friends.
It was said by Charles Baudelaire, the 19th century French poet, translator, and literary and art critic that memories are the fire that burns eternal in our souls.
What does it mean to make a difference?
We all like to read about people who are making a difference. It gives us encouragement and thats why Chicken Soup for the Soul magazines focus is on people who make a difference.
How these people are taking on challenges, locally, nationally, and even globally will infuse your spirit. Youll see the effects they are having and exactly what theyre doing to make a difference.
People make a difference every day by taking on challenges, whether in their own backyards or on the other side of the world. They willingly give of their precious time to tackle issues and make the world a better place.
Whether in their homes, communities, government, schools, or at work, people who are making a difference are giving of themselves unselfishly to make our communities better, and this inspires us.
In each issue of the magazine, well tell you a story about someone who is undaunted in his or her efforts to make a difference.