Frequently Asked Questions

Publishing Process

• How does the publishing process work for Christian books?

  As a Christian-managed and operated publisher specializing in Christian-based books, Cloverly Christian Publishing upholds a higher standard, grounded in principles, ethics, and morals, when selecting the books and authors we choose to partner with. If your book is accepted by us, it will undergo a rigorous publishing process. Each step in the publishing process is meticulously designed to produce a beautiful book distributed throughout the world for purchase by fellow Christians and the greater market at large.

• What steps are involved in bringing a Christian manuscript to publication?

  The first step in the process of bringing a Christian book to market is an evaluation of the manuscript to ensure that it adheres to our strict Christian values. If your manuscript passes this stringent criteria, and is approved by our review board, it will be on its way to being produced and distributed worldwide.

• What does book publishing involve?

  If your book is accepted by our review board, the process couldn’t be easier. Under your direction, the book moves through the production process with a dedicated production coordinator holding your hand, acting as your guide, advisor and advocate. He/she is always available to you by phone or email to answer any questions and will keep you apprised of the progress of the book. Once production is complete, the book is printed and made available to all of our secular and Christian specialty vendor partners for worldwide sale and distribution. A marketing and publicity “push” occurs at this point to help boost sales.

• What’s the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing?

  Traditional publishing doesn’t really exist any longer. In the old days, an author would do their best to obtain a literary agent (if they were lucky) and this agent would, in return for a huge cut of the author’s future revenue, try to connect the author with a New York publishing house. In almost all instances, this was nearly impossible, because most of those New York publishing houses were not willing to take a risk on unknown authors, and they would reject the manuscript (without even reviewing most of the manuscripts submitted to them).

  Thankfully, the field has been leveled (especially for Christian authors who were typically discriminated against) and self-publishing firms like Cloverly Christian Publishing allow any author a fair shot of having their book published. We cannot accept all books submitted to us, but at least we, as self publishers, allow you a fair chance to have your book reviewed.

• What should I look for in a Christian book publisher?

  Look for a Christian publisher who is not only managed and operated by fellow, like-minded Christians, but also clearly takes Christian values seriously and operates in a manner that makes this evident. We treat each author as family, and our core Christian values like honesty, respect and integrity are on display at every step of our process.

  From the moment you review our Christian-based publishing agreement, with its fair and clear terms, you will see that Cloverly Christian Publishing is completely aligned with your faith and values as a fellow devout Christian.

• How do I find a publisher that aligns with my faith values?

  The first peek “under the hood” is what shows you the kind of publisher you may be working with. Carefully review the publishing agreement that is proposed to you by a publisher.  Are its terms clear and concise? Is there any tricky “fine print?” Are they trying to retain any of YOUR rights without being clear about it? Are the revenue stream sharing terms fair?

  No matter what is said to you prior, the publishing agreement is where the “rubber meets the road” and tips you off as to whether a publisher is aligned with your faith and values as a Christian. At Cloverly Christian Publishing, you will see instantly that our core company values align with the faith and values of all good Christians.

• How do I track the progress of my book during the publishing process?

  If your book is approved by our review board and accepted for publication, your dedicated assigned production coordinator will provide you with a custom timeline that details every step in the process with expected timelines. You will also be given login credentials so that you can log onto our servers and track the progress of your book in real time. Access to this “author dashboard” will also allow you to download any work we have completed for your book- things like edits, cover designs, illustrations, etc.

Book Submission & Christian Content

• How do you ensure biblical accuracy in Christian books?

  We expect our authors to be well versed in the Bible and its teachings. Accordingly, we will not accept for publication any work that is inaccurate with regards to the general concepts and understanding of Scripture.

• What guidelines do you follow to handle sensitive theological topics?

  As a free-thinking Christian publisher, we foster meaningful discussions that inspire and engage Christians, while also captivating non-Christians and encouraging them to explore a path toward the Lord and Christian faith. Thus, it is within our right to refuse to publish any manuscript that we deem offensive, unduly provocative or that in any way denigrates Christianity and/or its followers.

