This Ultimate Book Publishing Guide for Christian Authors is designed for writers who have poured their heart, faith, and purpose into a manuscript but are now asking the most important question: How do I publish this book? Whether your message is a testimony, a devotional, Christian fiction, or a life-changing biblical insight, moving your work from a personal document to a published book can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
The world of book publishing is complex, and navigating it as a Christian author comes with unique considerations—biblical integrity, spiritual responsibility, and finding publishers who truly understand faith-driven content. This guide serves as a clear roadmap, walking you through every stage of the process, from refining your manuscript to choosing the right publishing path and identifying Christian publishers open to new authors.
Whether your goal is to publish with a major Christian publishing house or with an independent traditional publisher like Kharis Publishing, this Ultimate Book Publishing Guide for Christian Authors will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and direction needed to take your next step with purpose and excellence.
Step 1: The Foundation – Perfecting Your Christian Manuscript
Before considering publishers or literary agents, your manuscript must be in its strongest form. A polished manuscript makes a significant difference in whether a publisher will seriously consider your work.
- Write and Complete the Full Manuscript
- For Christian non-fiction (devotionals, Christian living, spiritual growth, self-help), a strong proposal and sample chapters may be enough.
- For Christian fiction, the entire manuscript must be completed before submission.
- Self-Edit with Excellence
- Read your work aloud to catch awkward sentences, unclear themes, or theological inconsistencies.
- Use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
- Check for consistency in tone, voice, Scripture usage, and message.
- Get Beta Readers (Preferably Christians in Your Target Audience)
- It would be great to find 3–5 trusted readers who understand your genre and faith context. Ask for honest feedback about clarity, pacing, doctrinal accuracy, and emotional impact.
- Invest in Professional Editing
This is one of the most important investments you will make. A professional editor, preferably one experienced in Christian literature, can refine your message, enhance clarity, and polish your prose, and this will in turn significantly increase your chances of acceptance.
Step 2: Understanding Your Publishing Path as a Christian Author
There are three primary publishing paths in the Christian market. Understanding these options is crucial to making the right decision.
| Path | How It Works | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Traditional Publishing | You license your book rights to the publisher. They cover editing, design, printing, and distribution. They may pay an advance and royalties. Includes large Christian houses like Zondervan, Moody, and independent publishers like Kharis Publishing. | No upfront cost to author; strong validation; professional editorial and marketing team; widespread distribution. Publishers may offer discounted copies to authors. | Very competitive; often requires an agent; slow timelines (18–24 months); lower royalties (5–15%). | Authors with a strong platform (pastors, speakers, influencers) or an exceptionally well-written, marketable manuscript. |
| Hybrid Publishing | The author pays part of the production cost in exchange for higher royalties and more control. | Faster publishing timeline; higher royalties (40–60%); professional production team. | Upfront cost required; must avoid predatory vanity presses. | Authors who want quality and distribution but lack a large platform or want faster release. |
| Self-Publishing | The author oversees and funds everything—editing, cover design, formatting, marketing—often through Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. | Complete creative control; highest profits; fastest path to publication. | All responsibilities and costs on the author; requires business and marketing skills; can face quality stigma if poorly produced. | Authors with strong marketing skills or those writing for niche ministries or church audiences. |
Step 3: The Gateway – Agents and Submissions for Christian Authors
Most major traditional Christian publishers (Zondervan, Tyndale House, WaterBrook, etc.) do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
A literary agent becomes your advocate. They:
- Pitch your manuscript to publishers
- Negotiate your contract
- Protect your intellectual rights
- Guide you through industry expectations
Agents can be found in the Christian Writers Market Guide or platforms like QueryTracker.
Step 4: The Alternative Path – Christian Publishers That Accept Direct Submissions
Many respected independent traditional Christian publishers accept un-agented manuscripts. This section of the Christian authors book publishing guide highlights verified publishers who welcome submissions from new and emerging authors.
Christian Publishers Accepting Direct (Un-Agented) Submissions
Important: Always review each publisher’s submission guidelines. Policies can change at any time.
1. Kharis Publishing
- Submission Link: https://www.kharispublishing.com/kp/query/
- Key Information:
- Model: Independent Traditional Publisher (no fees to author).
- What They’re Looking For: They are actively seeking submissions from both new and established authors in genres including Christian Living, Devotionals, Contemporary Fiction, Self-Help, and Business/Leadership.
- How to Submit: They use a simple, clear online submission form where you provide your bio, a synopsis, and upload your manuscript or proposal.
- Unique Mission: Kharis is noted for its mission to donate 100% of its profits to charity, which can be a strong point of alignment for faith-based authors.
2. InterVarsity Press (IVP)
- Submission Link: https://www.ivpress.com/submissions
- Key Information:
- Model: Traditional Publisher with a strong academic and trade focus.
- What They’re Looking For: They primarily publish nonfiction. Their ideal author is an expert in their field (e.g., pastors, counselors, professors). They are looking for “thoughtful Christian books” that are “well-written, well-researched, and biblically sound.”
- How to Submit: They require a detailed proposal, not a full manuscript. Their guidelines page has a link to a comprehensive PDF explaining exactly how to structure the proposal.
- Important Note: They explicitly state they do not publish fiction, poetry, dissertations, or personal spiritual journeys unless it has broad applicability.
3. Moody Publishers
- Submission Link: https://www.moodypublishers.com/support/submissions (Note: This is an information page, read below)
- Key Information:
- Model: Major Traditional Publisher.
