Lessons From the Biggest Selling Book Series of All Time

The Story and Lessons Behind the Biggest Selling Book Series of All Time

Back in 1994 I met Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, the co-creators of the ALL TIME biggest selling book series in the world, Chicken Soup for the Soul. They had just launched the first CSS book in 1993. Mark told me not long after meeting him that they would one day sell 100 million books. I thought at the time, not a chance. Instead it went on to sell over 500 million copies. Unbelievable!

I was booking Mark to speak at many of my events back in the 90’s. He and Jack then asked me to partner with them on the book Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneurs Soul. Which was a huge honor!

For the launch of my new Don’t Quit book I knew the person I had to have write the foreword was longtime friend, Mark Victor Hansen, because the story of CSS is the epitome of Don’t Quit!

Today I wanted to share what Mark wrote in the Don’t Quit foreword about his and Jack’s incredible story and all the lessons involved! Enjoy!

Foreword to Don’t Quit

When Kyle Wilson asked me to write the foreword for his new book, Don’t Quit, Stories of Persistence, Courage and Faith, it was an immediate yes for two reasons! First, Kyle and I are friends of more than 25 years. We have worked and traveled the country together many, many times. Kyle is someone I respect and admire personally and in business. And secondly, the title so resonates with the remarkable journey Jack Canfield and I had becoming the number one selling non-fiction authors in the world with our Chicken Soup for the Soul book series.

The making and publishing of Chicken Soup for the Soul is a don’t quit story.

It was serendipitous when Jack Canfield and I met while hearing each other speak at the Mandela Conference in San Diego, California in 1989. We immediately befriended each other. I got Jack to think bigger, write bold goals, and really start telling heart touching and soul penetrating stories. Over the next three years, Jack and I met together continually if we were off speaking somewhere to write the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book together. Simultaneously, we were also getting rejected by every agent and publisher we talked to—144 rejections to be precise.

Finally agent free, we found a small publisher in Florida, Health Communications, Inc., that agreed to take our book, if we would agree to buy 20,000 copies at $6 each. We were desperate and said yes.

Jack and I thought the soul of America was in pain and trouble. What we discovered was that the soul of the world was also ailing and in profound pain.

We also decided to test our stories and created seven mandatory discernments to help us find stories that people wanted and would read and reread.

Eventually, the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was published on June 28 of 1993. And the marketplace responded and has never stopped loving CSS stories!

Every time Jack and I appeared on stage talking and sharing our stories, we enjoyed a table rush of sales that was beyond compare. Our book became the gift book phenomena of all time.

On a daily basis, I was doing two to three radio interviews, many times from a pay phone at an airport between planes. It was exhilarating, exciting, and occasionally exhausting

People started to buy books. And more importantly, they started to recommend and share books within their spheres of influence.

We had set BIG goals! But the results eclipsed even our lofty goals!

Our original goal that I set was to start by selling a million and a half in a year and a half. We sold 1.3 million books the frst year and half. The second year, we sold 5 million. The third year, we sold 10 million. The year after that we started selling fifteen million per year. We had 15 titles on the USA Today list out of 50 books and got listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

We started doing serialization topics like Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul which we did with Kyle Wilson.

As of today, we have sold over 500 million Chicken Soup books worldwide. We committed early on to tithe on every book sold, which is one of the secrets to our phenomenal success. One of the many charities that we seriously contribute to is Child Help. (See Childhelp.org. Please watch our videos at this website.) My wife Crystal and I fell totally in love with Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson (84 years old) who have helped ten million five hundred thousand children out of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. We are now volunteer as co-chairman of their 60th Childhelp campaign and are busy raising one billion dollars to build the Childhelp Global Campus in Arizona.

I’m inviting you to read the stories in this book, Don’t Quit, Stories of Persistence, Courage and Faith, and see where your heart takes you. See if you see yourself in some of the authors’ struggles, their lessons, and their victories.

You will be moved! You will be lifted up! You will be inspired! Take the authors’ and my advice. No matter what others may believe about you and your circumstance, all that really matters is what you believe and are committed to with passionate purposefulness.

If you see it, desire it, and want it, then for you and the world’s sake, don’t quit!

Mark Victor Hansen is the co-creator of the world’s bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, serial entrepreneur in renewable, sustainable energy, and co-chairman of Metamorphosis Energy, LLC. With the same enthusiasm Jack and Mark had when creating Chicken Soup for the Soul, now Mark Victor Hansen and Crystal Hansen are excited and committed to their next book to be released in the spring of 2020, ASK! – The Bridge Between Your Dreams and Your Destiny.

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Join Me in My Next Book

To learn more about how to be part of an upcoming book project with Kyle, go to KyleWilson.com/1bestseller/ to learn more and scroll down to fill out the application. We help you check over 16 boxes to build your brand, marketing and business!

