subject: Secrets of Christian Self Publishing Companies [print this page] Secrets of Christian Self Publishing Companies
Christian literature has expanded today to create a virtually new and separate genre of its own. Many authors have completed exceptional work in Christian poetry, self-improvement, devotionals, comics, mystery novels, and guides to living, all revolving around one central theme -- spirituality.
Publishing companies generally specialize in one area of literature. Publishers covering home design and architecture books, for instance, would not take in manuscripts of science fiction since this is way beyond their niche.
In the mass production of written work, Christian publishing companies are constantly faced with the issue of religious biases especially since not everyone shares the same beliefs and spirituality. Even the mere fact that a book is written by an author who advocates Christianity, however spiritually neutral the contents of the book may be, can be reason enough for sales to stay at a constant plateau. And since marketing strategies for Christian books are relatively less aggressive than those for other genres, self-publishing can be a common option for writers who have yet to make a name for themselves, but have in their hands a manuscript worth printing.
A vast majority of Christian self publishing companies are currently taking advantage a new publishing strategy known as print-on-demand. Instead of having to print copies of books in the thousands, publishers only produce the number of copies needed or ordered by customers. This way, the author only pays for what he needs and avoids accumulating ever-depressing piles of unsold copies stocked in the attic.
Some churches and church leaders are in need of regular publishing services for literature and books that help contribute to the growth of their ministries. Many well-known preachers and churches are at an advantage if they decide to self-publish manuscripts simply because the readers almost always come in the hundreds of thousands. Word of mouth still remains to be one of the most reliable advertising strategies and, at a local church, word of a new book can scatter like wildfire. Despite the use of the print-on-demand technology to save on thousands of copies that may not be sold, still, twice the number of interested readers and buyers can be reached in the process.
Some Christian self publishing companies offer service packages to their authors that include formatting, cover design guides, color options, and the like. Since self-publishing gives the writer full control of his book, a lot of hands-on activity will have to be done. The publishing company is equipped with adequate resources to guide the author through the process.
The advantage that Christian publishers have over thousands of unheard-of companies (that may eventually turn out to be vanity press) is their adherence to Christian principles. Finding a Christian publisher that holds hidden contracts and exploits its authors by hoarding revenue from sales is like looking for a needle in a haystack. They may not guarantee big-time fame or mind-blowing sales -- only the caliber of the book itself can guarantee that -- but what they do present is integrity and an earnest desire to bring the Good News to as many souls as possible.
