A lot of people think a “real” book needs a big publisher in New York or Nashville. That used to be true. It isn’t anymore.
Today you can publish a professional Christian book, sell it on Amazon, get it into bookstores’ ordering systems, and release an audiobook, all without a traditional contract. I’ve helped a lot of authors do it through my publishing company, Indie Christian Book.
Here’s how it works.
First, is skipping a traditional publisher right for you?
Traditional publishing still has real advantages: an advance, a professional team, and sometimes bookstore placement. But it usually requires a literary agent, a strong platform, and a lot of patience. It can take a couple of years from contract to release, and many good books never get picked up.
Independent publishing gives you control over the timeline, the cover, the price, and the rights. It also makes you responsible for quality. If you want to explore the traditional route first, you’ll need a strong proposal. I share a full template in Christian Book Proposal Template (Free Download).
Step 1: Finish a manuscript that’s actually ready
This is where most self-published books fall short. Before anything else, your book needs:
- A developmental edit, which looks at structure and big-picture flow.
- A copy edit for grammar, consistency, and clarity.
- A proofread after layout to catch last typos.
Skipping editing is the fastest way to look amateur. If you’re still writing, read Ghostwriter or Write It Yourself? to decide how to get to a finished draft.
Step 2: Get your ISBNs
An ISBN is the number that identifies your book in the retail world. In the United States, ISBNs come from Bowker through MyIdentifiers.
A few things that confuse people:
- Each format needs its own ISBN. Paperback, hardcover, and e-book are separate.
- If you buy your own ISBNs, you can use the same one for a print edition on both Amazon and IngramSpark.
- Amazon offers free ISBNs, but then Amazon’s imprint is listed as the publisher, and that ISBN can’t be used elsewhere.
- E-books on Amazon and audiobooks on ACX don’t require one.
If you want your own imprint name on the book, buy your own. IngramSpark also has helpful guides on ISBNs and print setup.
Step 3: Register your copyright and consider an LCCN
Your work is copyrighted as soon as it’s written, but registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you stronger legal protection.
If you want libraries to carry your book, look into a Library of Congress Control Number. Independent authors usually qualify for the Preassigned Control Number program rather than the Cataloging in Publication program, which is mostly for traditional publishers.
Step 4: Design a cover and interior that look professional
Christian readers judge books by their covers, same as everybody else. Hire a designer who knows your genre. Look at the bestsellers on Christianbook.com and Amazon in your category and notice the fonts, colors, and styles.
The interior matters too. Clean margins, readable fonts, and proper chapter openings make your book feel trustworthy.
Step 5: Upload to the right platforms
Most independent Christian authors use two print platforms:
- Amazon KDP for paperbacks, hardcovers, and Kindle e-books on Amazon.
- IngramSpark for wide distribution, so bookstores, churches, and libraries can order your book.
For audiobooks, ACX connects you with narrators and distributes to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books.
Step 6: Plan your launch before you hit publish
Publishing isn’t the finish line. Build an email list, line up early readers to leave reviews, tell your church, and talk about the book on any platform you already have. A book with no launch plan usually sells a handful of copies to family.
Step 7: Keep the book working after launch
A book can keep serving people for years if you keep it in front of them. Mention it when you preach or teach on the topic. Offer it at events and in your church lobby. Write articles, like this one, that answer questions your readers are already asking, and point them to the book. Ask happy readers to leave a short review, since reviews help new readers trust you.
You can also add formats later. Many authors start with paperback and Kindle, then add hardcover, large print, or an audiobook once they see demand. Each print format gets its own ISBN, so plan for that when you buy them.
A quick checklist
- Edited, proofread manuscript
- Your own ISBNs, one per format
- Copyright registration
- Professional cover and interior
- KDP and IngramSpark accounts
- Optional audiobook through ACX
- Launch plan and early readers
Or let someone walk you through it
If all of this sounds like a lot, it is. That’s why I started Indie Christian Book, a boutique publishing company for indie authors. We offer high-quality, high-touch editing (including coaching if you’re still writing), every round of editing, interior formatting, covers, ISBNs, and everything else involved in getting a book published. We also help with some pre-launch marketing and can point you to potential partners for marketing after launch. We handle the pieces that trip people up so you can focus on the message.
Let’s talk about your book
Whether you’ve got a finished manuscript or just an idea, book a free consult. I’ll help you figure out the best way to get your book into readers’ hands.
Jeff