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Kyle Wilson Inner Circle Masterminds

Excited about the upcoming Kyle Wilson Inner Circle Masterminds in Dallas, Philly and LA! If interested in joining or attending one of the dates as a guest go to KyleWilson.com/mastermind and fill in the form (or reply to this email with name, where you live and a little about yourself) and I can send you more details.

Since joining Kyle Wilson’s Inner Circle Mastermind, the ideas and creativity have been off the charts. Kyle truly collects the best people and orchestrates an amazing day! I have to tell you it has so exceeded my expectations and let me tell you, having known Kyle since 2006 and watching what he did with Jim Rohn and so many others, my expectations were high. I have the dates checked off in my calendar. Missing an Inner Circle is not an option! – Newy Scruggs, 7x Emmy Winner, NBC Sports

Every time I spend time with Kyle Wilson at his Inner Circle masterminds, I walk away with a question answered, mindset shift or idea to implement right away. Kyle, plus the amazing group of community members, has helped me immensely not only grow my business but recharge my mental and emotional battery every time we are together. Great investment of time and money. — Ron White 2-Time US Memory Champion

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To your success! Kyle

Kyle Wilson, Founder Jim Rohn International (JimRohn.com), YourSuccessStore.com and KyleWilson.com

Kyle has filled huge seminar rooms, launched and published multiple publications with over a million subscribers a week, has produced/published over 100+ hours of DVD and CD programs and has published and sold millions of books including titles by Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Chris Widener and more.

Kyle, thank you for our partnership and friendship. Friendship is wealth and you make me a rich man. Love and Respect! Jim Rohn, Iconic Philosopher & Speaker

I guard my endorsements carefully. Regarding Kyle, he is simply a marketing genius! No joke. Kyle was the wizard behind the successful business of my mentor Jim Rohn. Every marketing dilemma I have ever had Kyle has given me the brilliant and elegant solution on the spot. Kyle’s consulting has saved and earned me hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. Darren Hardy, Former Publisher SUCCESS Magazine

I have worked closely with Kyle Wilson for 20 years. He is one of the best all-around marketers, promoters, business-builders and entrepreneurs in the business today. We have generated more than a million dollars together. Brian Tracy, Int Speaker & Author

I’ve known and worked with Kyle Wilson for over 20 years. Kyle is the ONLY person that ALWAYS under-promised and over-delivered every single time my dad Zig and I worked with him. He is a valued friend and some one I have great admiration and respect for! Tom Ziglar, President of Zig Ziglar Corp

Kyle is one of my old and dear friends and one of the smartest marketing guys I have had the opportunity to work with. He is the scrappy marketing guy. What I mean by that is, there are lots of guys who will put out business plans and do all kinds of nonsense and swing for home runs. Kyle is the real deal and finds ways to create product, add value, help people, build community, he’s unbelievable. Eric Worre, Author of Go Pro

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"I guard my endorsements carefully. Regarding Kyle, he is simply a marketing genius! No joke. Kyle was the wizard behind the successful business of my mentor Jim Rohn. Every marketing dilemma I have ever had, Kyle has given me the brilliant and elegant solution on the spot. Kyle’s consulting has saved and earned me hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years."

Darren Hardy

Former Publisher SUCCESS Magazine

"Kyle, thank you for our partnership and friendship all these years. Friendship is wealth and you make me a rich man. Much Love & Respect"

Jim Rohn

(1930-2009), Internationally
Renowned Speaker and Author

"Kyle Wilson is brilliant and very knowledgeable and an icon in this industry. He was the power behind Jim Rohn. Kyle is my longtime friend and someone I have a great deal of respect for."

Les Brown

Iconic Speaker and Author

"Kyle you were a master to work with when filming and producing at my house. Also, Helen and I have toured and done so many 'meet and greets' and have had all kinds of cool activities and opportunities on the road, but last year at your house at the Inner Circle Mastermind ranks at the top as one of the all time best experiences we have ever had on the road. At your house the people and the love was so amazing. We are use to doing all the giving, but that day we felt loved and cared for. It was just an amazing experience! We still talk about it to this day. It is at the top of our tour memories from over all these years!"

Phil Collen

Lead Guitarist, Def Leppard

"Thank you Kyle Wilson for being such a magnificent leader and creating a powerful, humanitarian thinking group of leaders. You’re such an amazing human being. Always inspired by who you are!"

Lisa Haisha

Host Amazon Show, Producer,
Philanthropist

"I have worked closely with Kyle Wilson for 20 years. He is one of the best all-around marketers, promoters, business-builders and entrepreneurs in the business today. We have generated more than a million dollars together.”