- Submission Status: Moody Publishers does, on occasion, accept unsolicited manuscripts
- The Exception: However, priority is given to submissions sent via: a professional literary agent, an author who has published with us through an associate who works for a Moody ministry, or a personal contact at a writers conference.
4. Dove Christian Publishers
- Submission Link: https://dovechristianpublishers.com/submissions/
- Key Information:
- Model: Traditional Publisher.
- What They’re Looking For: They accept fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books that are “Christ-centered.”
- How to Submit: They have a three-step process: 1) Email a query letter. 2) If they are interested, they will request a proposal. 3) If the proposal is approved, they will request the full manuscript.
- Author Platform: They explicitly state that an author’s platform (their ability to reach a target audience) is a significant factor in their decision.
5. Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
- Submission Link: https://elklakepublishinginc.com/submissions/
- Key Information:
- Model: Traditional Publisher (Royalty-paying).
- What They’re Looking For: They publish a wide range of Christian fiction and non-fiction.
- How to Submit: They have a detailed online form. You must have your manuscript completed and professionally edited before submitting.
- Important Note: They require authors to be active in marketing and ask for a detailed marketing plan as part of the submission, showing they value partnership with their authors.
6. Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
- Submission Link: https://www.lighthousepublishingofthecarolinas.com/submissions/
- Key Information:
- Model: Traditional Publisher.
- Submission Status: They have specific reading periods. As of late 2025, their submissions are often closed to fiction but may be open for non-fiction. It is critical to check this page frequently.
- What They’re Looking For: When open, they seek “books that entertain, encourage, and inspire.” They publish fiction, non-fiction, and novellas.
Step 5: The Contract and Beyond – The Christian Author’s Journey After Acceptance
When a publisher makes an offer—congratulations! You move into the final phase of the publishing process.
- The Publishing Contract
This is the legal agreement that explains everything about your book’s publication, including how much you will earn per copy (royalty rates), what rights you are giving the publisher (such as print, ebook, or audiobook rights), and whether you will receive an advance payment before the book begins to sell. Because publishing contracts can be complex and often contain long-term commitments, it is wise to have an experienced Christian publishing mentor, literary agent, or lawyer familiar with book contracts review the document before you sign, ensuring that you fully understand what you are agreeing to and protecting you from giving away rights you may later need.
- Editorial Process
During this stage, you will collaborate closely with an assigned editor whose job is to refine your manuscript while preserving your theological accuracy, personal voice, and storytelling style. The editor may help improve clarity, structure, grammar, and flow, but they will not change your message or alter your beliefs; instead, they guide you through a series of careful edits and revisions to ensure the book communicates your ideas clearly, professionally, and in a way that resonates with readers. You will see and approve every change before the final version is produced.
- Cover Design and Production
The publisher handles the entire production of your book, including professional cover design, interior layout, formatting for print and digital versions, and preparing files for printing and distribution. This process involves selecting appropriate fonts, colors, images, trim size, and layout styles that match your book’s theme and audience, ensuring the final product looks polished, attractive, and competitive in both physical bookstores and online marketplaces.
- Marketing and Launch
Publishing the book is only the beginning; authors play a major role in helping their books reach readers. While the publisher may assist with launching the book, listing it on major platforms, and providing basic promotional materials, the author must actively work to market the book—building an author platform, engaging their audience online, sharing updates on social media, speaking about the message, partnering with churches or ministries, and encouraging reviews. A strong launch requires teamwork between author and publisher, and consistent effort from the author helps the book gain visibility and impact.
Publishing a Christian book is a marathon—a journey filled with faith, patience, growth, and dedication. With this comprehensive Christian authors book publishing guide, you now have the clarity to navigate the industry with confidence.
By combining excellence, spiritual obedience, and the right publishing path, you can place your message into the hands of those who need to receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions -Book Publishing Guide for Christian Authors
1. How do Christian authors publish a book?
Christian authors can publish through traditional Christian publishers, hybrid publishing, or self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP. The process usually includes completing and editing the manuscript, choosing a publishing path, submitting to publishers or agents, signing a contract, and participating in marketing and distribution.
2. Do Christian publishers accept new or first-time authors?
Yes. Many Christian publishers accept new and first-time authors, especially independent traditional publishers such as Kharis Publishing, Elk Lake Publishing, and Dove Christian Publishers. Major publishers may require agents, but several reputable houses welcome direct submissions.
3. Do I need a literary agent to publish a Christian book?
Not always. While large Christian publishers often require a literary agent, many independent Christian publishers accept un-agented submissions. If you are submitting directly to publishers like Kharis Publishing, an agent is not required.
4. How much does it cost to publish a Christian book?
The cost depends on the publishing model:
Traditional publishing: Usually no upfront cost
Hybrid publishing: Partial author investment
Self-publishing: Costs for editing, design, and marketing
Always avoid publishers that charge high fees without offering royalties or real distribution.
5. How long does it take to publish a Christian book?
Publishing timelines vary:
Traditional publishing: 12–24 months
Hybrid publishing: 3–9 months
Self-publishing: A few weeks to a few months
Christian publishing often takes longer due to editorial and theological review processes.
6. What do Christian publishers look for in a manuscript?
Christian publishers look for biblical alignment, strong writing quality, a clear message, a defined audience, and market relevance. For non-fiction, an author platform is helpful, while fiction is often evaluated more on storytelling and craft.
7. What is the first step to publishing a Christian book?
The first step is finishing and professionally editing your manuscript. A polished, well-edited manuscript significantly improves your chances of acceptance by Christian publishers.