• What’s the difference between Christian fiction and non-fiction?

  Just as with secular publishing, fictional works are fabricated from whole cloth and have no connection to true events. Christian non-fiction works relate to events or people that truly occurred.

• Which genre is more popular among Christian readers?

  Historically, Christian books that relate to an authors personal testimony are the most popular.

• How can I infuse my book with inspirational content?

  Typically, an author who draws on real-life experiences has the best chance of writing a compelling and inspirational Christian book.

• What themes resonate well with Christian audiences?

  Many themes are well received by Christian book consumers. Self-help, wholesome Christian fiction, devotionals, biblical analyses, and similar genres resonate very well with Christian audiences.

• How do I submit my manuscript to a publisher?

  At Cloverly Christian Publishing, the process for submitting your Christian manuscript to us for review could not be simpler. Send us an inquiry via email or simply call us on the phone and one of our in-house literary agents will speak with you to discuss your book.

  He/she will then give you permission to submit your book and send you a secure link to an email address where you can upload the book to us. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, so please do not send yours in unless have you spoken with someone here first.

• How can I be assured that my book is safe once I submit it to you?

  Anyone who wishes to have us review their manuscript is first provided with a formal legally binding Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement (signed by us in advance) that guarantees our acknowledgement that your book is YOURS and you are only disclosing it to us for review purposes. It also legally prohibits us from discussing or disclosing your manuscript to anyone without your express prior permission.

• What makes a successful Christian devotional?

  Successful Christian Devotionals are often concise. Rather than chapters like a traditional book, successful devotionals have sections dedicated to days instead. Each “day” of the devotional can contain passages from Scripture, a prayer, a meditation, a self-reflection, and a goal for the day, etc. It is not uncommon for good Christian devotionals to contain elements of humor as well.

  Write whatever it takes to help others get closer to the Lord and be happier in their daily lives. Each of these days should be limited in word count, and a good devotional will span a short period, 60 days, for example.

• What should my query letter include?

  Query letters are not needed here at Cloverly Christian Books. They are a thing of the past, when authors used to beg big publishing houses to look at their book. If you simply speak with someone here, we will likely allow you to submit your book for review, without need for a formal letter begging us.

Distribution & Marketing

• How do you distribute books globally?

  Through our partnership with the Ingram Content Network and their Christian-owned and operated subsidiary distribution network, Spring Arbor, all of our books have worldwide reach.

• How can I reach churches, ministries, and Christian bookstores?

  The world’s largest secular book distributor– Ingram Content Network– has a dedicated Christian subsidiary called “Spring Arbor.” This Christian owned and operated distribution network has direct wholesale arrangements with churches, ministries and Christian retail bookstores, and we are proud to have a partnership with them and allow them to distribute our authors’ books.

• How do you approach publishing books that nurture spiritual growth?

  We love any book that nurtures spiritual growth through His word. It is our preference to distribute such books, but we also happily publish books that, while not necessarily nurturing spiritual growth, nonetheless tell a good story within the confines of what it means to be a good Christian and person.

• How do I promote my book?

  We will take several steps to “kick-start” your book, but there are also important things that you can and should do. For example, it is critical that you use the social media networks of your friends and family (in addition to your own, of course) to promote the book. We will provide you with a link to your author web page, and that web page allows people to purchase your book at the vendor of their choice (Amazon, Apple, B&N, etc.).

  We would also advise you to tell everyone in your church/ministry about your book. It is also often helpful to have a book launch party at your home or with a church group, and give away signed copies of your book.

• Where will my book be available for purchase?

  Because of our partnership with Ingram and Spring Arbor, your book will be available throughout the world. Any bookstore can carry your book if they choose, and all digital platforms like Amazon, Apple and B&N will carry it as well.

• How do I get my book into bookstores?