Brian Tracy

Professional Speaker,
Best-Selling Author,
CEO of Brian Tracy
International™

"If wanting to break into the speaker, author, marketing world, no one knows and does it better than my 10 year friend, Kyle Wilson. He is responsible for millions of people having access to the brilliant wisdom of Jim Rohn and so many other business thought leaders. He attracts the best people to his Inner Circle, something I'm proud to be a part of. I’m also excited to be working on a new book with Kyle, Lessons From Sports. Honored by his friendship."

Newy Scruggs

7x Emmy Winning Broadcaster,
NBC Sports Dallas/Ft Worth

"Kyle is one of my old and dear friends and one of the smartest marketing guys I have had the opportunity to work with. He is the scrappy marketing guy. Kyle is the real deal and finds ways to create product, add value, help people, build community, he’s unbelievable."

Eric Worre

Founder of Network Marketing
Pro and International Best-Selling
Author of Go Pro

"Kyle Wilson, single handedly changed the way I look at life! And the way I participate in my own! Kyle's wisdom, loyalty and commitment to seeing people soar is unmatched in the industry. He is a spring board, sounding board and ultimately a launch pad for anyone committed to pursuing their deepest dreams and ultimate goals! He is the most authentic mentor, friend and business parter I've ever had. I'm so thankful I ended up in your sphere 'KW,' Kyle Wilson.”

Erika De La Cruz

TV & Media Host, Speaker,
Trainer and Author of Passionistas

"Kyle Wilson is the man! When I made the decision to transition from my 15 year MLB career to being a speaker, best-selling author and business consultant I researched and then sought out the man who has been behind such iconic speakers as Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy and many others. Hiring Kyle as my coach has been one of the smartest decisions I made.“

Todd Stottlemyre

Author of Relentless Success,
15 Year MLB Pitcher
and 3x World Champion

"Kyle is a valued friend, a marketing superstar and one of the most knowledgeable people in the personal development industry.”

Robin Sharma

Author of The Monk Who
Sold His Ferrari

"Kyle can I thank you for something and congratulate you in the same breath? I've done easily 500 interviews in my life. This has been my favorite one. One that went on and allowed that deeper dive because that's one of the things that time limits can rob us of. And I thank you for that because it's been very healthy and very cathartic. And you kind of brought me back in touch with how ready I am to get back on stages. I'm ready."

Glenn Morshower

Actor in Over 250 Movies and Shows

"Kyle is one of the wisest and most brilliant marketing consultants in the world. He is the man behind the great marketing of Jim Rohn International and so many other personal development legends. He is not only someone I’ve enjoyed collaborating and working with for over two decades, but is also a close and valued friend. I recommend Kyle without equivocation."

Mark Victor Hansen

Co-Creator of World’s
Best-Selling Book Series
Chicken Soup for the Soul

“Kyle Wilson is a masterful marketer and there is a good reason why top investors, entertainers, sports figures, leaders in personal development and entrepreneurs call on him as a coach, mentor, business partner and friend. Kyle knows what works in business and most importantly relationships and always over delivers. As an Inner Circle Mastermind member for over 2 years, it’s been the very best thing I could have done to level up my circle of influence, surround myself with success and have the platform to launch a best-selling book, be invited to speak, partner, invest and take my brand to the next level. I highly recommend you invest whatever is necessary to be a member of the Inner Circle or hire Kyle as your coach.

Kelli Calabrese

Wellness Mompreneur,
#1 Best-Selling Author
Mom & Dadpreneur

“Kyle Wilson is the best marketer I know. In the 20 years that I have known him, everything he touches and every idea he generates, turns into money. If you’re looking for a degree of fame, and a higher degree of wealth, I recommend you get YOUR ass to Kyle as fast as you can.”

Jeffrey Gitomer

Best-Selling Author The Little Red Book of Selling

"I've known and worked with Kyle Wilson for over 20 years. Kyle is the ONLY person that ALWAYS under-promised and over-delivered every single time my dad Zig and I worked with him. He is a valued friend and someone I have great admiration and respect for!"

Tom Ziglar

President of Zig Ziglar Corp

"Kyle's Inner Circle Masterminds have been some of the most enlightening events I've been a part of. I've met so many incredible people outside the world I live and work in. It is the pinnacle of places you can go to upgrade your network. Plus, Kyle's coaching has helped me create and additional six figure side income that allows me to impact more people."

Seth Mosley

2x Grammy Winner,
Billboard #1 Producer and
Song Writer of the Year

"When I met Kyle Wilson I had been speaking professionally for 12 years and my biggest ‘achievement’ was $60,000 in debt to the IRS, a truck I prayed every day would start, and a simple 6 CD memory training set. Kyle coached me to market that CD set and in less than 12 months my IRS debt was gone and I was speaking in Australia, Bangkok, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia and all over the USA with the biggest names in the speaking business. It was almost magical how Kyle took my business from giving speeches in the back room of an IHOP restaurant to audiences as large as 8,000 in what seemed like overnight. I can honestly say that Kyle Wilson was not a major factor in turning my business around. Kyle Wilson was THE factor. I can’t strongly recommend his wisdom, knowledge, business mind or who he is as a person enough."

