"Amy Newmark is publisher, editor-in-chief and coauthor of the book series Chicken Soup for the Soul. By curating and editing inspirational true stories from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-two-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant. ... In this podcast interview we talk about the power of storytelling, brand strategy, and transmedia storytelling. We also discuss how Amy launches a Chicken Soup for the Soulbook, and how to submit your writing to be featured in the next book in the series."
Publishing Profits Podcast
119: Transmedia Storytelling and Book Series Branding with Amy Newmark
January 13, 2017
“The Chicken Soup for the Soul books have always been a comfort to me, so when I saw the editor-in-chief wrote an advice book based on the wisdom she’s gleaned from the series, I knew I had to give it a read,” says Alikay Wood, FIRST associate editor.
"In this endearing guide, the publisher of the beloved Chicken Soup for the Soul series shares her wisdom on finding happiness that she’s derived from editing more than 35 of the books. It’s a perfect mix of practical tips and true stories that longtime fans and Chicken Soup newcomers will enjoy."
"Try to let go of the negative emotions and take a more analytical approach, Newmark says. What is the person’s motivation for taking objectionable action? Usually, it’s more about them than about you. 'I realized that almost all the things that have ever been unpleasant—somebody yelling at me or whatever—really weren't about me. I've learned that you shouldn't take these things personally,' she says. You don’t have to be a doormat, but you also don’t have to waste energy on grudges."
"[Amy Newmark] offers deep insight on what it means to cultivate joy, especially in a world that is full of divisions and distractions, and where “happiness” can seem elusive. "
Video interview available at link.
Publishers weekly
Review of Simply Happy
August 29, 2016
"This compilation...will enrich the lives of its readers. ... Sensible and empowering, Newmark’s work aims to teach others how to live a satisfying life."
Greenwich Magazine
"Soul Mates"
April 2013
"Husband-and-wife team Amy Newmark and Bill Rouhana are in the business of selling succor. The Greenwich couple may not exactly be marketing hugs for the masses, but as a palliative their Chicken Soup for the Soul brand is the next best thing."
"I’ve published more than 10,000 stories and I read all the ones we don’t publish also. Everybody says that I’m different now, that I’m more grounded. I’m even more grateful than I used to be. I’m less stressed about things. I’m more optimistic, more fun, and nicer. I took everything I learned in my original crash course plus nine more years of doing this and distilled all of those great tips, that advice, that wisdom into Simply Happy, which is all of my simple tips to make you have a happier life. My tips are incredibly simple, and almost all of them can be implemented in one second because they just represent a change in your mindset." - Amy Newmark