Book publishers that would be interested in true stories

There are several book publishers that accept true-life stories from "regular" people, especially those stories that inspire, educate and uplift. In most cases, you can send submissions in the form of essays and poems via the Internet, however book manuscripts should be sent via the post office. Some publishers offer monetary compensation for submissions, others do not. However, most offer authors complimentary copies of the books their stories appear in.

Travellers' Tales publishes anthologies of real travel stories, including such titles as "The Best Travel Writing 2010," "The Gift of Travel" and "A Woman's Path." At this time, it is accepting submissions at its website, [email protected]. Include all your contact information with your submission, plus a short biography. You may submit more than one essay at a time. Submissions will not be returned, however, you will be notified close to publication date if your essay is to be published. Essays not accepted for a current Travelers' Tales anthology will be considered for future books, unless you request otherwise.

New Horizon Press publishes book-length accounts of true-life heroes whose actions help change society for the better. The company is presently accepting manuscripts in the following areas:

Redemption/True Crime -- Stories by and about people who have redeemed themselves after committing a crime.

Exploring New Frontiers -- Stories about people who break down social or personal barriers.

Victim Stories -- Stories about victims who fight back and then fight for the rights of others or a good cause.

To submit a nonfiction manuscript or a proposal, send it to:

New Horizon Press

P.O. Box 669

Far Hills, NJ 07931

Attn: Ms. P. Patty.

Include a cover letter with your contact information and a short bio of yourself. Book proposals should contain a detailed account of the book, including a chapter-by-chapter outline. Also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope so that your manuscript can be returned to you. New Horizon Press does not accept fiction, novels, memoirs, essays, poetry or plays. Queries and pitches may also be e-mailed to [email protected] (subject line P. Patty), but the company does not accept manuscripts by e-mail.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing accepts inspirational true stories about ordinary people who perform an act of love, service or courage for another person. Stories should be first-person non-fiction and range in length from 300 to 1,200 words. To submit a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, go to chickensoup.com and fill out the provided form. You will receive an immediate confirmation that it has been delivered. The company does not accept submissions by fax or postal mail. Nor does it accept book manuscripts unless sent through a literary agent. The company does not accept anonymous or "as told to" submissions or stories or poems that have been previously published. If your story is published, you will be paid £130 upon publication of the book, plus you will get 10 free copies. Books often take three to four years to come to completion, however, you will be notified and your permission requested before a story is published.

Angelnook Publishing is seeking submissions of true angel stories (the description of encounter or encounters with angels) for its upcoming "Angel Digest." Submissions are accepted at angeldigest.com, a website developed for this project. Simply fill out the provided form. You may submit your story anonymously, however the company asks that you state whether or not your story has already been published elsewhere (this will not prevent it from being published in "Angel Digest"). All submissions will be reviewed by an editorial team, and they will notifiy you via e-mail if your true story has been accepted for publication. There is no pay for submissions, however you will receive an advance copy of the book in which your story appears.