Many Christian books never reach a reader. Not because the message is weak, but because the last mile feels confusing: who owns the text, what file to send, what to charge, and where to publish. This guide walks through those steps in order.
1. Make sure the work is yours to publish
Publish only what you wrote or what you have written permission to publish. Bible quotations are usually fine when you use a public-domain translation or follow the quotation policy of a modern translation’s publisher. Republishing someone else’s sermons or a classic “with light edits” is a different matter: most platforms either refuse it or pay it at a lower rate.
2. Finish the manuscript before you design anything
Read the whole book aloud once. Ask two honest readers, ideally one who does not share your church background, where they got lost. Then fix structure first (chapter order, repetition), and wording second.
3. Get at least one round of editing
A professional editor is ideal. If that is not possible yet, a careful proofreading pass by someone who did not write the text catches most mistakes. Theological accuracy matters too: check every Scripture reference.
4. Prepare a clean file and a strong cover
- Ebook: EPUB or a Word (DOCX) file with real headings for chapters.
- Cover: a JPEG that is still readable as a small thumbnail on a phone.
- Description: two short paragraphs that say who the book is for and what changes for the reader.
5. Choose a price with a purpose
Free works well for a first book or a short devotional that introduces your voice. A low price lowers the barrier for new readers. A higher price fits a longer study or a book with lasting reference value. You can change it later.
6. Decide where to publish
Large stores give reach but put your book next to everything else. Christian-only platforms put it in front of readers who are already looking for faith content. Many authors use both, as long as neither requires exclusivity.
7. Tell people where to find it
Share the book page with your church, small group and online followers. A short excerpt, the cover and one sentence about who it is for will do more than a long announcement.