Ron White

Best-Selling Author of
Black Belt Memory,
2009 & 2010 US Memory Champion

"Kyle Wilson is not only one of my most valued friends and mentors, he is a marketing genius and brilliant business man, always providing the most honest and insightful solutions to any challenge. I am honored to have him as my book partner and life-long counterpart."
Jeanette Ortega,

Jeanette Ortega

Best-Selling Author of
The Little Black Book of Fitness
& Celebrity Fitness Trainer

"Kyle, you ROCKED the EOFIRE show. You are a great storyteller and shared great lessons. Truly impressed…and thank you for what you do/have done for this Entrepreneurial world."

John Lee Dumas

Host of EOFire Podcast with
over 100 million Downloads

"Anytime I'm in a conversation with Kyle Wilson, I always take my notepad out and start taking down notes cause there's so much to learn. Kyle it's a real honor for me to know you."

Bob Burg

Speaker and Best-Selling Author
of the Go Giver

“Kyle Wilson literally built an empire over 18 years working with one of the true legends in the entire speaking space, Mr. Jim Rohn. Somebody I look up too, somebody who was a hero of mine that I wanted to be like because of the way he had great integrity. Kyle has that same integrity, he truly cares about making you look good. He cares about you having quality materials and I will Guarantee you will be so grateful you partnered up and got into one of Kyle's books. Kyle cares truly from the heart about your success. And about representing you in the way you want to be represented. With your great content, and your great information and with who you are as a business, as a brand, as a person. So do yourself a favor, work with my friend Kyle.”

James Malinchak

Featured on ABC’s Hit TV show
Secret Millionaire &
Founder of Big Money Speaker

"Kyle Wilson’s insight, marketing acumen and business knowledge are guru level. His consulting, friendship and brilliant solutions have changed the trajectory of my career and life. His strategies don’t just elevate, they transform you and your brand.”

Olenka Cullinan

Speaker, Passionista, Founder of
Rising Tycoons &
#iStartFirst Bossbabe Bootcamps

"From the moment I met Kyle realized that he was a unique individual. In life their is 'talent' and then behind that 'talent' there is always the business savvy behind it. We say that when the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear. Kyle Wilson IS that teacher and that consultant....are you ready? Kyle, I know our best work is yet to come. Thanks for the friendship and expertise."

Nick Bradley

PGA Tour Mentor,
Speaker, Author

"Is there anyone in the world who is better at grooming and managing a speaker than Kyle Wilson? Absolutely not! Kyle was the man behind Jim Rohn. Kyle, while managing my speaking career, took me to 60 speaking engagements a year while increasing my fee, and helped me publish numerous books that sold nearly a million copies, produce two best-selling audio programs, taught me how to sell product from the back of a room (with a number of $50,000 days and one $110,000 day) and got me my own television show and a co-host with Zig Ziglar on his television show, True Performance. There is not a single person alive who not only knows but has mastered the speaking business from beginning to end like Kyle Wilson. Take my highest recommendation and multiply it by ten and you have what I think about Kyle. What? You haven’t picked up the phone yet to get on board with him? Get going!!"

Chris Widener

Best-Selling Author The Angel Inside

"Kyle Wilson has been a life changing mentor, friend and business partner. He not only has extreme marketing knowledge, is talented and gifted at speaking, coaching and leading, but he also has a unique focus, drive and charisma that magnetizes others and helps them to succeed and become more motivated. I would recommend anyone wanting to propel to higher levels to work with Kyle"

Kim Somers Egelsee

# 1 best selling author
and Tedx speaker

"Kyle Wilson's Inner Circle is nothing short of Life Changing! It offers insights and valuable outcomes for entrepreneurs, champions, and business leaders. IC is high-trust, honest, and encouraging, an integrity-filled environment that generates awareness, understanding, and wisdom from the team for you. IC provides one a board of trusted advisors... the ""GPS to help you get to the next level."

Tim Cole

(Business) Managing Director,
(Military) Colonel, USMC (Ret)

"After only working with Kyle for a few months, I felt my professional world opening up in new and inspired ways. Kyle’s marketing brilliance and business wisdom combine to make him a one in a million in this coaching world. I found that I literally would just listen to whatever he says and that is not common for a strong-willed woman like me, but his guidance is pure gold and his goodness shines through it all. I am so very grateful to him for his coaching.”

Dr. Stormy Hill, OTR/L

Entrepreneur, Author, Educator, Mom

"Kyle you have greatly influenced my life and career. You and Jim made a perfect team with a legacy that will continue to change lives more than any otherthought leaders with timeless wisdom."