  Any bookstore has the ability (if they choose) to simply order copies of your book through Spring Arbor. There is nothing you need to do.

• Should I focus on print or eBooks?

  There is no need to choose, we will focus on both! The market is almost evenly divided as to what readers prefer; thus we offer both types of books worldwide.

Creative & Editing

• How do you create compelling book covers that reflect Christian themes?

  We rely on you, the author, to guide us in what you would like to see on the cover of your Christian book. With your input and direction, our sophisticated cover art department will take the ball and run with it, and create the most compelling Christian book covers on the market.

• Can I request specific symbols or imagery for my cover?

  You absolutely can, in fact, we encourage it! Our cover art department will create any kind of symbols or imagery you have in mind.

• What elements should be present in a Christian children’s book?

  To begin with, a Christian children’s book should be appealing to children, not too serious, with whimsical elements that will engage and entertain children (just like a secular children’s book). Then, to appeal to Christian audiences and pass the criteria of our review board, it should contain a message that is in line with core Christian values.

• What formats can I publish in?

  You have the option to publish your book in paperback (standard for all our authors), eBook (also standard), hardcover or audiobook!

• Do publishers provide editing services?

  They should! We do. Your book may be almost perfect, but we need to be certain. Accordingly, another set of eyes (professional editors) should review the book before it is released to the public.

• How many rounds of edits are typical?

  Our editors will clearly show you each change they propose to YOUR book, and no changes are made without your specific approval. You may agree with some of our suggestions, disagree with others, etc. Remember, it is your book and you have the final say. The vast majority of books clear the editing hurdle after only one or two rounds!

Marketing and Sales

• What marketing strategies work best for Christian titles?

  The same marketing strategies that work for secular books work well for Christian- themed books. Things like a dedicated author-book web page, a press release. robust social media and the like are all extremely helpful.

• Do you handle marketing too?

  We handle some initial launch marketing for your book. For example, we will create a dedicated web page for your book on the Cloverly Christian Books web site, write and distribute a press release with mass distribution, issue a book launch announcement on our social media channels, etc.

  The key to a truly successful book launch though often depends on the word-of-mouth and social media efforts of our authors, thus we urge all of our authors to do their part in partnership with us to promote the book as well.

• What are your pricing packages?

  The costs to publish a book varies based upon word count (the more words, the more work it is to edit, typeset and print). For the most part, books under 100K words are relatively inexpensive, with an initial investment of only $595 and then then small monthly installments of only $349. Books with a larger word count may be slightly more expensive.

  Because of the intensive amount of work needed to create custom illustrations, an illustrated Christian children’s book might cost a few hundred dollars more. Overall, it is extremely inexpensive, easy and fun to publish your book with Cloverly Christian Publishing. An exact cost breakdown will be provided to you in a Publishing Agreement if your book is accepted for publication.

• What’s in a publishing contract?

  Our publishing contracts (know here as publication agreements) are a thing of beauty because they are so simple and straightforward. Unlike the agreements of other publsihers where the contract is 40 or 50 pages of fine print, confusing legalese and tricky clauses, our agreement is straight to the point.

  Almost every one of our authors has applauded us for the simplcity and fairness of our agreements. It is less than three pages and clearly lays out evertything you need to know- things like the fact that you keep all rights to your book forever, rights to anything we produce for you, the fact that we are not entitled to any cut of your sale proceeds for the first two years, that all steps of the process require your approval, etc.

• How are sales proceeds calculated?

  Each of the vendor platforms (like Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, mom and pop bookstores) take a small cut of the sale proceeds, and pass the rest on to you through us as your publisher. To download a summary sheet and help calculate how you might make money from your book, click here.

• How does Cloverly Christian make money from my book?

  We are partnered with you on the project, and we only make money when you do. You receive 100% of sales proceeds until you recoup whatever money you invested with us towards publishing your book. After you recoup your investment, we are entitled to a mere 25 cents (¢25) of each book sold, with you keeping the entirety of the remaining money!