FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Kharis Publishing
Welcome to the Kharis Publishing FAQ. Here, you’ll find clear answers to our most common questions; from who we are, manuscript submissions and author contracts to royalties, production timelines, and marketing support. This guide helps you understand our publishing process and what to expect at every stage.
1. What kind of publisher is Kharis Publishing? Is it traditional, independent, hybrid, or self-publishing?
Kharis Publishing is an independent Christian book publisher which operates on the traditional book publishing model. This means that Kharis Publishing is a private, independent-owned publishing house that operates on the traditional model where the author does not pay for the costs of publishing. Kharis Publishing covers the expenses for editing, cover design, production, and distribution. The difference between a “traditional” and “independent” publisher is not the business model – they both operate on the traditional book model. The difference is in scale and ownership. Today, the term traditional publisher is often used to refer to the Big Five and their imprints, which are massive, often publicly traded media corporations:
- Penguin Random House (Parent Company)
- Viking Press
- Dutton
- Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
- G.P. Putnam’s Sons
- HarperCollins (Parent Company)
- William Morrow
- Avon Books
- Simon & Schuster (Parent Company)
- Hachette Book Group (Parent Company)
- Grand Central Publishing
- Macmillan Publishers (Parent Company)
- Tor Books
Whereas independent publishers generally refer to privately owned and operated publishing houses, which are not part of one of the Big Five conglomerates. They operate on the exact same traditional publishing model as the giants. Here are some examples of independent publishers:
- Sourcebooks
- Chronicle Books culture)
- Kharis Publishing
- Kensington Publishing Corp. (
- Grove Atlantic (Publishes literary fiction and nonfiction)
- Milkweed Editions
- Coffee House Press
- Baker Publishing Group
- City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Please read this article here for more clarity about “independent” versus “traditional” publishers.
2. Do I have to pay any fees to get my book published by Kharis Publishing?
No. There are No out-of-pocket costs to the author. Editing, graphic design, production, and distribution? Yes, all on us; as it should be for all traditionally published books. You shouldn’t pay to be published. We publish many book genres, especially, Christian, health and wellness, and self-help. The Kharis model is designed for us to take the financial risk on the books we choose to acquire, which is the standard for a traditional publisher.
3. I saw a website for "Kharis Publication" with a price list. Is that the same company?
No, this is a crucial point of distinction. There appears to be a separate entity based in Europe (specifically Amsterdam, based on web results) called “Kharis Publication” that offers paid design and typesetting services with a public pricing list. The US-based Christian publisher, Kharis Publishing, an imprint of Kharis Media LLC, is a traditional publisher and does not charge authors fees for publishing services. Prospective authors should ensure they are visiting https://kharispublishing.com/kp/ for the traditional publisher.
4. Is Kharis Publishing the same as Christian Faith Publishing?
No! Kharis Publishing is in no way, directly or indirectly, connected to Christian Faith Publishing. These are two different companies with two different publishing models. Kharis Publishing is an independent Christian publisher that operates the traditional book publishing business model. Kharis Publishing does not charge authors to publish their books.
5. What makes Kharis Publishing different from other publishers?
Kharis Publishing stands out for two main reasons:
- Social Mission: They have a foundational commitment to orphan literacy. For each book sold, the company channels a portion of its proceeds to establish mini-libraries and provide literacy tools for orphanages in developing countries.
- Accessibility for New Authors: Their stated mission is to give a voice to underrepresented authors, including women, minorities, and first-time writers who may not have a large platform or national name recognition.
6. How Widely Does Kharis Publishing Distribute Book Titles?
All books published through Kharis Publishing are widely distributed through Ingram and Amazon. This means that Kharis titles are available for purchase in 40,000 bookstores, libraries, and online retailers in the USA and internationally. Your book will be available in most or all of the following top retail channels online: Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Christianbook.com, among others.
7. How many book formats does Kharis Publishing offer?
Kharis Publishing offers all its titles in all four formats: paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. In fact, Kharis audio books are distributed to over 50+ audiobook platforms and retailers, including Audible, Apple Store, Google Play, among others. Check out Kharis Publishing audible books here.
8. Do I need a literary agent to submit my manuscript?
No, you do not need a literary agent. Kharis Publishing is one of the independent traditional publishers that accepts unsolicited submissions directly from authors through their website. This makes them a more accessible option for new writers who have not yet secured agent representation.
9. What genres is Kharis Publishing looking for?
They publish a range of genres with a primary focus on Christian and inspirational themes, including Christian nonfiction, fiction, and self-help. Their submission guidelines specifically mention an interest in nonfiction, including Bible resources, children’s Bible story books, discipleship materials, and books on prayer. They also publish in categories like self-help, business, memoirs, health and wellness, and family-friendly fiction.
10. What is the submission process like?
Authors can submit a query directly through an online form on the Kharis Publishing website. This form typically asks for author information, a book synopsis, and the manuscript or proposal for review. They state a commitment to giving every manuscript a thorough and fair review.
11. If my book is accepted, what can I expect? What about royalties?
If your book is acquired, you can expect a traditional publishing experience at no cost to you. This includes professional editing, cover design, and distribution to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Author testimonials mention a supportive team, a fair contract, and a faster-than-average publishing timeline of around six months. While specific royalty rates are detailed in individual contracts, some directory listings have mentioned rates of up to 30% on net receipts.
12. What kind of marketing and distribution support do they offer?
Kharis Publishing provides distribution through established national and international distributors like Ingram and Amazon, making books available to major retailers. Their model combines traditional publishing benefits with the efficiency of modern digital printing technology. While they handle the core distribution and sales representation, authors are also advised on how to market their books, indicating a partnership approach to promotion.
13. Does Kharis offer Author copy discount?
Yes, Kharis Publishing offers a generous author discount rate of 50%. This makes it affordable for authors to pick up their book copies at huge discount for personal promotion and gifting to friends and family. Like all independent traditional publishers, while Kharis encourages authors to pick up copies for personal use as they can afford, author copies do not impact editorial decisions for book acquisitions. Kharis Publishing does NOT ask authors to pay for the book publishing and distribution process.
14. What are actual authors saying about their experience with Kharis Publishing?
The author testimonials featured on their website are overwhelmingly positive. Common themes include:
- Support for First-Time Authors: Many praise the team for guiding them seamlessly through the process.
- Speed and Professionalism: Several authors note the quick turnaround time from manuscript to published book (as fast as 6 months).
- Collaborative Spirit: Authors report feeling like a partner in the process and appreciate the prompt communication and patient guidance from the staff.