Writing a book is indeed a profound commitment. But writing a Christian book is something that demands a unique level of clarity, integrity, and spiritual purpose, whether any of the following is being written:
- A theological guide.
- An inspirational memoir.
- A faith-driven fiction novel.
This is a genre where readers are not just seeking entertainment or information. Readers here seek encouragement, confirmation of their believes, and the truth. Hence, writing a Christian book is less about writing a manuscript and more about conveying a message.
What happens to most aspiring authors in this genre?
A lot of aspiring authors usually make the mistake of relying solely on passion. They fail to structure their spiritual calling into a commercially viable asset and a book that is theologically sound.
The Christian market is also quite discerning. Readers here require a specific tone, appropriate reverence, and clear adherence to doctrinal tenets that resonate with the specific target demographic (e.g., Evangelical, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Non-Denominational).
Authors may have a tough time writing a Christian book while keeping all these parameters in consideration.
How can this blog post help?
This blog post will serve as a brief guide and provide a blueprint for translating the faith journey or theological insight into a professional and publishable Christian book.
It will also briefly detail the essential steps, ranging from the core message and choosing the correct genre (devotional, fiction, study) to ensuring the manuscript can make an impact. It will also meet the highest standards of spiritual and structural integrity.
Considering the publishing paths
Nowadays, multiple publishing methods exist. Authors can attempt to find a worthwhile publishing deal, but they are rare. Securing a publishing deal is about getting the best value for money. They may do all the needed groundwork, but it is wise for authors to understand the common publishing methods available.
The self-publishing approach
This approach indicates that authors have to do everything by themselves, especially:
- Editing.
- Proofreading.
- Cover design.
- Registering
- Publishing on platforms (Amazon, IngramSpark, etc.).
- Marketing and other activities.
Authors have an advantage: They are in complete control of their own work. They can create promotions, change the book cover, the price and other factors as per their preference. If they place the book on Amazon, it will cost them nothing, and a higher percentage of the profits is theirs too.
Hybrid publishing
There are numerous hybrid models where authors pay publishing companies anywhere between $1500-$3000 to conduct editorial, cover design, formatting, and proofreading tasks and give authors 250 copies to sell.
They all differ in what they offer. This is where authors really need to be careful. Though some top-quality book publishing companies out there that can help in writing a Christian book and getting it published on time without hurdles.
How to Start Writing a Christian Book? – the tips involved
Some authors may find writing a Christian book a tough endeavor that can be very tough but also very rewarding (and satisfying). It should not be rushed, as the thoughts required to write it need to be refined and settled first.
As time progresses, the revelations come in gradually that help in the timely completion and proper refinement of the book and its literature. Hence, let us now briefly examine the tips needed to write such a wonderful book to help connect readers with God Almighty in wonderful ways:
Clarifying the message
One of the first steps to writing a Christian book is clarifying the message the author wants to convey. They need to be sure what they are writing about, the book’s purpose, and the impact they want to make with their work. The message authors have planned to pass on to their readers, specifically, needs to be clarified and refined, too.
Once authors start writing after giving it much thought and consideration, everything starts coming into place with the purpose and objectives they have in mind. Moreover, authors should pray and meditate timely. That can help them get the needed inspiration for writing and completing the book. But keeping the audience in mind is paramount.
Writing and editing the manuscript
Now that they are very sure about the audience and the message they want to convey, authors can write and edit their first draft.
Authors need to have a clear idea about their book before they start writing. Then they can divide it into chapters, sub-themes, sections, and also create summaries for each chapter and section from first to last.
Once this is complete, the next part of the journey in publishing a Christian book is developing each of the sub-themes present. Authors can write their experiences, lessons, and enlighten in each of them. Depending on what they are writing, they must allow their words, personality, and beliefs to flow through each section and chapter.
No one wants to write a Christian book; they want authors to share their story, journey, and ideas in a properly aligned way.
Designing the book’s cover
Writing a Christian book doesn’t mean just writing about religion and experiences. It has to stand out with a worthwhile cover design that can captivate the target audience. The reason isn’t that complex. The book’s cover design makes the first impression about the author’s work. It must command attention instantly.
Authors can get it done right. They need to pay attention to the following factors to get things done right:
- The audience.
- The book’s message.
- Any market demand for the book.
Authors can cooperate with designers to put three different cover design options based on the book’s idea. They can hence comfortably choose from them. This gives them options to seek opinions from the audience or make amendments to existing materials to deliver the best literature and results.
Readying the manuscript for publishing
In preparing the manuscript, all the T’s need to be crossed and all I’s need to be dotted before the manuscript is readied for publishing. Work on using the proper formatting guidelines as needed by the preferred publishing platform, like Amazon, IngramSpark, Lulu, or Smashwords.
If authors decide to go ahead with publishing on Amazon, they need to format the book accordingly for each version. As Amazon publishes both eBooks and print-on-demand books, those who publish both versions of the book will need to meet the requirements of Amazon KDP.
Selecting a publishing platform
There are platforms where authors can continue writing a Christian book and publish it with ease. When it comes to self-publishing, the following cut:
- Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
- IngramSpark.
- Lulu.
- Smashwords.
To get the best out of the book, authors need to use a worthwhile publishing company for traditional publishing, a top platform for self-publishing, and again, a worthwhile company for hybrid publishing, with a proper understanding of topics in faith, religion, and other associated ones.
Conclusion
Writing a Christian Book can seem tough and overwhelming. But once authors get the right inspiration and the needed motivation, they can hence use them to write the book in free flow. As always, they should be thoroughly proofread and checked before they are published. Cover design is not negotiable, so they must make a captivating cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a book specifically “Christian”?
A: Apart from the platform, a book that is specifically Christian should be Christian by nature and be able to reveal the divine words of God and Jesus Christ with zeal.
Q: Should I include personal anecdotes?
A: Yes, but strategically. Personal stories should serve to illustrate the spiritual principle being taught, moving the reader from the personal example to the universal truth.
Q: Should I include Bible verses in my Christian book, and are there copyright rules, and is professional theological vetting necessary?
A: Highly recommended. Ensuring your message is sound and free of theological error is crucial for maintaining credibility and trust within the Christian market. Verses of the Bible can be mentioned without any hesitation.
Q: What is the main difference between Christian and secular fiction?
A: Worldview and Resolution. Christian fiction is written from a faith-based worldview, and the conflict is often resolved through spiritual or moral transformation, avoiding gratuitous content.