Gabe Kaplan
270 N Canon Drive, Suite 1404
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
gabe@gabekaplan.com
September 15, 2003
Kathy Brennan-Thompson
Chicken Soup for the Soul
PO Box 30880
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Dear Ms. Brennan-Thompson,
I have read several of Dr. Canfield’s Chicken Soup books and find them both inspirational and entertaining. The Chicken Soup office told me you are the person that handles new book proposals.
Since my television show left the airwaves some 25 years ago, I have basically been unemployed. I was not offered any good roles and chose not to do the junk that they do today.
Even when financially secure, most people feel compelled to have a job. They may despise what they do, but don’t feel complete unless they’re working.
Then there are those who refused to punch in that time card unless they’re doing something fulfilling. Some have financial resources and don’t have to worry. Others would rather live a frugal existence than be forced into an unsatisfying profession.
The hard part seems to be getting family and friends to understand how you feel. One fellow told me his wife actually set up an intervention where his immediate circle, including a psychologist and a priest, tried to counsel him into going back to work. He said, “It was like one giant imitation of the Silhouettes, with everybody singing ‘Get a job.’”
Would Dr. Canfield be interested in collaborating on a book, tentatively titled “Chicken Soup for the Purposely Unemployed”?
I have compiled over 150 great stories of proudly unemployed people that I would like to share with you and the doctor. It’s amazing the things people can do with their lives if they have the time and insight to pursue their dreams. Let me know your thoughts.
Still unemployed,
Gabe
gabe@gabekaplan.com
PS Ironically one of the stories is about a dietician who specialized in soups. Several companies showed interest in his recipes. He refused to go along with their quality of ingredients and hasn’t worked in four years. He has done amazing other things in this time period.
| Date: | Wed, 22 Oct 2003 13:51:52 -0700 | |
| From: | “D’ette Corona” <dcorona@chickensoupbks.com> | |
| Subject: | Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | gabe@gabekaplan.com |
Dear Gabe,
Thank you so much for proposing a new title for the Chicken Soup for the Soul® book series. Due to our production schedule or other similar titles already underway in our schedule, we must decline this proposal.
If you are not going to pursue this book concept on your own, we would love to consider including any stories you may have in one of our future book projects. Enclosed are the guidelines along with upcoming titles, should you wish to submit a story you have either written or collected.
We appreciate your enthusiastic interest in our work. It is the creative contributions by many, including yourself, who help us spread the light and achieve the goal of Changing the World One Story at a Time!
Pleases accept our best wishes for your success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
D’ette Corona
Co-author Liaison
Chicken Soup for the soul Ent., Inc.
| Date: | Wed, 22 Oct 2003 23:18:03 -0700 (PDT) | |
| From: | “Gabe Kaplan” <gabe@gabekaplan.com> | |
| Subject: | Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | dcorona@chickensoupbks.com |
Dear D’ette,
Unlike a clear bullion, chicken soup must move very slowly. I had pretty much given up on hearing from you. By the way, I did not receive the “Chicken Soup” guidelines, the titles, or even crackers. I did receive the upcoming releases, and the closest thing to my book was “Chicken Soup for Job Seekers” (the polar opposite of my idea). Are you saying you now have a project similar in theme to “Chicken Soup for the Purposely Unemployed”? Do we live in a parallel universe?
Since I didn’t hear from you, I assumed you weren’t interested in my idea; therefore I went about my business and now am close to completing the project. It is comprised of twenty-two stories written by purposely unemployed individuals who have found great joy and fulfillment in life, despite not working. I’m calling it: “Turkey Gumbo For People Who Hate Their Boss and Wish They Were Somewhere Else So They Wouldn’t Have To Look At His Face Every Day.” I wouldn’t want to infringe upon Dr. Canfield’s originality. Although Andy Warhol was into soup long before he was.
Can you send me your currently proposed title which you feel is similar in concept to my idea?
Best regards,
Gabe Kaplan
gabe@gabekaplan.com
PS “A bowl for me, a small cup my friend” said the Dannite king.
| Date: | Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:26:40 -0700 | |
| From: | “D’ette Corona” <dcorona@chickensoupbks.com>. | |
| Subject: | Re: Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | gabe@gabekaplan.com |
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you and the confusion. I must first say, I am a big fan and excited that I am the person writing to you.
Due to the large number of Chicken Soup for the Soul books in the market place, our publisher reviews each proposed title and the market. Unfortunately our production schedules for 2005 and 2006 are already set and the publisher declined your proposal.
I wish you the best with your book.
D’ette
D’ette Corona
Co-author Liaison
Chicken Soup for the Soul Ent., Inc.
| Date: | Fri, 24 Oct 2003 01:04:11 -0700 (PDT) | |
| From: | “Gabe Kaplan” <gabe@gabekaplan.com> | |
| Subject: | Re: Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | dcorona@chickensoupbks.com |
Dear D’ette,
First let me say, I’m trilled you’re such a big fan. If you’re interested, I’m having a special this week on Gabe Kaplan mouse pads and coffee mugs.
As ‘ole Mack once said to the Senate, “Let’s cut to the chase.” Do you now have a book scheduled for release similar in concept to “Chicken Soup For The Purposely Unemployed”? It doesn’t matter if it’s for 2005, 2006, or in the year 2525 (if man is still alive).
If you were simply sending me a polite rejection letter, I could accept that. On rare occasions, I have been rejected before. But your rejection seemed to include the possiblity of participating in a similar project. Sort of like when Francine DeNapoli said she didn’t want to date me, but I could help her with her English homework.
Can you please tell me if you have a similar project to mine in the works?
Good luck to everybody- Dr. Canfield, Francine DeNapoli and you, the apostrophe lady.
Best regards.
Gabe
gabe@gabekaplan.com
PS Gabe Kaplan Mouse pads, $2.95.
| Date: | Fri, 24 Oct 2003 09:30:45 -0700 | |
| From: | “D’ette Corona” <dcorona@chickensoupbks.com> | |
| Subject: | Re: Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | gabe@gabekaplan.com |
I must say it was a polite form letter. Our publisher is not onboard for your title.
D’ette Corona
Co-author Liaison
Chicken Soup for the Soul Ent., Inc.
| Date: | Fri, 24 Oct 2003 13:35:12 -0700 (PDT) | |
| From: | “Gabe Kaplan” <gabe@gabekaplan.com> | |
| Subject: | Re: Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | dcorona@chickensoupbks.com |
Dear D’ette,
You didn’t mention whether or not you want a mouse pad. It’s too bad your publisher is not onboard for my title. I think I’ll run it up the flagpole anyway. I appreciate you politesse. Basically, you were just trying to let aspiring authors down gently. I hope that part about you being a “fan” isn’t part of the form letter.
Best wishes,
Gabe
gabe@gabekaplan.com
| Date: | Fri, 24 Oct 2003 14:30:00 -0700 | |
| From: | “D’ette Corona” <dcorona@chickensoupbks.com> | |
| Subject: | Re: Chicken Soup for the Soul Proposal | |
| To: | gabe@gabekaplan.com |
I would love the mouse pad and was serious about being a big fan.
Take care
D’ette Corona
Co-author Liaison
Chicken Soup for the Soul Ent., Inc.