When it comes to the world of book publishing, writing the book is just one step in the process. The next is finding the right publisher for your book.

If you’ve written a Christian book, then there are plenty of Christian book publishers to choose from. Some allow for unsolicited manuscripts to be submitted, and those that don’t will require a literary agent to submit the book.

The Christian book publishing world caters to a wide range of audiences, so it is best to have a good idea of your target audience (e.g., age, faith background, culture, genre interests, etc.). This will help when trying to find the best publisher for your book.

With that said, here is a list of the ten best Christian publishers and what type of submissions they’re looking for.

Zondervan

Zondervan is one of the most popular Christian publishers, and it is known for publishing a wide range of Bibles and faith-based books. It was founded in 1931 and has since become part of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.

The publisher does accept unsolicited manuscripts in two categories—Reflective and Academic. The Reflective category includes Christian books exploring contemporary topics ranging from leadership to ministry. The Academic category includes books such as seminary textbooks, Bible commentaries, and scholarly monographs.

Kregel Publications

With a focus on reaching an evangelical audience, Kregel Publications was founded in 1949. Kregel publishes books for the average Christian and those in ministry roles, such as pastors, teachers, and missionaries.

Children’s books, fiction stories, and academic works are welcome for all ages. Kregel Publications does not accept unsolicited manuscripts, meaning authors will need to use a literary agent to submit their books.

Baylor University Press

Founded in 1897, Baylor University Press publishes around forty academic titles yearly. The press accepts academic Christian books on theological, historical, and scriptural topics.

Baylor University Press allows unsolicited submissions; however, strict requirements need to be met to submit your book for consideration.

B&H Publishing

B&H Publishing is another famous Christian publisher and an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. Besides being known for publishing the Christian Standard Bible, the imprint is among the more popular Christian children’s book publishers. Apart from children’s books, B&H publishes a wide range of Christian books, from academic works to devotionals, fiction, and non-fiction.

While the publisher does not usually accept unsolicited submissions, an exception can be made if one of their existing authors vouches for you.

Paulist Press

Paulist Press is a Catholic publisher that was founded in 1865. The press publishers have a wide variety of Christian books, including children’s and academic books.

The publisher does accept submissions in the form of book proposals with set requirements. Children’s book proposals will have to follow an additional set of requirements to define further the type of book, who it’s for, the promotional plan, etc.

Ignatius Press

Another Catholic publisher, Ignatius Press, was founded in the 1970s. The press primarily publishes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.

Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but Ignatius Press is highly selective, and the review process can take up to six months.

Moody Publishers

Moody Publishers was founded in 1894 and has since become a popular Christian publisher. Church and Bible study resources, books on Christian living, and stories for kids and teens are accepted.

However, Moody Publishers does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Instead, authors will have to go through a literary agent or be an associate of a Moody Bible Institute Ministry.

Crossway

Crossway is a well-known evangelical Christian publisher that was founded in 1938. The publisher does not accept fiction, poetry, and personal stories but instead focuses on books that address key issues in the Christian life, dive deeper into a Christian worldview, or are academic in nature.

Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; however, a query must be sent first, and a proposal may be requested if the publisher is interested in the book.

SVS Press

SVS (St. Vladimir’s Seminary) Press was founded in 1968 and is the largest Orthodox Christian publisher of books in the English language. The press publishes books on various topics, including theology, philosophy, history, iconography, and ecclesiology, among others.

The press also publishes children’s books. Unsolicited submissions are accepted and are reviewed every quarter.

Bethany House

Part of the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House has been in the publishing industry for over sixty years. Bethany House is known for publishing fiction and nonfiction Christian books on topics from Christian living, apologetics, and theology to a wide range of Christian fiction genres.

While unsolicited manuscripts are not accepted, authors can submit their books through a literary agent or by developing connections with the staff at writers’ conferences.

Final Thoughts

Getting your book published is a job in itself and can take years to accomplish. However, by thoroughly understanding your target audience, you can better decide which publishers are best for your book and start reaching out to them individually or through a literary agent.

For more insights, consider exploring children’s book publishers and comic book publishers to understand the specific trends and opportunities in these niches.